The document discusses starting a textile collection and recycling program in local communities. It notes that textiles make up 5% of waste streams and provides tips on finding partners to collect materials from residents, businesses, and other sources. Potential partners mentioned include Goodwill, Salvation Army, and brokers. The summary also outlines a small sample budget and strategies for promotion, logistics, volunteers, and results from past programs.

1. Textile Collection Clothing and Textile Collection in Your Community Jamie Cahillane Center for EcoTechnology

2. Providing practical solutions to every day problems. Energy Efficiency Renewable Energy Waste Management Environmental Education Center for EcoTechnology

3. Why re-use/recycle Textiles? 5% of the waste stream 12,500,000 tons per year Easy to collect Many potential partners and markets Potential revenue source CET cross-marketing other programs Why Recycle

4. Who has these materials ? Residents Businesses - Uniform suppliers Second hand stores Hotels Inns – B&B’s Resorts – Canyon Ranch, Kripalu Left-over from Church tag sales Who has these materials?

5. Partners we have worked with Good Will – Supplies Straight Truck Local re-use Jobs program Cyntex – Broker Supplies Semi-trailer Materials shipped out of state Partners

6. Who wants these materials? Important to have market first Salvation Army Good Will Other organizations Brokers- Cyntex Markets

7. Small operating budget Advertising/Promotion-$1,200 Staff - $1,500-$2,000 Budget

8. Promotion Sponsors – Local banks – paid advertising Email lists Bio-heat co-op Recycling Services Friends PSA’s and Press Release Organize

9. Logistics Drop-sites – Convenience CET Community Centers Churches Transfer Stations etc. Organize

10. Volunteers AmeriCorpsVISTA RSVP Boy Scouts College Students Env. class service req. Organize

11. Results Depends on local media. Has varied over the years. 12,000 lbs – 25,000 lbs. Strong community support $2,250-$3,000 income Results

12. Contact info The Center for EcoTechnology can help communities. For more information, resources or technical assistance, contact Jamie Cahillane, jamiec @cetonline.org , (413)445-4556 x14