Bedford Borough Council has announced it will be removing five textile recycling banks in response to changes in the sector and challenges to keep sites clean and well-managed.
Clothing banks in Great Denham, Wentworth Drive, Kimbolton Road, Prebend Street and Barkers Lane have now been removed.
The changes are a result of various UK and industry-wide factors, including lower resale value, rising operating and transport costs and the threat of contamination and fly-tipping at some of the sites.
Some local clothing banks are no longer viable to operate, and Bedford Borough Council is among other local authorities that have been reviewing the number and location of sites they host.
A number of third-party-operated textile recycling banks will remain in operation, including at the Tidy Tip on Barkers Lane. Other locations can be found here.
To find nearby recycling points for textiles, Bedfordians are recommended to use the Recycling Locator on the council website here.
What to do with your unwanted clothes, bedding, shoes
Rather than putting unwanted textiles in the black bin to go into landfill, the council is asking Bedfordians to consider other options for their old clothes, bedding and shoes.
This could include donating good quality items, giving them away through online community groups or swap events, selling items on second-hand platforms, or using retailer take-back schemes where offered.
If items are repairable, Bedford Repair Cafe could be an option. You can find out more about what they offer here.
Their next free drop-in event is on Saturday, 19 September at Project 229 in Kempston.
Where items are too worn to be reused, residents should check the Recycling Locator for textile recycling options, so they stay out of the bin.
Cllr Nicky Gribble (Independent, Renhold and Ravensden), portfolio holder for environment, said: “We know that many residents want to do the right thing with unwanted clothes and textiles, and we remain committed to supporting recycling and reuse wherever we can.
“Recent national changes in the textile recycling industry mean some banks are no longer sustainable to operate.
“I would urge residents to use the Recycle Now Recycling Locator, as well as other reuse options, to find other ways to pass items on and continue helping us cut waste and keep our Borough clean.”
The Council will continue to monitor developments in the textile recycling market and explore options to support residents to recycle and reuse textiles in future, as part of its wider work to reduce waste and improve recycling rates.
Bedford Borough Council would also like to remind residents that clothing, shoes, and other textiles should not go in their orange-lidded bins. The bin will not be collected if textiles are found inside.
The full details of the council-operated textile banks that have now been removed are:
- Car Park, Kingswood Way, Great Denham, MK40 4FB
- Mowsbury Park Car Park, Wentworth Drive, Putnoe, MK41 8DQ
- Mowsbury Park Car Park, Kimbolton Road, Putnoe, MK41 8AH
- Prebend Street Car Park, Prebend Street, MK42 9AP
- Priory Country Park, Barkers Lane, MK41 9SH
