Did you know that your old clothes could have a second life instead of ending up in a landfill? Fairfax County is revolutionizing textile recycling, and the results are nothing short of inspiring. But here’s where it gets even more exciting: the county’s pilot program, launched in partnership with Helpsy (https://www.helpsy.com/), has been so successful that it’s now expanding—big time. Let’s dive into how this initiative is making a difference and why it matters to you.
Back in January, Fairfax County kicked off this program with a single drop-off location at the Interstate 66 Transfer Station. The response? Overwhelmingly positive. Residents flocked to recycle their textiles, prompting the county to scale up from two bins to six and double the pickup frequency from once to twice a week. And this is the part most people miss: the program isn’t just about convenience—it’s about sustainability, innovation, and community engagement.
Now, the county has taken it a step further by adding blue recycling bins at the I-95 Landfill Complex in Lorton, making it easier for residents in the southern part of the county to participate. “People have always been eager to find ways to recycle items that are hard to dispose of, like clothing and textiles,” explains Catie Torgersen, who leads the sustainability branch of Fairfax County’s Solid Waste Management Program. “This program gives them a simple, effective solution.”
Here’s how it works: Residents can bring any clean and dry textiles—yes, even ripped clothing, bed linens, towels, bags, shoes, and accessories. Fabric scraps are welcome too, as long as they’re bagged and labeled. Once collected, these items are given a second chance. But here’s where it gets controversial: while 45% to 60% of the recycled textiles are sold at secondhand stores across North and South America, generating funds that go back into expanding recycling services, some might argue whether this model truly maximizes environmental impact. What do you think? Is this a step in the right direction, or could more be done?
The remaining materials are repurposed in creative ways: about 25% become rags or wipes, 20% are used for stuffing or insulation, and only 5% end up in landfills. “We’re constantly looking for ways to give things a second chance,” Torgersen adds. Since January, the program has collected over 57 tons of material—that’s nearly 115,000 pounds of textiles saved from landfills.
The success of the program highlights a broader trend: residents are eager to reduce waste. “People want to recycle,” Torgersen says. “They’re actively looking for ways to minimize what goes into their trash, and this program has seen a tremendous response.” While the county labels it a pilot, its popularity suggests it’s here to stay. “We definitely intend to keep this service,” Torgersen confirms.
Want to learn more? Check out the program details online (https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/publicworks/news/fairfax-county-expands-helpsy-textile-recycling-pilot). And if you’re passionate about sustainability, here’s a thought-provoking question: How can we as a community further reduce textile waste? Share your ideas in the comments—let’s keep the conversation going!
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About the author: Scott Gelman (https://wtop.com/author/scott-gelman/) is a digital editor and writer for WTOP. A South Florida native, Scott graduated from the University of Maryland in 2019, where he honed his skills as a writer for The Diamondback, the school’s student newspaper.
