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Nonprofits Push Back Against Austin’s Curbside Textile Recycling Program
Nonprofit groups like Goodwill and the Salvation Army are pushing back against the program, claiming it diverts donations away from local charities.
1 Min Read
The City of Austin partnered with Ohio-based Simple Recycling to launch a curbside textile recycling program about two months ago, and now nonprofit groups like Goodwill and the Salvation Army are pushing back against the program, claiming it diverts donations away from local charities.
Last week, City Council members responded to the complaints by agreeing to keep the program in place for at least six months before reviewing data and making a decision about the future of the program. The city’s current arrangement with Simple Recycling allows the city to end its contract with 45 days’ notice–but not replace it. If the city cancels the contract early, it cannot have another curbside textile recycling program for at least three years.
Austin American-Statesman has more:
Austin could reverse course on a curbside textile recycling program that’s been in place less than two months.
Nonprofit groups have pushed back against the city’s contract with Ohio-based Simple Recycling, a company that sent out green bags to Austin residents in December to fill with clothing, shoes, purses, toys and other household items. Simple Recycling picks up the bags on residents’ curbside recycling days.
Organizations such as Goodwill and the Salvation Army have criticized the operation, saying it diverts donations away from them and sends items that could go to local charitable use out of town.
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