Westlake, Ohio, to Launch Citywide Soft Recycling Program

Westlake is expanding its recycling program outside of the normal paper, plastic and glass. Now residents can add everything from sneakers to sweaters to that list with its new soft recycling effort beginning Aug. 15.

Westlake Deputy Director of Public Service Chris Stuhm said cost-free the city has joined up with Solon-based Simple Recycling, which will be picking up textile, clothes, shoes and household items put out by residents on their curbside alongside their trash collection.

"We are aware that many residents may already donate their used clothing to charities, and we would encourage them to continue," Westlake Mayor Dennis Clough said. "However, as much as 85 percent of unwanted clothing often ends up in a landfill.