Reloved survey set to help council identify what residents do with old textiles

Nov 11 2010 by Kathryn Quayle, Chester Chronicle

A CAMPAIGN to identify what happens to old and used textiles in West Cheshire is under way.

Residents are asked to fill in a questionnaire to find out what they do with their old clothing and textiles as part of the Reloved campaign – which is run by Groundwork in partnership with Cheshire West and Chester Council.

It is hoped that the results of the questionnaire will help the council to find new ways to put textiles back into use.

It is estimated that the public buys more than two million tonnes of clothing each year.

At the same time between 400,000 and 700,000 tonnes of textiles are sent to landfill in the UK every year. This is worth £400 million and at least 50% could be recycled.

More than 1,640 tones of textiles are recycled in Cheshire West and Chester but it is estimated that there are still around 1,600 tonnes of textiles being sent to landfill every year.

The first stage of the Reloved initiative was launched at the Chester Fashion Festival and throughout November there will be series of Reloved roadshows in shops and retail outlets across the borough.

To put old textiles to good use donate them to a charity shop or take them to a jumble sale.

Textiles can also be taken to a textile bank or Household Waste Recycling Centre. Many charities also offer a doorstep collection by placing collection bags through your letter box.

To fill in the survey, or for more information visit cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/reloved or call 0300 1237026.

The Reloved roadshow will be at:

Our Place Market Stall, Ellesmere Port Market, CH65 0HW, Thursday November 4, 11am-3.30pm.

Winsford Cross Shopping Centre, Winsford, CW7 1BG, Thursday November 18 and 25, 10am-3pm.

Malpas Farmers Market, Victoria Jubilee Hall, Malpas, SY14 8PB, Saturday November 20, 9am-1pm.

Hoole & Newton Community Forum, Hoole CE Primary School, Chester, CH2 3HB, Monday November 22, 7pm.