If municipalities are after diversion, said Langer, it is important to realize creating bylaws to restrict bin placement simply encourages textiles in the garbage.

“Textiles are no different than other waste streams, meaning it comes down to convenience and accessibility,” he said, pointing to research that says most people want more information about where to recycle textiles and would use a conveniently located service.

“What all charities combined take in only accounts for 15 per cent of textile collection across the country,” he said. “How else will we make meaningful impact unless municipalities partner with us?”

In terms of community, the key is changing behaviour. CDA works with municipalities to help get the message across to educate people see a pair of jeans as less recyclable than a pop can.

“Work with them in making sure the public understands textiles, what is appropriate to recycle, and where drop boxes are location,” said Langer. “For those more technology focused, we have a clothesline app that shows location and ease of convenience.

The Salvation Army Thrift Store, which first established stores in 1908, diverts millions of pounds of used items annually (68.8 million pounds in 2015- 16), reselling 99 per cent of them and using the profit to fund social service programs in communities.

Through Donor Welcome Centres (DWC) at each of its 108 stores across Canada, Salvation Army Thrift Store provides consistent, recognizable service seven days a week. Its strategic municipal partnerships include customized programs that fit specific municipal needs, said Tonny Colyn, Salvation Army Thrift Store national product acquisition manager.

“In the Region of Peel we partnered

“In the Region of Peel we partnered to open four DWCs and a Thrift Store in their community recycling centres (CRC) to assist them in reaching their waste diversion goals,” said Colyn. “For the City of Markam, we are working alongside them to reduce their textile waste production through volume sensor donation bins. With this ‘smart’ technology we can more effectively monitor the volume in each bin, notify us when they are close to being full, and give us clear trends for each area.”

In the Region of Halton, a Salvation Army Thrift Store Trailer is housed and maintained at the Halton Waste Management Site in Milton for persons to drop off gently used items.

Like similar organizations, Salvation Army Thrift Stores rely exclusively on

donations and continuously encourage communities to donate.

“We understand that there are numerous organizations asking for donations and that is why through our stores, DWCs, donation drives and bins we have provided a well maintained, convenient, and reputable service for communities,” said Colyn. “There are always people in need and it will always be critical moving forward to assist them in any feasible way possible through supporting Salvation Army programs and services.

This includes emergency relief, practical assistance for children and families that often tend to the basic necessities of life, providing shelter for homeless people, and rehabilitation.” ●●