Recycle old textiles

Mount Alexander Shire Council is trialling a new sustainability initiative to help reduce textile waste.

For a duration of the trial (a six month period) community members can drop off unwanted textiles for recycling at the Castlemaine transfer station.

Important: The service is NOT for reusable clothes. Residents are encouaged to sell/donate these items to places like op shops, community fetes etc  

When: From 10 November 2025
Drop-off location: Castlemaine Transfer Station
Cost: FREE for the duration of the trial
Quantity: Up to one quarter of a cubic metre (¼ m3) or one full 240 L wheelie bin. Commercial quantities are not accepted

What textiles are accepted?

  • Clean clothing (pants, skirts, jackets, etc.)
  • Linen (sheets, pillowcases, blankets, towels, cushions, pillows, doonas)
  • Shoes, boots
  • Fabric and yarn off-cuts

What is not accepted?

  • Swimwear and underwear
  • Mattresses and mattress protectors
  • Curtains with hooks or eyelets
  • Reusable shopping bags
  • Electric blankets
  • Furniture
  • Bags (eg. handbags, backpacks)
  • Wet textiles
  • Animal beds or blankets
  • Toys

Textiles not accepted with these residues

  • Faeces
  • Mud
  • Oil
  • Grease
  • Paint
  • Silicone
  • Mould
  • Mildew

What happens to your textiles?

Once collected from the transfer stations, the textiles are:

  • Transported to Melbourne
  • Mechanically shredded
  • Spun into yarn
  • Remade into new products

Recycled items may include:

  • Tote bags
  • Cushions
  • Gloves and socks
  • Rugs, throws and blankets, 
  • Felts, underlay and furniture filler
  • Insulation

This trial is in partnership with Textile Recyclers Australia, based in Ravenhall.

Why textile recycling matters

The textile industry is the second-largest polluting sector globally. By recycling textiles:

  • We reduce water and energy consumption used in producing new materials
  • We divert waste from landfill
  • We support innovation in sustainable manufacturing

Recycled fibres are key to creating a circular economy in fashion and textiles.

More information

For more information contact the waste team on email waste@mountalexander.vic.gov.au or call 03 5471 1700.

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