Message from Councilwoman Elizabeth Stamler | February 28, 2025

We are always thinking of ways in which Scotch Plains can become more innovative and sustainable, and that includes diverting waste from quickly-filling landfills. We are now focused on textile waste – an issue that many of us don’t often consider in our day-to-day lives.

But the fact is the textile industry creates a huge environmental footprint, unnecessarily filling our limited landfills. More than 11.3 million tons of clothing were dumped into the nation’s landfills in just one year, according to a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency study.

It is alarming that only a fraction of the millions of tons of textile waste is recycled each year. Textile waste now comprises about 6% of the total household waste, the EPA reports.

This unnecessary trash poses a significant environmental threat because of the slow decomposition rate and the release of harmful chemicals during the breakdown process. These chemicals can contaminate soil and water, posing risks to both human and environmental health. Furthermore, the production of new textiles requires substantial resources, including water and energy. 

Recycled textiles can be used to create new products, reducing the reliance on the creation of new materials. This approach not only benefits the environment but also stimulates economic growth and innovation in the recycling sector.

That is why Scotch Plains, as well as other neighboring communities, are partnering with Union County to conveniently collect used clothing and other items. A drop-off bin is now available at the DPW Yard at 2445 Plainfield Ave. on Thursdays from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Please call 908-322-6700 ext. 243 or 244 with any questions.)

Other drop-off locations in Union County include the Plainfield Transfer Station, 95 Rock Ave., weekdays from 7 a.m. – 2:45 p.m., as well as the Summit Transfer Station, 40 New Providence Ave., Tuesday – Friday 7:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. and Saturday, from 7:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.

The accepted items – which includes clothing, shoes, accessories, and household linens – are then given to Helpsy, a sustainable clothing and textile recycling company.  We ask that the items, regardless of condition, be odor-free so they can be accepted.

All items are repurposed for resale, reuse, and recycling. This maximizes the lifespan of these materials, reducing the demand for new clothing production and minimizing the associated environmental costs. 

Scotch Plains, and our very active Green Team, is eager to spread the word about ways in which we can breathe new life into discarded textiles. Together, we can contribute to a circular economy, prioritizing resource conservation and waste reduction. And we can better link our consumption habits with our environmental values.

I also want to remind you of our annual Freecycle event, to be held Saturday, April 26 at Jerseyland Park, 2354 Beryllium Road, as part of the township’s Earth Day celebration. (Rain date is April 27.)  Do you have items that are no longer want but still have a useful life? It is the perfect time and place to share some unwanted items that others can use. It is also another great way to divert materials from landfills. Please mark your calendars!