While performing that refreshing spring cleaning, think twice before throwing away the worn clothing. Consider taking that extra step and donating it....those efforts will provide helpful beneficial monetary benefits to Norwood schools and the town.
Since October, 2014, the Town of Norwood has partnered with Bay State Textiles (BST) and Norwood's efforts have proved fruitful, raising over $9,000 since the program's inception.
Textile donation bins are located within all Norwood school parking lots as well as the Savage Center and the DPW composting facility on Winter St. Every month, BST picks up Norwood's donations and reimburses each location or the town paying $100 for every ton of textiles collected. While a ton of spare clothing may appear a hefty target, the Cleveland Elementary School bin has made impressive strides collecting and raising the largest profits from the program raising $1,881.75.
As of December 31, 2016, the town of Norwood has generated $9,266.50 in rebates from donations. See the chart below for yearly totals by donation center. The funds received from this valuable program have assisted school principals to supplement school finances, such as pay field trip fees for needy students, after school programs, replace damaged books and materials for science or craft activities.
The list of acceptable items is impressively widespread. Throughout the year, many of these items end up in the trash...here is another solution!
Shoes: shoes, boots, heels, sandals, flip flops, sneakers, cleats, slippers, etc.
Clothing: coats, shirts, pants, sweatshirts, skirts, shorts, pajamas, etc.
Accessories: hats, gloves, scarves, pocketbooks, duffle bags, totes, belts, ties, bathrobes, etc.
Linens: sheets aprons, comforters, blankets, dish towels, throw rugs, draperies, table linens, placemats, etc.
Stuffed Animals
Unlike donating items for re-wear, textiles contributed to this cause do not have to be perfect. They can be outdated, have defects, tears, etc. Residents should understand that the purpose of this program is to redirect recyclable goods.
"The recycling chief at the Department of Environmental Protection says we really need to get people to no judge their textiles," former Norwood Recycling Program Coordinator Doris Burtman said. Many people think if it doesn't fit right or if it's missing a button they should just throw it in the trash. Same if it has stains on it or if it's out of style. Don't judge. As long as it doesn't smell and is no moldy, donate. We have to divert, divert, divert from our trash."
Diverting from landfills and incinerators is the primary goal for recycling textiles from more than 500 million pounds of these otherwise eco-friendly materials thrown away in Massachusetts each year. It is estimated that 95 percent of this trash can be recycled. Bay State Textiles has spent the past 40 years in the post-consumer textile waste industry and currently services over 70 municipalities throughout Massachusetts. According to BST, 21 billion pounds of textiles are thrown away in the United States every year and 45% could be reused, 30% turned into wiping cloths and 20% recycled into new products.
This recycling program is a fundraiser everyone in town can get involved in. Norwood residents have a unique history of banding together to help fellow neighbors and support their town, and the success of this partnership with Bay State Textiles is just another example of the impact that a little effort can bring to Norwood.
"I would like to encourage people to use the bins that say 'textiles' around it," Public Works Administrator Manager Sara Winthrop said. "It's easy and convenient. We benefit by a percentage of money that goes right back to the schools or the general government fund. It's a win-win. You get rid of old clothing and the town receives free funds."
Issue Date:
February, 2017
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