The average European citizen buys about 26 kg per year Clothes. According to a study by the Joint Research Centre (JRC), in 2019 the total mass of the of textile waste amounted to 12.6 million tons. Within the European Union itself 5.2 million tonnes of clothing and footwear waste were generated, which means an average of 11 kg per person per year.

Graphics: gov.pl, Ministry of Climate and Environment

Experts emphasize that the key role in reducing the of textile waste is played by its separate collection. From January 2025, in Separate collection of textile waste is obligatory throughout the European Union. This means that used clothes, shoes, bedding or curtains cannot go into the containers for mixed waste.

In Ełk, textile waste can be delivered to PSZOK in Siedliskach or to one of the dozens of Polish Red Cross containers. In 2024, with of PRC containers in the city, about 150 tons of textiles were obtained!

Graphics: gov.pl, Ministry of Climate and Environment

Instead of throwing away clothes, consider reusing them exploitation. Unnecessary clothing can be sold, exchanged, donated or recycled.

We also encourage the residents of Ełk to take advantage of the initiative "From you to you". There is also a Facebook group: "Attention, the garbage truck is going – Ełk", which helps to donate unnecessary clothes and other things.