Incineration of Textile Waste
Incineration of used clothes is often seen as a way of reducing textile waste generation in landfills.
However, incineration is an unwanted solution due to its highly negative polluting contributions. From increasing the emissions of greenhouse gases, dioxins and toxic substances into the environment to its overall contribution to the growing climate crisis and ultimately its harmful impact on population health.
Facts
73 per cent of all textiles end up in landfill or incineration.
According to European Union legislation, incineration is not recycling but recovery or disposal. An energy “recovery” classification demands highly efficient incineration plants.
The figure above compares the reclaimable energy via incineration (energy efficiency: 60%) with the energy used for fiber production.
In the media
Will fashion firms stop burning clothes? BBC Earth
“Textile Mountain” Film by EEB and Irish Environmental Network
