For Immediate Release: February 18, 2025
Methuen is expanding its commitment to sustainability by launching a new curbside textile recycling program in partnership with the non-profit Planet Aid, Inc. Starting in March, residents will be able to schedule home pickups for used clothing, footwear, and other fabric items.
Mayor D.J. Beauregard announced that the program will officially begin on Saturday, March 1, 2025, providing a convenient way for residents to recycle textiles while reducing waste. Residents can schedule a free pickup by visiting www.planetaid.org/lp-home-donation-pickup or the City website, or by calling (508) 893-0644. Pickups will take place on the first and third Saturdays of each month, and residents must schedule at least two days in advance. Items should be placed curbside in plastic bags by 8:00 am on the scheduled pickup day.
Acceptable Items for Collection:
- Clothing: Men’s, women’s, and children’s apparel
- Outerwear: Coats and jackets
- Accessories: Shoes, sneakers, purses, hats, belts, and ties
- Additional items: Backpacks, sleeping bags, bedding, towels, small toys, stuffed animals, and DVDs (but no other electronics or appliances)
Reducing Waste and Saving Taxpayer Dollars
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has made waste reduction a priority, setting a goal to cut 30% of waste by 2030. Since November 2022, state regulations have banned the disposal of textiles in landfills and waste incinerators, mandating recycling instead.
Methuen has already made significant strides in reducing waste. Since the introduction of trash limits through the city’s cart program and changes to bulky waste collection in 2022, Methuen has cut its trash tonnage by 25% - from over 20,000 tons to just 15,000 tons in 2024.
“This curbside textile recycling program is another important step in our mission to lower costs for taxpayers by reducing Methuen’s waste,” said Mayor Beauregard. “By diverting more materials from landfills and into recycling and reuse programs, we’re making both an economic and environmental impact while providing our residents with a convenient new service.”
A Cost-Free, Revenue-Generating Initiative
This program comes at no cost to the City of Methuen or its residents. In fact, it will generate revenue for Methuen. Under the agreement signed by Mayor Beauregard, Planet Aid will pay the City 9 cents per pound of collected textiles - turning waste reduction into a financial benefit for the community.
About Planet Aid
Planet Aid is a non-profit organization dedicated to environmental sustainability through clothing recycling and textile reuse. Since 1997, Planet Aid has prevented nearly two billion pounds of used clothing and shoes from entering landfills. The materials collected are distributed for reuse worldwide, supporting both environmental and humanitarian efforts.
The Need for Textile Recycling
According to the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP), 230,000 tons of textiles are thrown away each year in the state. A 2022 waste study found that 5% of all trash consists of textiles, including clothing, curtains, and towels - items that could instead be recycled or repurposed.
For more details, visit the Trash and Recycling page at www.methuen.gov.
Staff contact for information:
Joseph Cosgrove, Environmental Planner and Energy Manager
jcosgrove@ci.methuen.ma.us
(978) 983-8563