While it may be time for you to part ways with a well-loved clothing item, there are rules in the Belgian capital to ensure this is done correctly. For responsible textile recycling, here's what do do with old, used, or scrap garments.
Around 15,000 tonnes of textile waste is produced by Brussels inhabitants every year, according to a 2023 study commissioned by Bruxelles Propreté, the Regional Agency for Cleanliness. The same study found that only 29% of this is "selectively collected", while the rest was incinerated.
In a move to reduce incinerated waste, since 1 January 2025 all textiles can now be collected regardless of their condition. This follows a European directive that applies to all clean and dry textiles, including household linens, clothing, or fabric scraps. Textiles that are wet and soiled to a point where they cannot be dried or cleaned must be disposed of with the rest of the residual waste in white bin bags.
Clothes at the second-hand store NGO chain Les Petits Riens. Credit: Belga/Etienne Ansotte
One of the most popular ways to dispose of clothes is through textile bins. Social economy enterprises like the second-hand stores Terre, Oxfam-Solidarité, and Les Petits Riens, collect the textiles disposed in these bins. Around 90% of the textiles that are collected every year in Brussels are done so through this system.
Clothing items can be dropped off at these textile containers in well-sealed bags. The bags have a maximum volume of 60 litres. Shoes can also be placed in these bags, though they should be tied together. A map of the locations of these bins can be found online.
Many shops and organisations are open to on-site textile donations, with a few offering home pick-ups with a previous appointment.
Textiles in bags set to be recycled. Credit: Belga/Eric Lalmand
Alternatively, textiles can be recycled at the 'Recyparks' or recycling parks run by the Bruxelles Propreté. These waste recycling centres are accessible all days of the week. While some are accessible to Brussels residents, others are restricted to residents of specific municipalities.
To bring these recycling parks closer to residents, Bruxelles Propreté organises 'mobile Recyparks' for three to ten days at different locations at most municipalities throughout the year. These will also include textile collections.
Finally, several businesses and organisations offer repair services for those who are truly not ready to part ways with their loved clothing items.
