More than 7.3 tonnes of clothing and textiles were diverted from landfill during the City of Mount Gambier's Set Your Clothes Free event, with residents turning out in large numbers to support the initiative at the Waste Transfer Station on Saturday 31 October 2026.
A total of 201 vehicles attended the event, resulting in 2.85 tonnes of reusable clothing being collected by Lifeline, while a further 4.48 tonnes of textiles were recovered for recycling.
Waste Transfer and ReUse Market Coordinator Rebecca Clark said the event showcased the community's willingness to support reuse and recycling initiatives.
"We knew the community would get behind the event, but the level of support exceeded all expectations," Ms Clark said.
"Seeing vehicle after vehicle arrive loaded with clothing and textiles was incredible. There were even a few tears of joy as we realised just how much our community cares about supporting others and keeping valuable resources out of landfill."
The City of Mount Gambier acknowledges the contribution of event partners Lifeline South East (SA) Inc and Green Industries SA, as well as residents who participated by donating unwanted clothing, textiles and linen.
The material collected through the event will support both reuse and recycling outcomes, reducing the volume of textiles sent to landfill while extending the life of valuable resources.
The Set Your Clothes Free event forms part of Council's ongoing efforts to support waste reduction and resource recovery initiatives across the city.
