Cabonne Council has endorsed a 12-month textile recycling trial aimed at reducing the growing volume of clothing and household textiles being sent to landfill across the region.
Textile waste continues to be a significant and increasing issue in New South Wales, with around 240,000 tonnes going to landfill each year. Locally, a 2025 waste audit revealed that textiles make up approximately 6 per cent of kerbside red bin waste, equating to nearly 1 kilogram per household each week.
To help address this, Council will introduce the trial at the Manildra Waste Facility in partnership with RRR Australia (Reuse Repurpose Recycle), building on similar initiatives successfully trialled in neighbouring councils including Dubbo, Orange and Forbes.
Once operational, the service will allow residents to drop off unwanted textiles such as clothing, towels, bedding and blankets. Items do not need to be in perfect condition, with worn or damaged textiles also accepted. These materials will then be repurposed into new products, including mats, blankets and other reusable items, helping to keep valuable resources in circulation rather than in landfill.
Importantly, the textile recycling service is not yet operational, with Council currently working through the logistics of the program, including sourcing and installing suitable collection bins. The community will be notified once the service is ready to launch and available for use.
The initial 12-month trial will be delivered at no cost to Council and will be used to assess community participation and demand. The results will help determine whether the program continues long term or expands to other waste facilities across the Cabonne Local Government Area.
Residents are encouraged to stay tuned for further updates and, once the service is in place, consider setting aside unwanted textiles for recycling rather than placing them in their household red bins.
