Mélissa Gélinas LJI Reporter

During budget study week, the City of Gatineau considered adopting a budget to recover discarded textiles, including clothing, shoes and leather, as well as household textiles (sheets, curtains and more).

In 2013, in Gatineau, more than 1,500 tons of textiles were found in grey garbage bins, compared to 6,500 ton in 2022. This is five times more textiles in ten years. During the pandemic, in 2020, a sharp increase was also noted with more than 4,700 tonnes in garbage bins as well as 600 tonnes in blue recycling bins. Each year, 22.2 kg of textiles is thrown away per capita in the City of Gatineau, compared to 21.7 kg for all of Quebec.

The costs incurred for the burial of this type of material is more than $1 million per year in municipal expenses.

This problem does not only affect the city of Gatineau, but the entire planet. In fact, since 2011, the quantity of textiles has practically doubled due to the phenomenon called “fast fashion” which consists of the overconsumption of low-cost clothing.

By 2029, the PGMR (residual materials management plan) aims to reduce the quantity of textiles by 75%. To achieve this, a 2025-2029 action plan has been developed.

On the other hand, special events, curbside or home collections as well as donation boxes will be part of the actions that will have to be put forward. Several cities and regions around the world have shown the effectiveness of these actions. By 2029, the PGMR (residual materials management plan) aims to reduce the quantity of textiles by 75%. To do this, a 2025-2029 action plan has been developed.

To carry out this project, the executive committee recommends that the treasurer authorize a budget of $750,000 for the period from 2025 to 2029, which represents a sum of $150,000 per year.

Reclycled textiles (MG) Photo: Pixabay.com