New Textile Recycling Banks Introduced at North Tyneside's Household Waste Recycling Centre

Sorting out a wardrobe clear-out just got a little easier for Whitley Bay households. North Tyneside Council has introduced new textile banks at its Household Waste Recycling Centre, giving residents a simple way to keep old clothes and fabric out of the bin and in use for longer.

What has changed

The new banks let you drop off textiles on the same trip as your other recycling. There are two types. Blue banks are for clothing in good condition that can be reused and given a second life, while red banks are for worn-out clothing and items that are no longer wearable, including odd socks. Between them they cover most of what tends to build up at the back of a drawer, whether it is still good to wear or well past it.

Why it matters

Textiles are one of the trickiest things to recycle through the ordinary kerbside system. The council is not able to recycle clothing and fabric put in household recycling bins, because it becomes contaminated once it mixes with other waste. That has long meant a lot of usable material ending up in general rubbish. Having dedicated banks at the tip closes that gap and gives residents a clear, sorted route for both reusable and worn-out items.

It fits a wider push across the borough to cut waste and get more out of what households throw away. Alongside the banks at the recycling centre, the council continues to encourage people to pass on clothing and fabric they no longer need to local charity shops, of which Whitley Bay has several along Park View and Whitley Road.

Using the recycling centre

The Household Waste Recycling Centre operates on a booking system, so you will need to reserve an appointment before you visit. It is worth sorting your textiles into reusable and worn-out before you arrive so they go into the right bank when you get there.

Full details are on the North Tyneside Council website.

Spotted a local change worth knowing about? Get in touch.