The City of Somerville and its contractor, Simple Recycling, are making several changes to Somerville’s curbside textile recycling service to improve the program for residents and the environment. 

Each year, only 15 percent of all unwanted clothing in the United States is donated or recycled, while approximately 14.3 million tons of clothing (or about 80 pounds per person) ends up in landfills. These process adjustments will make recycling textiles even easier and make the “pink bag” program even greener. 

Starting Thursday, July 1, the following changes will go into effect:

• Pickups must be scheduled in advance. Under the current model, a Simple Recycling truck drives the entire trash route every day and picks up the pink textile-recycling bags on the curb. Scheduling pickups will significantly reduce the contractor’s driving miles, which will reduce gas usage and emissions, and it will streamline service so bags don’t get missed. Pickups can be scheduled at simplerecycling.com or by calling 866-835-5068.
• Pink bags will no longer be required. Items for recycling (up to 50 pounds) can be placed in a bag of any color or in a closed cardboard box for pickup.
• Pickup will be offered several days a week, rather than only on trash day, giving residents more flexibility and more opportunities to recycle.
• All Somerville residents will be eligible. Starting July 1, residents who don’t receive city trash services will be able to participate in the textile recycling program. 

Items eligible for textile recycling include clothing, shoes, jewelry, blankets, drapes, dishes, silverware, and more. For more information, visit simplerecycling.com or somervillema.gov/textilerecycling.