A few years ago, used clothing was still generating high revenues
Since January 1, 2025, the separate collection of used textiles has been mandatory throughout the EU. In Germany, an established structure of charitable organizations, commercial collectors and public waste management authorities such as AVL has been in place for decades. In the past, the collection of used clothing generated high revenues - as can be seen from the numerous used clothing containers placed in the streets by charitable and commercial collectors. These proceeds went exclusively to the collecting organizations.
Managing Director criticizes unobjective accusation
Hepperle therefore criticized the statement made by Martin Strecker, Managing Director of the Ludwigsburg District Deaconry Association. He had accused AVL of not being serious about the municipal company not supporting charitable organizations. "This formulation is factually unfounded. AVL is aware of its duty to offer the citizens of the district a disposal option. For many years, they have therefore had the opportunity to hand in recyclable used clothing at all nine recycling centers in the district. AVL thus fulfills its statutory collection obligation - regardless of how high or low the proceeds are. Additional support for charitable collection financed by fees is not permitted by law. Incidentally, many other recyclable materials, from corks and electrical appliances to wooden cabinets, are brought to the recycling centers by citizens as a matter of course. Bags of used textiles are no exception."
The market for used clothing collapsed in mid-2025. Fashion in ever shorter cycles and the import of cheap textiles have led to an increase in quantities and a decline in quality. Collectors are withdrawing their containers, high-quality goods are increasingly moving to online platforms, and lower-quality goods often remain in the containers. Some of the used clothing collected via the containers is not sold and ultimately even has to be incinerated. "That's why controlled acceptance at recycling centers makes more sense from an ecological and economic point of view," continues the AVL Managing Director.
Correct disposal and service for citizens
"We want to help clear up the confusion about the separate collection obligation," says Hepperle. Citizens are not obliged to dispose of all used textiles in containers. The decisive factor is correct separation behavior:
- Please put clean, well-preserved clothing, shoes (in pairs) and home textiles (bed linen, towels, tablecloths) dry and packed in bags in the collection containers or hand them in directly to charitable organizations.
- Heavily soiled, wet or hygienically questionable textiles are no longer recyclable and belong in the residual waste garbage can.
- Unmatched shoes, fabric remnants and torn textiles are considered residual waste and are also disposed of in the residual waste garbage can.
Used textiles can be handed in free of charge at the recycling centers in the Ludwigsburg district during opening hours. Bags of clothing and home textiles are collected there in containers.
Please do not throw items such as suitcases, toys, carpets or electrical appliances into the used clothing containers - these materials have other disposal routes.
Looking ahead
From April 2028, the legislator will introduce extended producer responsibility, which is similar to the regulation for packaging. Manufacturers will then be required to finance the collection, sorting and recycling of their textiles. Until then, the current disposal structure will remain in place. AVL is committed to a sustainable textile industry and will support the transition phase with information and citizen-oriented service. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
