CHARACTERIZING ICI&I TEXTILE WASTE IN HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA

Abstract

Textile waste is growing problem around the world. Relative to other recyclable materials, textile waste management remains largely unexplored among industrialized countries, particularly for textile waste produced by institutions, businesses, and industrial operations (ICI). Textiles account for 12% of the municipal solid waste stream in Nova Scotia with half originating from ICI sources. Thus, there is a need to understand the sources, types, and disposal options for ICI textiles in Nova Scotia. This study gathered baseline information on existent waste management practices, discard rates, as well as benefits of and barriers to textile diversion within Nova Scotia’s ICI sector. This was accomplished by interviewing representatives from organizations who produce textile waste in Nova Scotia, with a focus on those within Halifax. To provide context, interviews were also sought with waste management stakeholders and with other professionals with expertise in textile waste. A jurisdictional review of diversion initiatives and markets for ICI textile discards was also carried out for North America and Europe. The results highlighted various diversion efforts among the ICI organizations, particularly for reuse grade material. This study also found an absence of industry, municipal, and provincial involvement in organizational diversion efforts. Finally, management initiatives and markets were found to be lacking for recycle grade textiles produced by the ICI organizations. This pilot study identified opportunities to increase textile waste diversion within Halifax’s ICI sector and Nova Scotia as a whole. With further investigation of management and policy implications, several practical solutions could arise which would have immediate benefits in significantly reducing the amount of textiles going to landfill in Nova Scotia.