Markham residents divert 'unbelievable' 10 million pounds of textiles

'We had no idea there was that volume out there'

Yorkregion.com
August 17, 2018
Tim Kelly

Give yourself a pat on the back, citizens of Markham, you’re textile recycling champions says the woman in charge of the program.

“It’s unbelievable,” Claudia Marsales said, her voice full of enthusiasm at the news the relatively new program, launched just over 18 months ago had recycled 10 million pounds of used textiles -- largely old clothes -- already.

The senior manager of waste management and environment for the City of Markham, Marsales is so excited at the program’s success, she calls it a “win-win-win” for the citizens of Markham, the four charities who benefit from recycled textiles, and the environment.

“We had no idea there was that volume of textiles out there. It has far exceeded the charities’ expectations,” she said, indicating Diabetes Canada, the Salvation Army, STEPS and the cerebral palsy association receive “a huge windfall” from the diversion of textiles from landfall.

That’s another benefit, said Marsales.

“Markham taxpayers win, because the textiles are diverted at no cost to them, the charities get to sell the textiles and the environment wins because they no longer go into landfall. It’s a win all the way around,” she said.

Marsales said over the past 18 months, 130 unlicensed rogue bins have been taken off the streets replaced by 100 City of Markham textile bins as well.

“Markham residents need to be congratulated. They have really embraced the program,” she said.