A new partnership to help recycle clothing has been announced by Baltimore County in an effort to reduce the amount of textile waste that ends up in landfills.

Helpsy, a certified B Corporation that extends the useful life of secondhand clothing, is collaborating with the Bureau of Solid Waste Management of the Department of Public Works & Transportation. Residents will be able to recycle clothing, shoes, backpacks, sheets, towels, and blankets in helpful containers.

At each of the county's three drop-off locations, Helpsy clothing collection containers will be available.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), textile waste is the waste stream that is growing the fastest in the United States and occupies approximately 5% of all landfill space.

“The Bureau of Solid Waste is excited about this new partnership with Helpsy,” said Nick Rodricks, Solid Waste Management Director. “Textiles are a surprisingly large share of what residents throw away, so we’re very happy to have a new outlet for these materials. Anything residents can help us divert from the landfill and repurpose will help with our long-term waste reduction goals. Residents should take advantage of this program, collect their old clothes and drop them off at one of our drop-off facilities.”