Reading Schools Seek Savings Through Textile Drive

Not many people enjoy cleaning out their closets. But since doing so could benefit Reading Public Schools, it may be worth the work.

The local school district has teamed up with Bay State Textiles for a textile drive that will last throughout the upcoming months.

According to a Reading Public Schools press release, a total of 520 millions pounds of textiles that end up in Massachusetts landfills and incinerators each year. Of that amount, 95 percent could instead be recycled.

To help increase the number of recycled items, Bay State Textiles placed collection bins outside each of the nine Reading schools.

Among the items that can be recycled are clothes, shoes, pocketbooks, linens, and stuffed animals. Regardless of condition, items will be accepted as donations.

In addition to saving items from unnecessarily being disposed of, the textile drive will also save money in town.

“By recycling items, Reading can save on the cost of trash disposal, generate revenue for the schools and have a positive impact on the environment,” the press release said. “Bay State Textiles pays a rebate to the schools of $100 per ton for the unwanted textiles.”

Bay State Textiles services the bins at no cost. Each week a driver stops at each bin, weighs the items with a hamper and a scale and submits a report to the school district. The rebate checks are sent to the schools on a monthly basis.

“When cleaning out your closets, support the schools!” the press release said.