In the Tübingen District, it is still possible to dispose of used clothing via containers. The District Administration has entered into an agreement with a service provider for this purpose. According to a press release, only used textiles in very good condition should be placed in the containers. Damaged or soiled textiles must be disposed of in the general waste bin.
The locations of the collection containers can be found on the website of the Tübingen District Waste Management Authority:
https://www.abfall-kreis-tuebingen.de/entsorgen/wohin-mit-den-abfaellen/ensorgungsstandorte-im-ueberblick/
Fewer and Fewer Used Clothing Containers
Since 2025, a separate collection requirement for used textiles has been enshrined in law. However, this is only meaningful if the textiles can actually be recycled. Currently, this is only guaranteed for textiles in very good condition, according to the District Office.
Market conditions for used textiles are currently extremely difficult. As a result, more and more used clothing containers are being removed in the Tübingen district. The collection of used textiles is no longer worthwhile for most collectors, the report continues. Too many low-quality textiles are being disposed of that cannot be meaningfully recycled.
A sensible alternative for purchasing good-quality textiles at low prices is second-hand stores. There, well-preserved used clothing can be donated and purchased. This saves valuable resources and is easy on the wallet.
Improvement Not Expected Until 2028
The Tübingen District Office expects the situation to improve by 2028 at the latest. By then, manufacturers will be required to contribute financially to the disposal and recycling of used textiles. Until then, collection organizations are urgently dependent on the public’s cooperation. They ask that only clothing, shoes (in pairs), and bed and table linens in very good condition be placed in the used clothing containers.
Further information:
www.abfall-kreis-tuebingen.de
https://tuenews.de/kein-abfall-wo-man-alte-kleidung-los-wird/
https://www.ndr.de/ratgeber/verbraucher/Altkleider-entsorgen-Container-oder-Restmuell-Diese-Regeln-gelten-,altkleider258.html
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