Textiles and Hangers are NOT Recyclable

Clothing items and hangers have one thing in common, and it’s not that they both belong in the closet. Both hangers and textiles are TANGLERS that are NOT recyclable.

Many believe that metal and plastic hangers are recyclable due to their materials. Although these items are made out of generally recyclable material, their form and composition makes them unrecyclable. When hangers travel through the recycling stream, they become stuck on the metal teeth of our sorters. They can also become caught on our conveyor belts and on other recyclables, causing a loss of time and costly repairs.

A similar situation is caused by textiles. In addition to textiles being made out of unrecyclable materials, textiles become easily caught in the metal teeth of our sorters. They can wrap around the chains and wheels of other recycling equipment, breaking or slowing them down. Clothing items are accepted at the WWRA’s ATRS donation bins in the parking lot of our drop off center (8025 Werkner Road, Chelsea, MI). They are NOT accepted in WWRA drop off or curbside bins.

NEVER leave textiles or hangers outside of WWRA bins as a means of “donation” or “disposal.” This is considered illegal dumping and will be investigated.

Learn more about tanglers by clicking here.