The People’s City Mission (www.peoplescitymission.org), the largest provider of shelter to the homeless in Lincoln, is teaming up with the city’s garbage haulers to provide curbside recycling of unwanted clothing. According to Pastor Tom Barber, Haulers Helping the Homeless will begin in August and turn donated unwanted clothing into cash donations to support the Mission’s services. The project is believed to be the first of its kind in the nation.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, only 15 percent of unwanted clothing and shoes nationwide is donated or recycled in traditional methods (charity, drop off bins), while 85 percent goes in the trash. The EPA equates this to 70 pounds of discarded clothing per person per year, which would mean Lincoln residents throw away more than 18 million pounds of clothing per year, based on the city’s population.
Residents are asked to place unwanted clothing items in trash bags and tie a green “recycling ribbon” to it for easy identification. The recycling ribbons can be obtained for free at any Hy-Vee, Super Saver or Russ’s Market. Then simply place the bag out on the scheduled day for pick up. For those who want to donate items directly, the People’s City Mission suggests dropping off at Toss Boxes in numerous locations across the city.
Residents are encouraged to contact their hauler for more information about collection.
For more information on People’s City Mission visit www.peoplescitymission.org.