555 containers - Luxembourg strengthens clothing recycling measures

The new European directive on textile management has already been implemented in Luxembourg through the law of 9 June 2022, which extended the list of waste subject to mandatory separate collection. Now, as part of a regular household waste analysis (Reschtoffallanalyse), the state evaluates the effectiveness of sorting and citizen participation.

The latest analysis showed that an average of 5.4 kg of textiles per inhabitant per year still ends up in general waste, although this figure is gradually decreasing. A new study will be carried out in 2025 to check the trend.

Clothing collection containers have become a familiar part of the urban environment. Today, there are 555 collection points in Luxembourg, operated mainly by two associations. In 2023, 5,181 tonnes of textiles were collected in this way, which shows the growing interest in recycling and reusing clothes.

In parallel, a door-to-door clothing collection system is available, as well as collection points at resource centres where more targeted sorting will take place in the future.

However, the shortage of containers remains an issue. The authorities recognise that some bins are often overflowing and intend to cooperate with local authorities to increase their number. The municipalities remain responsible for organising the collection and recycling system.

In terms of recycling infrastructure, some clothes remain in the country for reuse, but the bulk is sent abroad - for reuse or recycling.

Luxembourg is thus gradually scaling up textile recycling, following the European course towards a circular economy and the reduction of textile waste. What remains to be done is to ensure citizen participation and support local initiatives to make garment recycling a sustainable everyday practice.