POUGHKEEPSIE, NY – Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino announced today the County is expanding its successful environmental initiatives by partnering with Helpsy, a leading textile collection company, to launch a pilot textile recycling program aimed at promoting sustainability and reducing landfill waste. The partnership will bring free, convenient, environmentally friendly textile drop-off and collection options – including curbside pickup service in participating communities – to residents, helping Dutchess County continue its state-recognized climate action and diversion goals while bolstering its effective textile reuse and recycling efforts.
Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino said, “Our neighbors have told us they want more ways to live sustainably, and this pilot program delivers. By working with Helpsy, residents in participating communities will be able to clear out their closets, give life to unwanted textiles and know they’re making a difference for our environment – all without costing a dime. It’s a simple step in our ongoing work to protect our environment and build a greener future for Dutchess County.”
Residents who live in participating municipalities will be able to schedule FREE pick-up appointments on designated service days and Helpsy representatives will come directly to them to collect clothes, shoes, linens and other textile materials to be responsibly recycled. There is no cost to municipalities or the County for this program. Local municipalities must sign up to take part in this pilot program, which is expected to begin at the end of 2025, for residents to take advantage of curbside pickup. The Department of Solid Waste Management has contacted local municipal supervisors and mayors, inviting them to take part in this beneficial program as it gets started later this year.
Helpsy works with more than 400 municipalities across 10 states with the mission of extending the life of clothing and reducing environmental harm by keeping textiles out of landfills. Helpsy collects, sorts and trades secondhand clothes and shoes. Clothing is sold primarily for reuse, with higher grade textiles resold to thrift stores in North America and other secondhand markets around the world. Lower grade textiles can be turned into rags for industrial use or stuffing and insulation. In 2024, Helpsy collected more than 32 million pounds of clothes, shoes and other items.
Dutchess County currently hosts Helpsy collection bins at the Dutchess County Resource Recovery Agency, 96 Sand Dock Road in Poughkeepsie, where residents are invited to drop off textiles. Additional Helpsy collection bins are located in Red Hook, Pawling and the Town of Poughkeepsie.
The Dutchess County Division of Solid Waste Management reminds residents they should never place textiles in the garbage or in a recycling bin. Rather, the division encourages donating them to a variety of local organizations, including shelters, thrift stores, coat drives, Dutchess Outreach’s Children’s Clothing Closet or organizations such as Community Action Partnership for Dutchess County, Dutchess Welcoming, The Children’s Home of Poughkeepsie, Hudson River Housing or Dress for Success, among others.
Kerry Russell, Deputy Commissioner of the County’s Division of Solid Waste Management, said, “We are thrilled to partner with Helpsy to augment our thriving textile recycling and reuse initiatives. This collaboration represents Dutchess County’s latest significant step forward in our commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. Together, we can make a meaningful impact by continuing to reduce waste and promote a circular economy in our community.”
According to Helpsy, the average person throws away 100 pounds of textiles per year, yet 95 percent of these items can be reused or recycled. The organization has helped communities divert millions of pounds of textiles from landfills, reselling, reusing or recycling the materials through their established network of partners.
Dutchess County remains committed to environmental sustainability and community well-being. Dutchess County continues to lead by example by building a greener, more resilient future. In 2024, for example, Dutchess County earned New York’s top Climate Smart Communities Silver Certification, highlighting the County’s strong commitment to environmental sustainability and resilience.
Additional details about Dutchess County’s continued environmental initiatives and sustainability efforts, recycling education, home composting and more are available on the Division of Solid Waste Management’s webpage.
