POUGHKEEPSIE, NY … Recycling unwanted clothing and other textiles is easier than ever in Dutchess County, thanks to the County’s expanded collaboration with Helpsy, a leading national textile collection and reuse organization. Residents in 10 participating Dutchess County municipalities can take advantage of free, convenient curbside textile pick-up to sustainably dispose of unwanted clothing, shoes, linens and other textiles. Additionally, Helpsy collection bins can be found throughout the county for textile drop-off. These efforts help keep textiles out of the waste stream and enable them to be responsibility reused or repurposed.
Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino said, “When Dutchess County and our municipalities work together, we can achieve our goal of a more sustainable community for our children and future generations. Our new partnership with Helpsy expands textile recycling access across Dutchess County, helping communities reduce waste and giving residents an easy, practical way to make a positive change. This partnership is a win for everyone involved, and I hope our neighbors take full advantage of it.”
The Helpsy program accepts clothing, shoes, linens and accessories in any condition. Items are sorted for reuse and recycling, significantly extending their life cycle and diverting materials from landfills. There is no cost for towns, villages or cities to participate, and Helpsy provides equipment and services as part of the partnership.
Residents in participating municipalities can schedule no-cost curbside appointments on designated service days online at helpsy.com/pick-up. Helpsy crews will collect bagged textiles directly from homes, making donations simple and accessible.
Municipalities Offering Home Pick-Up:
Additionally, Helpsy drop-off bins are located throughout Dutchess County for any residents to drop off textiles. Bins are available in the Town of East Fishkill, City of Poughkeepsie, Town of Poughkeepsie, Village of Rhinebeck, Town of Red Hook and the hamlet of Wingdale (Town of Dover); bins will soon also be available in the Town of Rhinebeck and Town of Milan.
Kerry Russell, Deputy Commissioner of the County’s Division of Solid Waste Management, said, “Textile waste is one of the fastest-growing components of our waste stream, and most of it doesn’t belong in the trash. Our partnership with Helpsy, and the strong participation from more than half of our local municipalities, makes it easier than ever for our neighbors to recycle responsibly while helping Dutchess County reduce waste and protect our environment.”
Nationally, textiles are one of the fastest-growing components of the waste stream. The vast majority of all unwanted clothing and household fabrics, which can be reused or recycled, are thrown out as trash. When disposed of as trash, these materials take up valuable landfill space and contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. By diverting textiles from the waste stream, Dutchess County and its municipal partners can reduce landfill disposal and associated costs; minimize waste by keeping materials in use through reuse and recycling; lower greenhouse gas emissions; and extend the lifespan of County waste management infrastructure.
Helpsy accepts items in any condition, whether worn or reusable, and directs usable items toward resale and donation markets; damaged textiles are responsibly recycled into secondary products, including insulation, wiping cloths or industrial materials.
Dutchess County’s partnership with Helpsy is part of the County’s ongoing environmental efforts and commitment to sustainability. Dutchess County has been recognized for that commitment with New York State’s Climate Smart Communities Silver Certification, the highest certification currently awarded.
Residents in non-participating communities are encouraged to contact their municipal leaders (i.e. mayor or supervisor), who can reach Deputy Commissioner Russell at 845-486-2826 or krussell@dutchessny.gov and learn about joining Dutchess County’s partnership with Helpsy.
More information about Dutchess County’s environmental and sustainability program, including recycling education, home composting and related resources, can be found on the Division of Solid Waste Management’s webpage.
