Charities warn of textile recycling chaos in Brussels

Textile recycling charities have warned that, without urgent action, tonnes of used textiles will flood the streets of Brussels.

Used textile recovery operators are calling on the Brussels government to take urgent measures to help the sector, which has been in crisis since January when a new European directive required them to collect all textile waste, regardless of its quality.

The situation was already critical before then, one of the main causes being fast fashion, which is leading to a growing influx of lower quality used textiles, according to the charities.

The textile recycling industry is also in decline, according to operators Terre, Les Petits Riens and Oxfam, supported by the federation of social and circular enterprises Ressources.

“Without political measures, tonnes of textiles will litter our streets and hundreds of jobs will be destroyed,” said Thierry Smets, director general of non-profit organisation Les Petits Riens.

“Today, 20% of textile waste is collected in Brussels without financial support from the Brussels region. We’re sounding the alarm. We’re fighting to maintain a virtuous model. We’re talking about 500 jobs in Brussels that are at risk – we need financial support, which is legitimate given that we are providing a public service.”

Operators are requesting aid of €206 per tonne processed, pending structural aid announced for 2028.