Textiles

Textiles represent one of the fastest-growing material types in Washington’s waste stream. According to Ecology's 2021 waste characterization study, over 400 million pounds of textiles were landfilled in 2021, which is the equivalent of filling Lumen Field (Seattle Seahawks' stadium) three times every year.

The Recycling Market Development Center has identified textiles as a material of interest based on data, trends, and partner interest. The work completed includes research, convening, academic collaboration, and co-design on projects involving community members as experts.

Secondary resale economy map

Built in partnership with the University of Washington GIS Certificate Program, this tool allows anyone to explore where resale activity is clustered, where communities may be underserved, and how secondhand markets connect with broader reuse and repair ecosystems across Washington. The map supports a circular economy and statewide textile waste reduction goals by highlighting businesses that sell secondhand clothing, repair clothing and other fabric goods, or accept clothing donations.

A map of secondary textile resale locations in Washington. — This map shows secondhand clothing stores, donation drop-off bins, and repair and alteration shops. Map data reflects conditions from February 2026. Ecology does not currently update this map.

This is a map that shows results submitted to the Textile Connections Survey.

Washington Textile Connections Survey

Textile-focused organizations across Washington can take our survey to share information about any textile-related activities such as upcycling, reuse, manufacturing, resale, and recycling. This self-reported data helps to map where, what, and who the players are and where they are located.

Washington Textile Connections Map Results
This public dashboard displays the collected survey results. Users can explore the data geographically or by activity type to understand where textile circularity work is already happening and where more support is needed. The tool helps agencies, partners, and community members visualize trends and identify opportunities for collaboration and investment.

Looping Textiles into the Circular Economy policy report

The 2026 report Looping Textiles into the Circular Economy from a student team at the University of Washington Evans School looks at how Washington can reduce textile waste and build a more circular system for reuse, repair, and recycling. It shares research and stakeholder input on policy ideas, collection systems, public outreach, and workforce needs in Washington.

Co-design with community experts

Co-design is an equity-centered planning process where community members and Ecology staff work side-by-side to create an outcome that reflects real needs, lived experiences, and collective priorities.

Attendees gather at Ecology's Textile Symposium at Ecology's headquarters in Lacey, Washington.

Pacific Northwest Textile Circularity Symposium

In January 2026, Ecology's Recycling Market Development Center organized a 10-person Textile Symposium planning workgroup who co-created the vision, content, activities, and outcomes for the event. The Pacific Northwest Textile Circularity Symposium brought together over 65 people from across Washington’s textile community to explore how our state can reduce waste and build a more circular textile system.

Participants at the symposium mapped the current landscape, identified regional opportunities, and discussed the infrastructure and partnerships needed to support repair, reuse, and recycling. The event helped attendees clarify their roles, connect with new partners, and outline next steps for ongoing collaboration that supports local economies, reduces waste, and advances practical, community centered textile solutions

Unraveling the Textile Industry for a Regenerative Washington

In early October 2024, the RMDC organized a 12-person Textile Co-Design workgroup to develop a webinar series for Washington State that weaves the global complexities of the textile industry into a regional context. The four-part webinar series debuted in spring 2025 and reached over 500 participants. Speakers shared their experiences and perspectives to spark dialogue, collaboration, and action.

Series videos

Webinar #1: Cut from the Same Cloth: Level Setting

Establish a shared understanding of the current state of textile waste, circularity, and market development. This includes providing key data, clarifying terminology, and identifying challenges and opportunities to set the foundation for future sessions.

Contact information

Megan Davis
Environmental Specialist
megan.davis@ecy.wa.gov
564-233-9837

Recycling Market Development Center
RecDevCenter@ecy.wa.gov