Textile and clothing waste in Australia

clothing waste in australia

Clothing waste in Australia is part of a global trend of overconsumption and environmental impact.

Australia faces a significant challenge with clothing and textile waste, driven by high consumption rates and limited recycling capabilities. Below is an overview of the current landscape, supported by recent statistics. The statistics below underscore the pressing need for sustainable fashion practices, increased consumer awareness, and improved recycling infrastructure to address the growing problem of clothing waste in Australia. 

High consumption.

Australians are among the world’s largest consumers of textiles, purchasing an average of 56 new clothing items per person each year, surpassing countries like the United States and the United Kingdom.

Source: Australia Institute. 

Annual waste.

Australia generates approximately 300,000 tonnes of clothing waste each year. Of this, around 200,000 tonnes are collected by donation or collection services, while about 100,000 tonnes are directly sent to landfill.

Source: Statista

Textile waste

In the 2018-2019 period, more than 800,000 tonnes of leather, rubber, and textiles were discarded in Australia, with a recycling rate of just 7%.

Source: Planet Ark

Exported textile waste.

Approximately 105,000 tonnes of used textiles are exported from Australia each year, often to developing nations, contributing to global waste challenges.This practice, sometimes referred to as “waste colonisation,” raises ethical and environmental concerns regarding the final disposal of these materials.

Source: Australia Institute. 

Landfill contribution.

Over 200,000 tonnes of clothing end up in Australian landfills annually, equating to nearly four times the weight of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

In NSW alone, about 240,000 tonnes of textiles were sent to landfill in a single year.

Sources: Australia Institute / ABC.

Synthetic fibre prevalence.

Over half (52%) of clothing sold in Australia is made from polyester, a petroleum-based synthetic fibre. This raises alarming concerns about microplastic pollution and sustainability.

Source: Australia Institute. 

Low recycling rates.

Despite the substantial volume of textile waste, Australia’s recycling rate for textiles remains low, with only about 7% of discarded textiles being recycled.

Source: Planet Ark

The global environmental impact of fast fashion.

Fast fashion, characterised by cheap and trendy clothing that is designed for short-term use, has taken a devastating toll on the environment.

  • The fashion industry is responsible for 10% of global carbon emissions, more than international flights and maritime shipping combined.
  • It takes about 2,700 litres of water to produce a single cotton T-shirt – that’s enough water for one person to drink for over two years.
  • Every year, millions of tonnes of clothing end up in landfills, contributing to pollution and the release of harmful greenhouse gases.
  • Fast fashion encourages a culture of overconsumption, with items often discarded after only a few wears. The result is a cycle of waste and environmental degradation that is not sustainable (or necessary).

What is being done to reduce clothing waste in Australia

Addressing clothing and textile waste in Australia requires a multifaceted approach, involving government policy, industry responsibility, and consumer awareness to move towards a more sustainable and circular textile economy.

In response to the growing textile waste problem, the Australian Fashion Council has introduced the Seamless Scheme, aiming to improve the design, recovery, reuse, and recycling of textiles, with a roadmap to achieve clothing circularity by 2030. The Australian government has included clothing textiles in the product stewardship priority list, committing up to $1 million in funding to support efforts in creating a circular economy for textiles.

While many Australians donate unwanted clothing, a significant portion of these items is either exported or ends up in landfill, indicating a need for increased awareness and better recycling infrastructure. Encouragingly, there is a noticeable shift in public mindset, with more people choosing to reduce their clothing purchases and actively making efforts to repurpose, recycle, and reuse items. This change is driven by increased awareness of the environmental impact of fast fashion and a desire to live more sustainably.

However, the influence of powerful marketing campaigns from fast fashion brands continues to overshadow these positive trends, leading to increased consumption. These campaigns often promote a culture of disposability and instant gratification, making it challenging for sustainable practices to take hold on a larger scale.

Advocacy groups have recommended measures such as implementing a fast fashion tax and increasing levies on garments to curb overconsumption and encourage sustainable practices within the fashion industry. Additionally, community initiatives such as upcycling workshops like those run by Second Life Upcycling, clothing swaps, and repair cafes are gaining popularity as grassroots solutions to reduce textile waste. These efforts, combined with government and industry actions, aim to foster a culture of sustainability and help Australia transition to a more circular textile economy.

What can you do to personally reduce your clothing waste?

As individuals, we all have the power to make a difference and below are some practical steps you can take to reduce clothing and textile waste:

Buy less. Choose wisely.
Opt for quality over quantity by investing in timeless, durable pieces that last longer.

Repair and ment what you’ve already got. 
Learn basic sewing skills to fix minor issues like loose buttons, torn seams, or small holes.

Where possible, repurpose and upcycle
Get creative by transforming old clothes into new items, such as turning a worn-out T-shirt into a reusable bag.

Donate unwanted clothes thoughtfully
Only donate clothes that are clean and in good condition to ensure they can be reused.

Elevate your wardrobe by swapping and sharing
Participate in clothing swaps or share items with friends and family to extend their lifecycle.

Recycle unwanted garments responsibly
Use textile recycling programs to dispose of clothes that are no longer wearable.

Support sustainable brands
If you must buy new clothes, choose to buy from companies that prioritise ethical and sustainable practices.

Join the movement. Educate yourself and others.
Spread awareness about the environmental impact of fast fashion and inspire others to make sustainable choices.

By taking these steps, you can help reduce clothing waste, conserve resources, and contribute to a more sustainable future.


Clothes Upcycling Workshops and Sewing Classes

Elevate your clothes upcycling skills. Get started on your sewing journey.

Learn clothes upcycling skills so you can refashion old clothes, alter garments to fit and refashion your thrift purchases. My fun and hands-on clothes upcycling workshops include how to make simple clothes alterations through to complete transformations.

Classes are held at my sewing and clothes upcycling workshop in Frenchs Forest on Sydney’s Northern Beaches (near Northern Beaches Hospital).  Private lessons and groups workshops can be held throughout Sydney at a location of your choice.

Scroll down to browse my clothes upcycling workshops and sewing classes below.

$120.00

A hands-on clothes upcycling workshop. 

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$120.00

A hands-on clothes alteration class. 

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$120.00

A hands-on learn to sew class. Maximum 4 people…

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$120.00

Learn how to use your sewing machine with confi…

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$240.00

A private, one-on-one sewing lesson.

$300.00

A personalised, one-on-one sewing lesson.

$70.00

Ideas and tips for giving old clothes new life….

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