Policies to reduce textile waste in Metro Vancouver

"Linear" production and consumption systems are unsustainable; they create excess waste, which exacerbates environmental pollution. Apparel and textiles are no exception, creating annually approximately 40,000 tonnes of textile waste in Metro Vancouver, which amounts to approximately 5% of the waste stream. It is estimated that 95% of textile waste is recyclable. Few policies exist at the municipal and provincial levels to reduce or recycle textile waste. This study uses a jurisdictional scan and expert interviews to identify and analyze new policies to reduce local textile waste. The study concludes with a bundle of policy recommendations for municipal and provincial governments to reduce textile waste and encourage more circular use of textiles locally.