17 Most Worrying Textile Waste Statistics & Facts [2023] (2024)

The global fashion industry, currently valued at a little over $1.5 trillion, is as destructive as it is lucrative. I've reported previously on the horrifying data behind the environmental impact of fast fashion. But in this report, we will focus on the waste it leaves behind.

Using the latest available textile waste statistics in 2023, and with the help of infographics and charts, you'll learn exactly how much waste the textile industry produces, what happens to the waste after it's been discarded, and what damage it can do.

We'll also look at some of the drivers behind fashion waste, and the existing solutions which we can all use to stop the problem from getting worse.

Key Facts

• The world produces 92 million tons of textile waste every year.
• China (20M Tons) and the US (17M Tons) produce the most.
• Clothing and textiles currently make up at least 7% of the total amount of waste in global landfill space.
• Between 80 and 100 billion new clothing garments are produced globally every year.
• 87% of the materials and fibers used to make clothing will end up in either incinerators or landfills.
• Only 20% of discarded textiles are collected.
• Only 1% of clothes will get recycled into new garments.

Fast Fashion & Textile Waste Statistics

The problem of fashion waste affects our climate, our ecosystems, and our health.

Global Fashion Industry Waste

• Up to 100 billion garments are produced by the fashion industry every year.
• And each year, as much as 92 million tons of clothing ends up in landfills.
• Only 20% of textiles are collected for reuse or recycling globally.
• Almost 60% of all clothing material is actually plastic. Nylon, acrylic, and polyester textiles are just a few examples of these synthetic fibers that have become so ubiquitous in our wardrobes.
• Textile production generates 42 million tons of plastic waste per year, making the textile industry the second-highest industrial sector after packaging.
• Every time a synthetic garment is washed, it releases tiny plastic microfibers into the water. Up to 500,000 tons of microfibers end up in the ocean every year.
• Textiles and fashion waste account for 9% of annual microplastic pollution added to our oceans.
• Additionally, the footwear industry and garment industry combined are responsible for 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions.

Textile Recycling and Waste in the United States

• The US generates just over 17 million tons of textile MSW (Municipal Solid Waste) per year, according to the most recent EPA data.
• That is around 112lb per person, according to the latest census statistics.
• In the US, 66% of all unwanted clothes and textiles are landfilled.
• Less than 15% are recycled.
• The rest (19%) are burned.

Fashion Industry Waste - Key Drivers

It's easy to blame the fashion industry for the problem of fashion waste. But we, as consumers, must also take our share of responsibility. These statistics show how consumer demand has driven the rise of fast fashion.

• At the current rate, global clothing sales would reach 160 million tons by 2050.
• We own more clothes than we used to, and we wear them less. Fifteen years ago, our wardrobes were simpler and more sustainable. But today, we find ourselves buying 60% more clothing than before, only to discard each item after wearing it 50% as often.
• On average, every single person in the world uses 11.4 kilograms of clothing every year. This produces the equivalent of 442kg of CO2 emissions per capita.
• Global clothing production doubled between 2000 and 2015 due to an increased demand for cheap clothing.

Solutions to Textile Industry Waste

The statistics and data above show us the scale of the problem, but what can we do about it?

The main thing to remember is that as individuals and consumers, we drive the fashion industry. They produce what we buy, so by changing our habits we can force the textile industry to reduce fashion waste and produce more sustainable fashion.

Buy, Sell, and Donate Secondhand Clothing

Do not throw unwanted clothes straight in the trash. Instead, consider selling, swapping, or donating them. Equally, consider whether you really need to buy new clothes. Could you shop for secondhand clothes, or consider clothing swap or rental schemes?

Check local listings for a swap or exchange event in your area, or consider organizing one yourself.

Buy Recycled or Upcycled Clothing

Many brands are now making new clothing from post-consumer textile waste, or other waste items such as discarded plastic bottles or nylon fishing nets.

Check out the recycled clothing brands that are leading the way in textile recycling. Or, look for upcycled clothing brands that are making stylish and durable garments from offcut fabric scraps and plastic waste.

Buy Organic Clothing

Organic farming uses less water and energy than conventional farming, and does not require synthetic pesticides or fertilizers which can further pollute the water system.

What's more, organic fibers don't contain any plastic which means that when they can no longer be used, they will biodegrade.

The organic fashion industry is growing in popularity, and you can support it by buying from the best organic fashion brands which are truly making a difference.

Sustainable Production Methods

Innovative production and manufacturing methods can be used to reduce waste and pollution at every stage of the textile production process.

Sustainable fashion brands such as Colorful Standard and Coalatree Organics are now using waterless dyeing methods which save both water and energy.

Brands like Tentree are using carbon-neutral factories, powered by renewable energy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which country has the most fashion industry waste?

China produces the most textile waste of any country, with over 20 million tons annually.

It also has the world's largest textile industry, although much of its clothing production is exported.

What are the types of textile waste?

There are several types of textile waste, including:

1. Pre-consumer waste: This type of waste includes scraps and leftovers from the manufacturing process, such as fabric cuttings and samples.
2. Post-consumer waste: This is clothing and other textiles that are discarded by consumers, either because they are no longer wanted or have become damaged beyond repair.
3. Deadstock fabric: This refers to excess fabric that was not used during production and is typically sold off at a discount.
4. Misprinted or overstocked items: These are items that were produced in error or did not sell as expected.
5. End-of-life textiles: These are textiles that have reached the end of their useful life and cannot be repaired or reused, such as old towels or bedding.
6. Fast fashion waste: This is clothing that is designed to be trendy and inexpensive, but often falls apart quickly and contributes to a culture of disposable fashion.

Why is textile waste a problem?

The production of textiles requires significant amounts of resources, including water, energy, and raw materials. When clothing is discarded instead of being reused or recycled, these resources are wasted.

Discarded textiles can take up large amounts of space in landfills and contribute to greenhouse gas emissions as it decomposes.

The majority of today's textiles are made with synthetic fibers that can take hundreds of years to break down naturally, and release harmful chemicals into the environment as they degrade.

Where does textile waste go?

Textile waste can go to a few different places, depending on how it is disposed of.

1. Landfills: Much of textile industry waste ends up in landfills.
2. Incinerators: Some textiles may be burned in incinerators for energy recovery.
3. Recycling facilities: Textile recycling facilities can process textiles into new products or materials, such as insulation or carpet padding.
4. Donations and secondhand markets: Used clothing and other textiles that are still in good condition may be donated to charity organizations or sold through secondhand markets such as thrift stores.
5. Upcycling and repurposing: Some creative individuals and businesses are finding ways to upcycle waste textiles into new products, such as using old t-shirt scraps to make rugs, or turning denim scraps into insulation.

How is fashion waste bad for the environment?

The fast fashion industry's rapid production and consumption of clothing can have significant environmental impacts, such as increased greenhouse gas emissions, water usage, and waste generation.

Additionally, the low prices associated with fast fashion brands can lead to exploitative labor practices in garment factories.

The Final Word

The data and statistics above demonstrate that the fashion industry is responsible for a significant amount of waste and pollution.

However, there are now options for us as consumers to make more responsible choices.

By turning away from the worst polluting fashion brands and embracing organic, recycled clothing, or buying secondhand clothes, we can end the linear clothing model and help drive the move towards a circular model which can help preserve the planet.

• Related Article: Discover the sustainable clothing companies embracing slow fashion

The option of looking good and feeling good is available to anyone who wants to make the effort. The phrase I try to remember is: "it's not just a t-shirt, it's a choice."

So the next time you're buying clothes, what type of brand will you choose?

Sources

The Roundup - Sustainable Fashion Statistics | Pulse of the Fashion Industry |UNEP [1]| UNEP [2] | UNEP [3] | US Census | Science Advances |Ellen MacArthur Foundation | EPA | Make Good World | Measuring Fashion