Re-threads, a textile recycling scheme, is the latest project for Ross-based charity EnviroAbility.

When Emma Madley-Steed, was on placement from the Bulmer's Foundation in Hereford with EnviroAbility last year, she identified the area of textile recycling as one aspect of the charity's work that could be improved and developed.  And of course, the team at EnviroAbility, led by Dennis Humble, was quick to pick up the challenge.

Dennis explained that it was particularly important that this aspect of their recycling was completely organised for when Herefordshire Council begins the new co-mingled collections.  He said that there are often problems with using wheelie-bins to collect textiles with the rest of the recycling.

At the moment people who have textiles to donate leave them at the collection point at the EnviroAbility yard in Station Street, Ross.

Nicola Rees who works for Social Services in Hereford, was also keen to discover whether sending textiles to Africa was good or bad for their local community? 

Dennis said that EnviroAbility's main priority is that any project has to be sustainable, this is more important that whether it makes money.  Because of this he wants other people to think about what happens to the textiles that they take for recycling.

At the moment the clothes are shipped out to Africa where they are sought after.  People there who can afford it would rather have European style clothes than ones which have been made locally.  This could mean that local clothing industries are adversely affected. 

This is just one aspect of recycling that groups like EnviroAbility have to consider.  They want the people who donate their textiles to think about it as well.

If you have a view on what should happen to used textiles, contact EnviroAbility on 01989 760919 and join the discussion.

Dennis is keen to reassure everyone that while they are investigating the best options all textiles left with EnviroAbility are processed through organisations known to the nationally recognised "Community Recycling Network".  

He hopes that the number of clothing banks available under the re-threads scheme will grow.