The Secondary Materials and Recycled Textiles (SMART) Association recently celebrated Global Recycling Day, organized by the Bureau of International Recycling (BIR), by providing education and clarification on textile reuse and recycling. The average U.S. citizen throws away 81 lbs. of clothing each year. Out of this waste, 95% could have been recycled, yet only 15% gets donated or recycled, with a staggering 85% of textile waste ending up in landfills. SMART member companies purchase excess textile donations from charities and commercial sources, including nonprofits, thrift stores, hospitals, hotels, and linen, uniform and facility services companies. The purchase of unusable donations ...