Citizen participation in circular economy systems for textile waste: an initial approach

Abstract

Environmental problems are causing a shift from linear to circular economic models. In the textile industry, the development experienced from fast fashion management, has caused an increase in its waste. Consumers perceive clothes as disposable, and most of their waste is sent to the landfill. Circular systems require the collaboration of consumers for the recovery, reuse and recycling of waste. The study shows a high awareness of recycling. Textile recycling is done through selective collection programs and clothing donations to family/ friends. Their sale or exchange for discounts is little used. These behaviours are carried out by individuals who differ according to their characteristics. The confusion that exists between the concepts of reuse and recycling is detected, which causes many textile wastes to end up in the dump. Two groups of citizens emerge, according to their opinions on the destination of textile waste, which are characterised by age, income and occupation.