Textile Recycling Comes to Fairfax County
Here at Berryfine Goods we work within the greater Washington DC area (better known as the DMV) and a majority of our customers are in Fairfax County VA. This is also where we grew up, currently live and have raised a family. We were so happy to hear that Fairfax County has launched a textile recycled program.
Fairfax County is pioneering the fight against textile waste through a partnership with Helpsy, a New Jersey-based public benefit corporation committed to extending the life of clothing and textiles.
Why This Matters
Textile waste ranks among the fastest-growing waste streams in the United States, yet up to 95% of discarded textiles are reusable or recyclable. By recycling rather than discarding, residents help reduce landfill overflow, conserve resources, and support the county’s zero waste goals.
How It Works
Residents can bring clothing, shoes, linens, accessories, and even items like stuffed animals and luggage to blue collection bins located near the Recycling Loop at the I-66 Transfer Station (4618E West Ox Rd, Fairfax). Donated items must be clean, dry, odor-free, and securely bagged—even if they’re worn or contain minor defects.
Once collected, Helpsy sorts the donations:
Reusable items get resold through thrift partners across North America and globally, or donated to community organizations;
Non-reusable textiles are repurposed into new materials such as insulation, industrial wiper cloths, and other useful products
In just the first three months, the program diverted over 9.5 tons of textiles from landfills.
What’s Next
This pilot, currently scheduled for six months, could set the stage for wider adoption. If successful, similar Helpsy bins may be placed at additional locations throughout the county—making textile recycling more accessible to all residents.
This initiative not only promotes environmental stewardship but also makes participating in recycling simple and impactful. Fairfax County residents: check your linen closets, gather those old tees or worn-out shoes, and help textiles go further—they can find new life instead of ending up in the trash.
