Lithuanians still discard textiles in mixed waste containers, but habits are improving

Lithuanians continue to dispose of textile waste in mixed waste containers, though sorting habits are gradually improving, reports LRT.

Since last year, sorting textile waste separately has been mandatory in Lithuania. However, some residents remain unaware of where to dispose of unwanted clothing. Specialists note positive changes, particularly in rural areas, where sorting culture is improving.

Lithuania still ranks among the worst in Europe for the amount of textile waste ending up in mixed municipal waste containers, currently holding fourth place. While the country’s textile sorting infrastructure is expanding rapidly, experts say the main issue remains a lack of public awareness and ingrained habits.

Some residents admit they know little or nothing about textile containers or have not noticed them. Others acknowledge they still throw clothes into mixed waste bins, despite knowing it is incorrect. Many simply do not know where the nearest textile container is located.

“Most people don’t even know such a thing exists,” said one resident in Troškūnai, Anykščiai district.

Residents also observe that old clothes often end up where they shouldn’t—mixed waste or even discarded in nature.

According to Inga Žukauskienė, a representative of Anykščiai district municipality, the district should have at least 14 textile containers under minimum requirements, but currently has 17. However, not every village or settlement has one. Textile containers are installed in settlements with populations exceeding 500.

“Our district has three cities, eight towns, and 758 villages. Naturally, we cannot place a container in every village. They are installed in district centers and elderships,” Žukauskienė explained. The municipality also notes that free public transport is available, making it easier for residents to access the nearest waste collection points.

Vidas Vasiliauskas, a representative of Anykščiai’s municipal services, reports a significant increase in collected textile waste over the past year. In 2024, around 80 tons were collected from textile containers, rising to approximately 160 tons last year.

“A lot of old textile items—linens, clothes, and other items—are being removed from abandoned homesteads. The countryside is quite active in this regard. Moreover, the culture of clothing use has grown,” Vasiliauskas said.

Institutions do not deny that stricter accountability has influenced public behavior. Fines for improper textile waste management range from €30 to €140, and repeated violations can increase penalties up to €600.

The Ministry of Environment expects textile waste collection results to improve further in the coming years. Jovita Surdokienė, the ministry’s chief advisor, emphasizes that in 2028, a producer and importer responsibility system will take effect, fundamentally changing textile waste management.

“Producers and importers will become responsible for collecting textile waste, so it is expected that the system will expand, involving retailers, social enterprises, and other stakeholders,” she said.

Lithuania generates over 50,000 tons of textile waste annually.