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Des Moines business diverts clothing from the dump

Seven cents of every pound of clothing donationed from this site at 950 15th St. in Des Moines goes to a student incentive program at Edmunds Elementary. Photo: Jason Clayworth/Axios There's a new way in Des Moines to get rid of that shirt with the stain or pair of sneakers with a hole in the side toe. — they're vivid green drop boxes that are part of a national franchise. Why it matters: It's a good way to divert items from the landfill that can't be worn again. What's happening: Clive businessman Brad Burtnette added more than a dozen bins throughout the metro. He plans to add about 80 more in coming months. Of note: It's part of a for-profit business. Donations are not tax deductible, which is explained on the front of the bins.Yes, but: Burtnette is sharing some of his profits with local charities. What to give: Any clothing item or textile that's dry and has no odor.No mildewed items or any soiled with solvents like gasoline. The big picture: More than — mostly clothing and footwear — went to the landfill in 2018, according to the most recent EPA estimates.It accounts for roughly 8% of municipal solid waste. Meanwhile: of clothing can be recycled, according to the Secondary Materials and Recycled Textiles Association.Furniture stuffing and industrial wiping cloths are among some of its uses.Data: Brad Burtnette/The Clothes Bin; Map: Skye Witley/Axios Get more local stories in your inbox with .Subscribe Support local journalism by becoming a member.

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