Fast fashion has transformed how we buy clothes. High-street rails change weekly, online shopping delivers trends in hours, and prices are lower than ever. But behind this convenience lies a growing problem: fashion waste.
The Scale of the Problem
In the UK, an estimated 350,000 tonnes of clothing end up in landfill each year.
Globally, the fashion industry is responsible for around 10% of all carbon emissions.
The average person in Britain throws away over 30kg of textiles every year.
Most clothes are made from synthetic fibres such as polyester, which can take hundreds of years to break down. Even natural fabrics like cotton come with environmental costs, including water use and pesticide reliance.
Why It Matters in Exeter
Here in Exeter, we see first-hand how much textile waste comes through our waste removal services. Perfectly wearable clothes, shoes with plenty of life left, and household textiles all too often get bagged up for disposal. Once they hit general waste, their chance of reuse is gone.
Smarter Solutions
The good news is that small changes can make a big difference:
Donate before you dump – local charity shops and textile banks welcome clothes in good condition.
Resell or swap – platforms like Vinted and Depop, or even local swap events, keep clothes in circulation.
Repair and repurpose – learning a few simple sewing fixes or upcycling can extend clothing life dramatically.
Choose quality over quantity – fewer, longer-lasting purchases save money and reduce waste.
How Exeter Waste Can Help
At Exeter Waste, we aim to reduce what ends up in landfill. When we carry out clearances, we always look for opportunities to divert reusable textiles towards better outcomes. Working with local charities and recycling partners, we ensure that fashion waste doesn’t automatically mean fashion landfill.
Final Thought
Fashion should be about expression, not excess. By rethinking how we buy, use, and dispose of clothing, Exeter can take a lead in tackling the environmental impact of fast fashion. Together, we can cut waste and give clothes a second life.