Textile clothing banks to be temporarily removed across Merton  

· by · in Clean streets, Environment, Recycling and waste. ·

Following the collapse of Greendaw Textile and Recycling Ltd – the contractor previously responsible for Merton’s textile recycling banks – we have experienced ongoing issues with the temporary collection arrangements we had in place. 

Despite efforts to keep the service running, continued reports of fly-tipping, overflowing banks, and concerns raised by both residents and councillors have made it clear that the current temporary solution is not sustainable. With no formal contract in place and no enforcement power over the interim provider, we have made the decision to temporarily remove all textile banks across the borough. Greendaw, the former contractor, will be carrying out the physical removal of the banks over the weekend of 25 April 2025. 

We are currently working hard to procure a new provider and will update residents as soon as a replacement textile recycling service is secured. 

In the meantime, please do not leave any items at the former textile bank locations. Any donations left at these sites will be treated as fly-tipping and may result in enforcement action. 

Donations left outside or at our former sites will be classed as fly-tipping.

We understand this temporary loss of service will be frustrating and are doing everything we can to bring the service back as soon as possible. In the meantime, we encourage residents to continue recycling their textiles through alternative options: 

  • Donate to local charity shops – where your items can be reused or resold to support good causes. 
  • Book a free home collection with TRAID – visit www.traid.org.uk to schedule. 

Councillor Stephen Alambritis, Cabinet Member for Transport and Cleaner sStreets said: 

We know many of our residents are committed to recycling and doing the right thing with their unwanted clothes and textiles. However, with the loss of a reliable collection service, these sites have unfortunately become hotspots for fly-tipping. As part of our commitment to maintaining a cleaner, greener, and safer borough, we’ve taken the difficult decision to temporarily remove the textile banks while we work to secure a new, long-term provider. In the meantime, we encourage residents to continue reusing and donating where possible through alternative options such as taking clothes to a charity shops, booking a free collection with TRAID, or visiting Garth Road Recycling Centre.

We thank residents for their patience and understanding while we work on a long-term solution. 

For more information on textile recycling options, please visit www.merton.gov.uk/rubbish-and-recycling/clothes-textiles-electricals