Textile Recycling Education and Training

Take advantage of textile recycling education and training to start or increase your business

By Tara McClendon, Freelance Writer/Editor Tara McClendon
Fabric recyclers take waste fabric or textiles and change it into a usable product, cutting down on solid waste. With textile recycling education and training, you can enter the industry, stay current on regulations and certify your business or product.

Many of the industry's trade associations work with government organizations to educate and train the public in the industry. Often these programs can also help you get the education you need without incurring a major expense.

1. Find online resources to help you focus your training for textile recycling.

2. Join a trade association for textile recycling companies to get insider tips and education available to members only.

3. Utilize industry publications including magazines to find the latest information and to learn what certifications can best help you accomplish your goals.

 

Start with an overview on recycling textiles

The textile recycling business incorporates a variety of recycling methods and works with different textiles. Before you dedicate too much time to education and training, spend some time to learn about the variety in the industry. After doing so, you may find that you need or want training specific to a certain faction of the industry.
Try: Learn about specific types of textile recycling, including cotton, wool and polyester, at RecycleNet. You can also find links to additional resources for fabric recycling. The Council for Textile Recycling provides an overview of the industry and also includes information on organizations that can help you learn more.

Utilize associations for textile recycling companies

Many industry associations offer textile recycling education and training for members. In some cases, a membership may include publications or other sources of information for industry standards. Also look for local associations or at least ones with branches in your state.
Try: Secondary Materials and Recycled Textiles Association (SMART) hosts conventions and offers a download of state by state environmental resources. The Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI) provides Compliance Guidance to help you learn the regulations for recycling fabric.

Continue your textile recycling education and training with certifications

The recycling industry must adhere to regulations and guidelines in order to ensure safe products. Many third-party companies provide education and training in certification and industry standards. Completing the education and training required to gain the certification not only helps you know more about the textile recycling business, it also acts as a source of marketing.
Try: Environmental Leader provides details and information on the Global Recycling Standards (GRS) for recycling fabrics. Scientific Certification Systems provides resources and information on becoming one of its certified product manufacturers. It offers third-party certification.

 

  • Most colleges and universities won't offer a degree for fabric recycling, but you can find degrees and classes for environmental sciences.