In 2010, Romania collected just 48 tons of textile waste separately. Over the past 12 years, this amount has steadily grown, reaching 2,774 tonnes in 2022, according to the latest public data analyzed by Clean Recycle experts.
Even so, only 15 percent of the textile waste generated annually is collected separately, while total production amounts to around 250,000 tons.
As of January 1, 2025, separate collection of textiles has become mandatory in Romania, in accordance with European legislation. Local authorities are responsible for implementing this measure, ensuring the necessary infrastructure for collection and transportation.
The importance of this measure is significant: textile waste decomposes very slowly in nature. Some materials, such as polyester, can persist for over 200 years, releasing microfibers and chemicals into the soil and water. At the same time, textile manufacturing is one of the industrial sectors with the greatest impact on the environment, generating CO₂ emissions and consuming large amounts of water and energy.
Currently, Romania has 9 authorized facilities for textile collection and processing, located in key regions: Vâlcea, Botoșani, Bistrița-Năsăud, Mureș, Bacău, Bihor, and Galați.These facilities allow textile waste to be transformed into yarn, fabric pieces, or materials for energy recovery, helping reduce environmental impact and creating new resources, according to the Clean Recycle analysis.
“Romania has made visible progress in recent years, but we are only at the beginning of a complex process that requires time, investment, and collaboration between authorities, operators, and the population. For textile recycling to become a reality, we need dedicated infrastructure, ongoing information campaigns, and the involvement of every citizen. Only then can we transform separate collection from a legal obligation into a daily habit”, says Cosmin Monda, Founder and CEO of Clean Recycle.
On average, through the clothes and textile products they purchase, a European generates CO₂ emissions equivalent to driving 1,800 kilometers in a gasoline car.
Moreover, between 4 percent and 9 percent of textile products placed on the European market are destroyed before they are ever used.
