TextileRecycling – Delhi Launches Metro-Based Clothing Donation Drive for Sustainable Waste Management
TextileRecycling – Delhi has introduced a new initiative to tackle the growing challenge of textile waste by creating a structured system for collecting, recycling and reusing old clothes through the city’s Metro network. The programme is expected to reduce the volume of garments reaching landfills while encouraging residents to contribute to environmentally responsible waste management practices.
Metro Stations to Become Clothing Collection Hubs
The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), the DMRC Ladies Welfare Organisation (DLWO), the Delhi Government’s State Urban Livelihood Mission (SULM), Clothes Box Foundation and textile recycling partner Respun have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to implement the project. Speaking at the launch, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the campaign reflects the city’s commitment to reducing textile waste and promoting public participation in creating a cleaner and more sustainable urban environment.
As part of the first phase, dedicated collection centres named “Arpan” will begin operations at 10 Metro stations over the coming days. These locations include Shahdara, Dr Baba Saheb Ambedkar Hospital, Malviya Nagar, Hauz Khas, Dwarka, Mohan Estate, Lajpat Nagar, Mayur Vihar Phase-1, Punjabi Bagh West and Shalimar Bagh. Residents will be able to donate unused clothing between 7 am and 7 pm every day.
Donated Clothes to Be Sorted for Reuse and Recycling
The initiative has been designed to ensure that donated textiles are put to their best possible use. Garments that remain suitable for repurposing will be handed over to self-help groups, which will transform them into practical products such as bags, home décor items and other reusable goods.
Clothing that is beyond repair or reuse will be processed through recycling systems to recover fibres and create fresh raw materials for manufacturing. The programme also includes provisions for respectfully handling clothes used in religious ceremonies and other sacred materials, ensuring they are recycled in an appropriate manner.
Self-Help Groups to Receive Training
A key feature of the project is the involvement of self-help groups, which will receive specialised training in textile recycling and upcycling. This approach is expected to create livelihood opportunities while strengthening community participation in sustainable waste management.
Clothes Box Foundation and Respun will oversee the collection, sorting, recycling and upcycling process, providing technical expertise and operational support throughout the programme.
Digital Donations and Circular Economy Focus
Each Arpan centre will include digital facilities that allow donors to register their clothing contributions by scanning a QR code available at the kiosk. The Metro stations will also feature kiosks offering products made from recycled and upcycled textiles, encouraging consumers to support environmentally responsible alternatives and strengthening the circular economy.
DMRC will provide the required kiosks and supporting infrastructure at participating Metro stations, while recycling partners will assist with technology, training and capacity building to ensure efficient implementation.
Expansion Planned Across the Capital
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the government intends to extend the Arpan Kendras to more locations across Delhi after the initial rollout. She also noted that similar solutions are being developed for other waste streams, including damaged idols, plastic waste and additional categories that require environmentally safe disposal and recycling.
Officials believe the initiative will help reduce landfill waste, promote responsible consumption and increase public awareness about the importance of textile recycling. By combining public infrastructure, community participation and specialised recycling expertise, the programme aims to establish a long-term model for sustainable waste management in the national capital.