To keep unwanted textiles from filling local landfills, Monroe Township has partnered with Helpsy, the official textile-recycling partner of 48 municipalities across the U.S., including Toms River.
Helpsy, a certified B Corp and Public Benefits corporation, does not charge for any municipal services; provides all equipment; and is fully insured, according to its website.
“Our employee-owners earn living wages,” the company states. “We support community organizations and we can provide free, on-demand services for your community.”
Helpsy’s mission is to keep clothes out of the trash. Last year, it diverted 15,000 tons of textile waste, saving municipalities about $1.3 million in tipping fees. In addition, it pays royalties to partner municipalities and provides full transparency on what is collected. A municipal partner can choose to work with the corporation by hosting clothing bins, adding textiles to its waste diversion events and/or working with Helpsy to provide free curbside collection.
Helpsy collects, sorts and trades second-hand clothes and shoes. In 2023 alone, its team collected more than 31 million pounds of those and other items.
The Monroe Public Works Department (DPW) has added two Helpsy clothing bins to its public works yard for residents to access on Wednesdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. or Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon. The yard is located at 1040 Glassboro Road in Williamstown.
Helpsy pays rent to more than 1,000 landlords from New Hampshire to Virginia, according to its website. Along with equipment, insurance and permitting, it pays monthly for clothes it collects.
“By allowing us to place a clothing bin,” the company notes, “you can also earn funds from Helpsy for one of our charity partners.”
For those who can’t make it to the bins, Helpsy provides free and easy home pickup through www.helpsy.com/monroetwpnj
According to the EPA, only 15% of unwanted clothing ends up being reused or recycled, meaning an overwhelming majority of it ends up in landfills or incinerators. Monroe has also partnered with Helpsy to provide at-home clothing recycling to residents.
“It saves the town money, you time and the planet’s resources,” noted a township social media post. “Recycling your clothes with Helpsy’s Home Pickup service is free and couldn’t be easier. Just sign up at www.helpsy.com/monroetwpnj, bag up your unwanted clothes, and Helpsy picks it up from your front steps on collection day.”
Helpsy requests that items be clean, dry and odorless. They can stay that way by residents putting them in a closed plastic bag.
Following are items that can be recycled in any condition with Helpsy:
Footwear:
- Shoes
- Heels
- Flats
- Sandals
- Flip Flops
- Boots (work boots, dress boots, winter boots)
- Sneakers
- Cleats
- Slippers
Clothing:
- Tops (T-shirt, blouses, shirts, tank tops)
- Sweaters
- Sweatshirts
- Dresses
- Outerwear (coats, jackets, blazers)
- Bottoms (pants, slacks, jeans, sweatpants, skirts, shorts)
- Suits
- Socks
- Pajamas
- Slips
- Bras
- Underwear
- Baby clothing
Accessories:
- Hats
- Bags (pocketbooks, backpacks, duffle bags, totes)
- Belts
- Gloves
- Ties
- Scarves
- Bathrobes
- Jewelry
Linens:
- Sheets/pillowcases
- Blankets
- Comforters
- Curtains/drapes
- Aprons
- Dish cloths
- Cloth napkins
- Table linens
- Quilts
Other:
- Luggage
- Sports jerseys
- Stuffed animals
For more information or questions, call the Monroe DPW at (856) 728-9844.
