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Environmental information systems
According to the EEA’s estimates, around 16 kg of textile waste per person was generated in the EU in 2020.
Most of this textile waste ends up in mixed waste, with only about one quarter collected separately for reuse and recycling. A large share of used textiles is exported out of Europe, the majority of which end up in Africa and Asia where it is sorted and then reused, recycled or dumped or burned in the open environment. EU exports of used textiles have tripled in the last two decades.
As of 2025, EU Member States must implement separate collection systems for textiles.
Find out more in our briefings ‘Management of used and waste textiles in Europe’s circular economy’, ‘The destruction of returned and unsold textiles in Europe’s circular economy’ and ‘Europe's used textiles are an increasing waste and export problem’ or listen to our interview with our experts for more insights: AskAnExpert.