As of this year, Lithuania has introduced a new system for collecting textile waste. Residents are now expected to dispose of such waste in dedicated textile waste collection containers. Any textiles discarded with mixed waste we also sort and repurpose for the production of SRF (Solid recovered fuel) mixtures.
How do we manage textile waste?
Approximately 10% of all waste arriving at the facility which we operate consists of textiles, including clothing, footwear, bedding, curtains, and other fabric-based products. This waste is meticulously sorted using both manual and specialised automated equipment, ensuring that it is repurposed effectively.
“All the textiles we receive are handled sustainably. None of it ends up in a landfill; instead, it contributes to the production of a new product – high-calorific SRF fuel, which we supply for cement production in Akmene,” says Algirdas Blazgys, CEO at Energesman.
Textile items disposed of in mixed municipal waste bins at the facility are dried, shredded, and incorporated into a special SRF mixture. This mixture is then delivered to AB Akmenes Cementas for use in their cement production processes.
At the cement factory, SRF – derived from textiles and other non-recyclable waste – is used in the production process to create clinker, which later becomes part of the cement.
Significant changes ahead
Starting in 2026, amendments to European Union directives will come into force, requiring clothing manufacturers and retailers in Lithuania to take responsibility for managing textile waste disposed of in dedicated containers. These businesses will be obliged to ensure that even damaged or unusable textile items are properly processed.
Plans are underway to significantly expand the textile waste collection network. Specialised containers will be installed in urban districts, small towns, villages, near shopping areas, petrol stations, and other frequently visited locations.
The evolving textile waste management system provides an opportunity to make better use of these resources. Nevertheless, if textile items continue to end up in mixed municipal waste bins, we will sort and process them efficiently to further contribute to Lithuania’s circular economy.
You can learn more about the changes in textile waste management in the TV3 report from 37:11 in Lithuanian.