Closing the Loop. Driving a Post-Consumer Clothing Circular Economy

The aim of this research is to investigate post-consumer clothing circulation and disposal (PCCC&D) through the lens of contamination and the consequences for the transition from the linear to the circular economy. 92 million tonnes of global post-consumer clothing is landfilled annually which is not only a waste of resources but contributes to methane gas being released into the atmosphere. A qualitative research approach was applied that recruited 30 mainstream consumer households engaging them in semi-structured interviews, participant observation, photo documentation and participant diaries. Four types of PCCC&D contamination were identified: positive traceable (keeping within the kinship and community circles), positive partially traceable (resale and swapping) negative untraceable (charitable and textile recycling) and negative traceable (incineration). Types of contamination occurred because consumers are committed to keeping clothing out of landfill but are confused and lack information on what is the most appropriate method of PCCC&D.