From Landfill to Incineration: How Clothing Waste Affects Air and Soil Quality

When we toss old clothes in the trash, we rarely think about what happens next. Unfortunately, discarded clothing doesn’t just vanish—it either ends up rotting in a landfill or getting burned in an incinerator, both of which have serious consequences for the environment. From polluting the air we breathe to contaminating the soil beneath our feet, clothing waste has a lasting impact.

The Problem with Landfills: Clothes Don’t Just Disappear

Landfills are the most common way that clothing waste is disposed of, and they are filling up fast. Every year, over 92 million tons of textile waste are dumped into landfills worldwide. But what happens to those clothes once they get there?

1. Slow Decomposition and Greenhouse Gases

Natural fibers like cotton, wool, and linen may seem biodegradable, but they can still take years or even decades to break down in a landfill due to a lack of oxygen.
As clothes decompose, they release methane, a greenhouse gas that is 25 times more potent than carbon dioxide in trapping heat in the atmosphere.
Synthetic fabrics like polyester, nylon, and spandex never fully break down—instead, they break apart into tiny plastic particles that linger in the environment indefinitely.

2. Toxic Chemicals Leaching into Soil and Water

Many clothes are dyed with toxic chemicals, including heavy metals like lead and mercury. When dumped in a landfill, rainwater can wash these chemicals into the soil, contaminating nearby water sources.
Some textiles, especially those treated to be stain-resistant, wrinkle-free, or waterproof, contain harmful substances like PFAS (forever chemicals) that don’t degrade and can accumulate in the environment.
Over time, these pollutants seep into the groundwater, affecting agriculture, drinking water supplies, and local wildlife.

The Incineration Problem: Burning Clothes Isn’t the Answer

Some cities and countries, especially those with limited landfill space, choose to burn textile waste instead. This might seem like a quick fix, but incineration creates even more environmental issues.

1. Air Pollution from Toxic Fumes

Many fabrics contain plastic-based materials (like polyester), which release toxic chemicals when burned, including dioxins, formaldehyde, and heavy metals.
These pollutants contribute to smog, respiratory diseases, and climate change by releasing carbon dioxide and other harmful gases.
Communities near incineration plants often experience higher rates of asthma, heart disease, and other health problems due to poor air quality.

2. Incineration Doesn’t Completely Eliminate Waste

Even after burning, incineration leaves behind toxic ash, which still needs to be disposed of, often in landfills where it can further contaminate soil and water.
Some incineration facilities try to capture energy from burning waste, but the process is still inefficient and doesn’t outweigh the environmental harm caused by burning textiles.

How Can We Reduce Clothing Waste and Its Environmental Impact?

The best way to combat the air and soil pollution caused by clothing waste is not to throw clothes away in the first place. Here are some ways we can reduce textile waste and its harmful effects:

1. Extend the Life of Your Clothes

Take care of your clothes by washing them less frequently, using cold water, and air drying to prevent wear and tear.
Repair small damages (like missing buttons or ripped seams) instead of throwing clothes away.
Repurpose old clothes into rags, tote bags, or even DIY fashion projects.

2. Donate, Swap, or Resell Instead of Tossing

If your clothes are still in good condition, donate them to local shelters, thrift stores, or community organizations.
Participate in clothing swaps with friends or family to refresh your wardrobe without creating waste.
Use resale platforms like Depop, Poshmark, or ThredUp to sell clothes instead of throwing them away.

3. Support Sustainable Brands

Look for brands that use recycled materials, organic fabrics, and ethical production processes.
Support clothing companies that have take-back programs for recycling or repurposing old clothes.

4. Advocate for Better Recycling Systems

Many places lack proper textile recycling programs, so pushing for better policies at the local and national levels can make a difference.
Support legislation that promotes circular fashion, where old clothes are turned into new ones instead of being dumped or burned.

Final Thought: Every Choice Counts

The impact of clothing waste on air and soil quality is huge, but it’s something we can change. By making more thoughtful choices about how we buy, care for, and dispose of our clothes, we can reduce pollution, protect ecosystems, and create a more sustainable future.

So before you throw that old T-shirt in the trash, think twice—because the earth pays the price.