Will Montana Outlaw Throwing Away Old Clothes?

Over the past few years my family has spent a lot of time shopping at thrift stores and used clothing shops filling out their wardrobes. Shopping for clothes in retail stores has become almost foreign to them. There are a few reasons why they prefer these shops, and it isn't just because you can save money.

Shopping at used clothing stores can also help the environment. Keeping used clothes out of landfills is one of the reasons why Massachusetts passed a law outlawing throwing away used clothing. According to The Cool Down they had to pass the law out of necessity. They are running out of room for their garbage. Currently Massachusetts is exporting two million tons of solid waste to other states. The ban is aimed at both businesses and individuals, encouraging a shift toward recycling and reuse.

According to Mass.gov, the disposal ban doesn’t apply only to clothing- it also includes bedding, shoes, curtains, any cloth that can be recycled shouldn't be thrown away. They have also worked on getting used mattress recycling programs too.

Thrifting is not only an eco-friendly choice but also a way to discover unique and high-quality items. Many people find one-of-a-kind pieces that they would never come across in retail stores. It can also be a fun and rewarding activity, turning shopping into a treasure hunt. Name brands like Carhart, Patagonia, L.L. Bean, Land's End, and more can be found while thrifting in Montana. Missoula has a lot of options when it comes to thrifting.

By shopping secondhand, families can contribute to reducing waste, saving money, and supporting a circular economy. If more people adopt this mindset, we can reduce our environmental impact while also enjoying the benefits of sustainable living.

Will Montana ever see a law similar to this one? Website Care2 has started a petition to have this law passed in every state, as of this writing there have been over 47,000 people who have signed the petition with a goal of 50,000. It will probably be some time before Montana will ever see a law like this passed. If you currently donate to Goodwill, there are lot of items they don't accept. You can see the list below. There is also some jewels that have been found at Missoula thrift stores below.