Canada’s IC&I Sector Textile Waste Study

Explore our comprehensive report on Industrial, Commercial, and Institutional (IC&I) textile waste. Learn how we can divert textiles from landfills and move towards circular solutions.

The Problem in Numbers

Our research shows that Canada’s institutional sector is responsible for over 10,000 tonnes of textile waste each year. With most of this waste ending up in landfills, it’s become clear that we’re missing a huge opportunity.  Unusable garments are complicated due to various fibre blends, buttons, zippers and adhesives, so we set out to understand the volume and fibre composition of a “cleaner” feedstock – that from Canadian institutions.

Linen & Laundry Services: 96% of Canada’s Textile Waste

The Linen and Laundry Services (LLS) sector alone accounts for a staggering 96% of textile waste from various institutions. This is largely due to the fact that most hotels, hospitals etc rent their linen from these businesses, thus making it a key area to focus on for recycling pilots and circular economy initiatives.

Sector-Specific Insights

This report provides an analysis of how waste is generated from institutions such as hotels, hospitals, long-term care facilities and correctional facilities, and the linen and laundry service providers.

  • Hospitals: 43% of textiles replaced yearly

  • Hotels: Towels and linens repurposed in-house or sold to employees

  • Correctional Facilities: 70% of waste sent directly to landfill

Innovating Circular Solutions for Textile Waste

Our findings highlight the potential for large-scale environmental benefits through improved waste management. Together with Fanshawe College & Western University, we are conducting a recycling pilot focusing on cleaner textile materials (like sheets and towels) that will be converted into biochar for soil amendment.

Get Involved

Our pilot project, led by our Canadian Circular Textiles Consortium (CCTC), aims to identify alternative end of life pathways for unusable textiles, with a focus on sustainability and circularity.

Interested in taking part? Inquire about membership by emailing [email protected].