A collection drive for old but usable clothes, organised at Sahitya Mandir Hall in Vashi, drew a strong response from residents, with a total of 813.3 kg of garments being collected and diverted for reuse and recycling.
The initiative was carried out jointly by the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC), Project Mumbai and the Marathi Sahitya Sanskriti Va (and) Kala Mandal, reflecting a growing shift towards more responsible, citizen-led waste practices.
Instead of being discarded, the collected clothes have been sent to the Textile Recovery Facility (TRF) at CBD Belapur, where they will be sorted, processed and upcycled into new products. The facility, implemented with support from the Ministry of Textiles, focuses on reducing textile waste while promoting reuse.
The TRF centre also generates livelihood opportunities, particularly for women from self-help groups, who are engaged in sorting and processing activities.
The initiative in Vashi was led by the Marathi Sahitya Sanskriti va Kala Mandal, with coordination support from Project Mumbai. Alongside clothes, plastic waste was also collected and sent for recycling.
The drive was carried out under the guidance of Additional Municipal Commissioner Sunil Pawar, Deputy Commissioner (Solid Waste Management) Dr Ajay Gadde and Deputy Commissioner (Garden Department) Smita Kale. Key contributors included Mandal President Subhash Kulkarni, Project Mumbai representative Rohit Phadtare and Tisser Trust representative Vaishali Kadam, along with members of the organisation.
Civic officials also acknowledged the participation of residents, noting that such efforts not only reduce waste going to dumping grounds but also strengthen environmentally responsible habits across the city.
