2 nonprofits partner for textile recycling projects - Brainerd Dispatch | News, weather, sports from Brainerd and Baxter

Nov 03, 2024

BRAINERD — Area nonprofit partners Bridges of Hope and Salem West received funding for their textile recycling project.

With a Community Impact grant from Sourcewell, a baler and other equipment was purchased, enabling the organizations to profit from recycled goods that are not appropriate for the sales floor. The bales are sold and processed again with some of the fabric being made into rags, insulation, carpet padding and other fibers. The Mustard Seed and Common Goods thrift stores will collect and recycle textiles in unsellable condition, diverting an estimated 400,000 pounds of textile waste from landfills annually.

ADVERTISEMENT

“Our thrift stores have always recycled fabric, which is great, but now we will make money doing it,” Danell Eggert, retail director at Bridges of Hope, said in a news release. “Keeping items out of the landfill and helping people with the money generated…that’s a lot of good, and it’s exciting to be a part of it.”

Damaged clothing and fabric can be dropped off during normal donation hours at Common Goods in Baxter, Crosslake and Crosby from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and at Salem West in Deerwood from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m Monday through Friday. Items should be placed in a white trash bag and specifically marked for recycling. Fabrics need to be dry, free of smoke, mildew and mold. Pillows with beans or feathers cannot be accepted.

“Salem West and Bridges of Hope have always worked together to help people, and now with this recycling project we’ll work together to make money to support our missions with this added revenue stream from recycling.” Jason Kempthorne, director of outreach at Salem West, said in a news release.

Common Goods is owned and operated by Bridges of Hope, with stores in Baxter, Crosslake and Crosby, and has been in business for 14 years. Bridges of Hope provides support to empower people, bridge gaps and connect individuals and families to resources and services through collaborative partnerships and coordination of resources to promote a stronger, healthier community.

Salem West began operating in 1995. Salem West works with local social services and nonprofit agencies to offer families in our community the basic needs when setting up a new home, fleeing domestic violence or loss after flood or fire.

Common Goods stores are located at 17140 State Highway 371, Baxter; 35562 County Highway 66, Crosslake; and 27 W. Main St., Crosby. Salem West and The Mustard Seed Thrift & Gifts are at 22348 State Hwy 6 Deerwood.

ADVERTISEMENT