Delhi Metro Launches Sustainable Clothing Initiative

The Delhi government introduces special boxes at 10 metro stations to collect and recycle old clothes, promoting sustainable waste management. Launched by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, this initiative aims to transform discarded garments into useful products, with involvement from NGOs and self-help groups.

The Delhi government will set up special boxes at 10 Delhi Metro stations to collect discarded clothes, in an effort aimed at promoting sustainable waste management and public participation in environmental conservation, a statement said on Tuesday.

Under the initiative, launched by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, old garments will be recycled into useful products such as bags, rugs, yarn and fibre. It will also encourage people to adopt environmentally responsible practices, the statement said.

According to the statement, the collection boxes will be installed by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) at Shahdara, Mohan Estate, Rohini West, Lajpat Nagar, Malviya Nagar, Mayur Vihar Phase-I, Hauz Khas, Punjabi Bagh West, Dwarka and Shalimar Bagh.

The collected garments would be segregated and handed over to NGOs and self-help groups for reuse and upcycling. Remaining clothes would be sent to recycling units for conversion into recycled yarn, fibre and non-woven felt, the statement said.

The collection areas will be branded under the name of the Delhi Metro Ladies Welfare Organisation (DMLWO). Formalities related to branding, installation of the collection boxes and signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) are currently underway.

Dedicated spaces will also be provided at select metro stations for displaying and selling products made from the recycled clothes.

Gupta said textile waste was emerging as a major environmental challenge and the initiative would help ensure scientific recycling and reuse of discarded clothes, while reducing landfill burden and supporting sustainable development.

She said the initiative reflects the government's commitment to promoting community-driven environmental campaigns and ensuring transparency and efficiency in the recycling process.