According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), New Yorkers throw away more than 1.4 billion pounds of clothing and textiles each year, a number that continues to grow. Of all unwanted textiles, approximately 85% is thrown away; less than 15% is donated for reuse or recycling.

In partnership with Westchester County, Bronxville can help turn around those statistics. The Village has signed a contract with HELPSY, a for-profit B Corp whose mission is to keep clothing, accessories, and other linens out of landfills and incinerators. 

Like many collection agencies, HELPSY raises money by selling the high-quality clothing it collects to secondhand stores and online resellers. Low quality textiles are sold as industrial rags or recycled into stuffing for insulation and other uses. Only 5% of what is collected is unusable due to contamination from mold or chemicals. HELPSY’s commitment to its mission means that it works only with reliable, environmentally responsible partners in the U.S. and overseas, while the rigorous certification process required to retain its B Corp status ensures HELPSY will continue to meet these high standards.

This service benefits our Village, residents, and the environment!

• It's free to residents and HELPSY will pay Bronxville for what it collects!

• It’s easy – complete the request on the Helpsy website to arrange for home pickup. You just need to leave textiles in garbage bags outside your home by 7am of your appointment day. Pick ups in Bronxville are on Saturdays.  

• Apartment complexes can also participate; just leave clear instructions in the form about where you’re leaving your bags for collection. It’s best to confirm with your building’s management. 

• It will reduce the amount of trash our DPW picks up, lowering the tipping fees the Village pays to haul our solid waste to the incinerator in Peekskill.