Fast fashion’s impact on the planet is alarming, with discarded textiles accumulating in landfills and wreaking environmental havoc. In Kenya, the crisis is particularly striking. Every year, the country receives around 200,000 tonnes of secondhand clothes, a large portion of which quickly becomes waste. These discarded garments often take up to 200 years to decompose, releasing harmful methane gas and toxic chemicals. But in the midst of this growing challenge, a Kenyan-Nigerian social enterprise, Africa Collect Textiles (ACT), is emerging as a beacon of hope. ACT is tackling textile waste through sustainable solutions and a vision rooted in the principles of a circular economy.
ACT operates on a simple yet revolutionary idea: textile waste is not trash but an untapped resource. Addressing two significant issues—the lack of proper disposal systems and the environmental damage caused by discarded clothing—ACT has introduced collection bins in high-traffic locations such as malls and universities. These bins provide an accessible option for the public to dispose of unwanted clothes responsibly.
Once collected, the garments are carefully assessed and sorted. Clothing in good condition is repurposed, while lower-quality items are upcycled into products like artisanal crafts and home furnishings. Many of these creations are showcased at Nairobi’s Artisanal Gallery, co-founded by Crista Victoria Mehta, where eco-conscious shoppers can support sustainability initiatives. “Upcycled items not only sustain the environment but also encourage better-quality purchases that add value locally—both environmentally and economically,” Mehta explains.
Globally, textile waste recycling remains dismal. Studies reveal that only 12% of the world’s textile waste is recycled, and a mere 1% is turned back into new garments. Countries like Kenya, with limited waste management infrastructure, face an even greater burden from these trends. ACT’s low-carbon circular model seeks to change this trajectory by offering a blueprint for waste reduction that could inspire nations confronting similar challenges.
Nathalie Naina, ACT’s Communications Manager, stresses the urgency: “Discarded clothes left to decompose release dangerous emissions while communities are overwhelmed by growing landfills. Our operations tackle these environmental threats while creating a circular ecosystem with a minimal carbon footprint.” By introducing sustainable practices, ACT is not just addressing Kenya’s textile crisis but also providing a model that could create ripple effects globally.
Collaborators like Betterman Simidi, founder of Clean Up Kenya, further amplify this mission. Simidi commends ACT’s focus on recycling and reselling, advocating for broader adoption of such initiatives to remove waste from the environment and extend the life cycle of textiles.
One of ACT’s most significant achievements lies in its ability to influence consumer behavior. The organization understands that systemic change hinges on shifting perceptions about fashion consumption. By collecting, upcycling, and reselling textiles, ACT inspires Kenyans to embrace sustainable, thoughtful buying habits. The organization doesn’t just clean up waste; it encourages consumers to support eco-friendly alternatives, reducing their reliance on trends that promote fast, disposable fashion.
ACT’s impact extends beyond environmental benefits, fostering local entrepreneurship and enhancing creative industries. By giving discarded textiles a second life, the organization is fueling a movement that empowers communities while elevating sustainability. This dual benefit—both environmental and economic—positions ACT as a model for holistic, community-led change.