What’s happening?
Salvos Stores has opened Australia’s first Textile Recovery Facility in Brisbane, in partnership with the Queensland Government.
The facility introduces automated textile sorting and decommissioning, designed to recover usable materials from donated and discarded clothing. It will pilot and scale textile recovery solutions locally, with plans to expand its impact over time.
Head of Salvos Stores Nic Baldwin said, “This achievement is a proud moment for Salvos Stores and reflects our deep commitment to innovation and caring for the planet we all share.
“It’s about taking real, practical steps to reduce textile waste and keep more out of landfill, while continuing to find new ways to generate vital funding for the life-changing programs of The Salvation Army. Every step forward helps us create lasting impact for both people and the environment.”
Why it matters
Australia sends a large volume of clothing to landfill each year, putting pressure on waste systems and the environment.
This facility offers a practical way to reduce that impact by recovering and reusing materials that would otherwise be discarded. It also supports funding for The Salvation Army’s community programs.
Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell said the project reflects the government’s focus on environmental outcomes.
“The Crisafulli Government has supported the delivery of this Australian-first facility that will turn today’s waste into tomorrow’s products,” he said.
“This facility will reduce the amount of textile waste going to landfill, but it will also unlock new economic opportunities and support Queensland’s transition to a sustainable economy.
“We recognise the critical need for waste infrastructure in Queensland, and we are taking action to deliver it through this new nation-leading facility.”
Local impact
The Brisbane-based facility strengthens Queensland’s waste and recycling infrastructure while creating new opportunities in the circular economy.
It also supports local jobs and helps fund frontline services delivered by The Salvation Army across communities.
By the numbers
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5,000 tonnes of textiles are expected to be processed each year, helping keep materials in circulation rather than landfill.
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Over 200,000 tonnes of clothing end up in Australian landfills annually, highlighting the scale of the waste challenge.
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52 million items were kept in circulation last year through more than 400 Salvos Stores across Australia, showing the impact of reuse efforts.
Zoom in
The facility uses automated systems to sort and decommission textiles, separating materials for recycling or reuse.
Meriel Chamberlin, Business Development Manager for Salvos Stores, said, “For over 140 years, Salvos Stores have turned second-hand goods into hope through our stores.
“Each year, our community of Salvos Stores shoppers give a new home to millions of donated items, keeping them in circulation.
“Our Textile Recovery Facility is our new way to keep even more textiles in circulation and out of landfill, turning cutting-edge innovation into real solutions.”
Zoom out
The project is part of a broader shift toward a circular economy, where materials are reused instead of discarded.
The Queensland Government’s investment supports long-term waste reduction and positions the state as a leader in textile recovery.
What to look for next?
The Brisbane pilot scales, including expansion of textile recovery solutions and increased processing capacity.
Further innovation across the recycling sector is also expected as the facility develops.
