Key Points
- Eighteen new textile recycling banks are being installed across Merton borough throughout October 2025.
- Operated by Astra Recycling Ltd, who secured the contract from Merton Council.
- The banks are located at accessible sites, including supermarket car parks, sports grounds, and transport hubs.
- Previously, all textile recycling banks were removed in April 2025 following the collapse of the former contractor, Greendaw Textile and Recycling Ltd.
- Councillor Stuart Neaverson highlighted the environmental benefits and council’s commitment to cleaner, greener streets.
- Residents are advised to place only clean, reusable textiles inside the banks and not to leave items beside them to avoid fines for fly-tipping.
- Until new banks were installed, residents were encouraged to donate to charity shops, use a free home collection with TRAID, or use the local recycling centre.
- Locations for the new banks include Western Road, Palmerston Road, Links Avenue, Waitrose Raynes Park, Mitcham Junction Station, and others.
What is the current status of textile recycling banks in Merton?
As reported by Merton Council’s official news release on October 28, 2025, eighteen new textile recycling banks operated by Astra Recycling Ltd are currently being rolled out across the London Borough of Merton throughout October 2025. This marked the return of the dedicated recycling facilities after a temporary removal earlier in the year due to issues with the previous contractor.​
Why were the textile banks removed earlier in 2025?
The temporary removal of all textile recycling banks in Merton was announced in April 2025 after the collapse of Greendaw Textile and Recycling Ltd, the former contractor responsible for managing the banks. According to a report by Merton Council and Radio Jackie News, ongoing problems including fly-tipping, overflowing banks, and a lack of enforcement power over the interim provider made the temporary arrangement unsustainable. Consequently, the council decided to remove the banks physically starting the weekend of April 25, 2025, to maintain cleanliness and safety in the borough.​
How did the council recommend residents manage textile recycling during the removal period?
During the absence of textile banks, Councillor Stephen Alambritis, Cabinet Member for Transport and Cleaner Streets, urged residents to utilize alternative recycling options. He encouraged donations to local charity shops, using the free home collection service provided by TRAID, and responsibly disposing of textiles at Garth Road Recycling Centre. The council made it clear that no items should be left at the former bank sites, as any such deposits would be considered illegal fly-tipping and could result in fines.​
Who is Astra Recycling and what contract have they secured?
As confirmed by a media release on October 9, 2025, Astra Recycling Ltd, a UK-based recycling company, has secured the contract with the London Borough of Merton for managing the textile recycling banks for 2025 onwards. This contract includes the installation and operation of the new textile banks across the borough, reinstating the service for residents after the disruption caused by the previous contractor’s liquidation.​
What types of items can residents deposit in the textile recycling banks?
According to Merton Council’s information, residents are welcome to deposit clean, reusable items such as clothing, paired shoes, towels, and bedding in the textile banks. The items collected are either reused or recycled, supporting waste reduction efforts and contributing to Merton’s wider ambition to be a cleaner and greener borough. Councillor Stuart Neaverson, Cabinet Member for Transport and Cleaner Streets, stated: “We’re pleased to bring back textile recycling banks for residents. It’s another step towards reducing waste, cutting carbon, and promoting reuse locally”.​
Where exactly are the new textile recycling banks located?
The new textile banks have been strategically placed at convenient locations to maximise accessibility for residents. They include:
- Western Road, SW19 2PE (2 banks)
- Palmerston Road, SW19 8RL (2 banks)
- Links Avenue, SM4 5AA (2 banks)
- Co-op, Kingston Road, SW20 8LX (2 banks)
- Waitrose, Raynes Park, SW20 0AX (3 banks)
- Co-op, Grand Drive, SW20 9NQ (1 bank)
- Mitcham Junction Station, CR4 4HG (2 banks)
- Tooting & Mitcham Community Sports Club, SM4 6BF (2 banks)
- Majestic Way, Mitcham, CR4 2JS (2 banks)
Residents are reminded specifically to place items inside the banks only and not leave donations beside the banks, as this practice is classified as fly-tipping and may lead to fines.​
What is the significance of these textile recycling banks for Merton?
The reopening and expansion to eighteen banks signify Merton Council’s commitment to environmental sustainability. By providing accessible textile recycling points, the council encourages the reduction of textile waste sent to landfill, lowering carbon emissions and promoting local reuse initiatives. This move aligns with the council’s broader objectives for a cleaner, greener borough as emphasised by Councillor Neaverson.
