Who must follow the new regulation for used textiles?
The obligation to separate collection applies to public waste disposal companies – not to end users and therefore not to the disposal of used medical compression stockings by households. It was introduced to enable the reuse or secondary recycling of textiles. This is an important building block for the development of a circular economy for textiles. The regulation is therefore anchored in the Closed Substance Cycle and Waste Management Act (KrWG).
The separate collection requirement, in effect since January 1, 2025, is based on the German Closed Substance Cycle and Waste Management Act (KrWG) and was introduced to facilitate the reuse or secondary recycling of textiles. This makes it an important building block for the development of a circular economy for textiles.
It applies to public waste disposal companies, which now offer private households the opportunity to dispose clean and intact used textiles (and shoes) at recycling centers by providing appropriate collection containers. However, this does not apply to used medical compression stockings.
I received new compression stockings – how do I dispose my old ones? Should I bring them back to the medical supply store?
The effectiveness of your medical compression stockings will decrease after approximately six months.
Dispose them in the residual waste.
Tip: If new compression stockings have been prescribed by a doctor as part of your required therapy, you should no longer wear your old compression stockings. Use the medi Reminder Service for your biannual check-up and, if needed, the prescription of new compression stockings.
Find your closest medical supply store with our dealer finder.
Background information: As a private individual, you can now dispose used textiles (old clothes and shoes) in the newly placed containers at communes or city-run recycling centers. Used medical compression stockings are not included.
