Towards Sustainable Management of Municipal Textile Waste: an Explanatory Analysis Based on Socio-Demographic and Economic Data

The sustainable management of textile waste is an increasingly pressing issue within the framework of the circular economy (CE) and environmental policy. In response to the European Union’s (EU) latest directives, which require the separate collection of textile waste by 2025, local authorities must develop effective strategies to optimise collection systems and promote recycling and reuse. Understanding the factors that influence textile waste generation and separate collection is essential for designing targeted policies and improving overall system efficiency. This study examines the textile waste separate collection system in a municipality in Northern Italy, focusing on the possible influence of socio-demographic and economic determinants on waste generation and collection rates. Using a Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) model, we investigate the relationships between variables such as income, household composition, age, gender, and the quantity of textile waste collected separately (TWCS). The findings offer important insights into how different social and economic factors shape disposal behaviours and affect the performance of collection programmes. By identifying the most significant drivers of textile waste separate collection, this research provides practical recommendations for optimising collection strategies, increasing citizen engagement, and enhancing sustainability outcome. The proposed approach supports policymakers and local administrations in developing datadriven policies that encourage best practices in textile reuse and recycling. Strengthening the efficiency of textile waste management not only reduces environmental impact but also contributes to the broader goals of resource conservation and the implementation of the CE.