In Trollhättan, three different collection methods are currently being implemented to provide important knowledge on how best to collect textile waste for reuse and recycling. The aim is to investigate which methods produce the cleanest and most usable textile fractions - and how best to engage citizens.
Test 1: Mobile recycling station with staff on site
This test enables direct dialog with citizens. By meeting citizens close to their homes - and having staff present - we can inform them about proper sorting and the purpose of the project. Hopefully the result will be a cleaner fraction, increased awareness and local anchoring.
The test will be conducted approximately 10 times in 2025 in Hjortmossen, Vårvik, Kanaltorget, Karlstorp and Sjuntorp.
Test 2: Unmanned collection station
What does it look like when no special effort is made to engage directly with citizens? This test provides a baseline picture and serves as a control group to compare the effect of staffing and information.
The test is conducted with Björk & Freedom's collection box at a recycling station in central Trollhättan during the period September 2025 - September 2026.
Test 3: Cyclothe collection box
A new digital collection solution is being tested where employees at Trollhättan Energi receive a special bag for textile waste, photograph the contents in an app and deliver the bag to a collection box. The test combines digital innovation with circular methods and explores the potential for collection in the workplace.
The test will be conducted at Trollhättan Energi's head office between September 2025 and September 2026.
All three tests use a collection system that receives all textiles in one place - both textile donations (what is donated for recycling in Denmark) and actual textile waste in the same box. The collected textiles are sorted and analyzed in the next step.
Test 1: Approx. 100 citizens per time
Test 2: Approximately 1000 users during the test period
Test 3: Approximately 200 employees and 1000 bags
The project is carried out in collaboration with Björk & Frihet and Cyclothe - and all collected textiles are sent to Wargön Innovation for sorting and analysis.
With these tests, Trollhättan contributes to the SorTex project's common goal: to develop and test the best solutions for future circular textile management.
