11 May 2026
On Europe Day, a symbol of unity, cooperation and the pursuit of a shared future, a volunteer clean-up took place in Stara Zagora, bringing residents together in support of a cleaner and more welcoming urban environment. The event formed part of the “Beautiful Neighbourhoods” environmental initiative, which aims to improve the cleanliness and appearance of spaces between residential buildings, public areas and green spaces across the city.
The Municipality of Stara Zagora’s TEXAD project actively contributed to the initiative through a separate textile collection campaign that attracted many residents. Participants brought unwanted clothing, footwear and household textiles, demonstrating their commitment to sustainable development and environmental protection.
The campaign collected 700 kilograms of textiles, which will be handed over to TexCycle. The materials will be sorted for reuse and recycling, giving them a new life and reducing the amount of waste sent to landfill.
The initiative provided a clear example of the power of community action and active public participation in building a more sustainable city.
During the event, the TEXAD project team also ran an information campaign presenting the project’s objectives and the benefits of separate textile collection. Residents learned about the importance of reducing textile waste, extending product lifespans and adopting sustainable practices in everyday life.
Particular emphasis was placed on the textile industry’s role as a significant source of pollution in Europe, and on the tangible environmental benefits of reuse and recycling, including lower emissions, resource conservation and waste reduction.
The TEXAD project (“Advanced Circular Textile Waste Solutions for European Municipalities”) is implemented by the Municipality of Stara Zagora under the Interreg Europe programme. It aims to support the development and implementation of sustainable textile waste management solutions, focusing on prevention, separate collection, reuse and recycling, as well as the active involvement of residents in the green transition.
