Why your recycled clothes could end up in this South American desert
Summary
Chile imports large amounts of used clothing each year, much of it sold or exported through the Iquique Free Trade Zone. Unsold clothes are often illegally dumped in the nearby Atacama Desert, creating environmental problems, but some local groups are now working to find better ways to reuse or recycle these garments.Key Facts
- Chile imports about 123,000 tonnes of used clothes annually.
- The Iquique Free Trade Zone allows importers to bring goods in without paying customs or taxes.
- Many used clothes come from the US, Canada, Europe, and Asia.
- About 39,000 tonnes of unsold clothes are illegally dumped in the Atacama Desert each year.
- Dumping in the desert happens because legal disposal options cost money.
- Local authorities have limited resources to prevent illegal dumping.
- The used clothing trade creates jobs, especially for women sorting clothes by quality.
- Organizations like CircularTec are promoting ways to reuse clothes and reduce waste.
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