The EU generated 2.3 million tonnes of textile waste in 2024, with household disposal accounting for more than half, Eurostat reported November 12. It also recorded 1.4 million tonnes treated during that year, equivalent to 63% of the amount generated.

Recycling accounted for 78% of the treated textile waste. Incineration with energy recovery represented another 13%, bringing recovery operations to 91% of treatment. Landfill accounted for 8%, and incineration without energy recovery for 1%. Those treatment shares use the treated amount as their denominator, not all textile waste generated.

Italy, France and Germany reported the largest generated quantities. The release covers 2024 and includes qualifications on country comparisons: Swedish and Maltese data are confidential, and the Romanian figures refer to 2022. These distinctions matter when comparing the reported waste totals and treatment outcomes.