Delhi Metro’s Arpan Centres have collected 41,181.5 kg of old clothes for recycling and upcycling, giving commuters a new disposal channel while diverting usable material from conventional waste streams. The collection was recorded at 10 metro stations as of August 31, according to a report by the Times of India.
A total of 3,940 people deposited clothes at the centres. Dr Baba Saheb Ambedkar Hospital recorded the highest collection at 9,861.4 kg, followed by Shalimar Bagh with 9,761 kg. Punjabi Bagh West and Shahdara collected 6,534.9 kg and 6,386 kg, respectively.
Of the material collected, around 4,266 kg has been earmarked for reuse or upcycling, while 29,424 kg has been sent for recycling. The upcycled material is being converted into products including rugs, bags, pouches and folders.
The goods produced through self-help groups are also being displayed at the Arpan Centres. Their combined sales have so far reached Rs 27,036, linking the clothes collection programme with the production and sale of reused products.
Chief minister Rekha Gupta said the centres provide a practical way to reuse old clothes. The initiative uses existing metro stations as collection points, placing the service within a transport network used by residents across the capital.
Delhi Metro is now proposing 10 additional Arpan Centres. The planned locations are Model Town, INA, IP Extension, Paschim Vihar West, Rajendra Place, Janakpuri West, Rajouri Garden, Greater Kailash, Dwarka Sector 10 and Chhatarpur metro stations.
The new centres are proposed to open in January 2027. If implemented, the expansion will extend the collection network beyond the 10 existing locations and create additional drop-off points for residents seeking to recycle or reuse old clothing through the programme.
