In February of 2025, MarBorg Industries quietly launched its textile recovery drop-off program in partnership with Homeboy Threads, the County of Santa Barbara, the City of Santa Barbara, and the City of Goleta, providing our community with an incredible resource for keeping their textiles out of the landfill. But what went on behind the scenes to bring this program to life was a feat in collaboration and thinking outside the box. After years of trying (and failing) to effectively recover textiles previously, this revamped program is back and better than ever! This presentation will cover the history of our program, lessons learned along the way, and how we hope to expand soon.
Additional topics will include defining textiles (they’re more than just clothes!), the history of textile waste, why textiles are such a relatable waste stream, the ecosystem of textiles, and how private companies, non-profits, and local government agencies can work together to solve real-life problems. We will discuss how doing good for the environment can, and should, also do good for people.
Our presenters offer unique perspectives on rethinking waste and how we can bring value to “trash”. Their combined experiences working in waste management, secondhand markets, and social enterprises will allow the audience to explore what it means to give materials, and people a second chance at life.
Speakers
Chris Zwicke, CEO of Homeboy Electronics Recycling and Homeboy Threads, Homeboy Industries
Chris leads Homeboy Electronics Recycling and Homeboy Threads, two social enterprises helping customers with circularity and sustainability solutions. Homeboy Electronics delivers custom IT asset disposition, data destruction, and e-waste solutions for customers. Homeboy Threads helps customers optimize reuse and recycling outcomes for apparel and other textiles. Both social enterprises are part of the Homeboy Industries family, providing on-the-job training and employment for previously incarcerated and formerly gang-affiliated individuals who are committed to transforming their lives. Chris is passionate about increasing the efficiency and workforce development potential of reverse supply chains, maximizing reuse, and recovering value from “waste” streams.
Sarah Stark, Franchise Contract Liaison, MarBorg Industries
Sarah serves as the liaison between MarBorg Industries and multiple jurisdictional partners who each have waste hauler contracts with MarBorg. She works closely with the City of Santa Barbara, the County of Santa Barbara, the City of Goleta, and the City of Buellton to ensure that MarBorg fulfills all contractual obligations while providing excellent service to customers. She also enjoys providing waste reduction outreach and education to local organizations and individuals alike to encourage them to focus on reduction and reuse before recycling! Sarah received her Master’s of Environmental Science & Management from UCSB’s Bren School of Environmental Science in 2013, where she spent much of her time researching and creating environmental education and media for kids. She enjoys living in beautiful Santa Barbara with her husband, two children, and her dog.
Elizabeth Braun, Program Specialist, Resource Recovery and Waste Management, County of Santa Barbara, Public Works
Elizabeth manages several waste reduction programs for the County of Santa Barbara, including textiles recycling, organic waste diversion, and outreach and education. Before working for the County, she managed a second-hand store and worked as a waste sorter for large events. She graduated from the Bren School of Environmental Science & Management in 2024 where she specialized in pollution and waste and researched marine debris in protected areas.