Dozens of tonnes of clothing instead of recycling: new details emerge in illegal textile dumping case in Orihuela and Alcoy

Spain’s National Police are continuing their investigation into the illegal storage of dozens of tonnes of used clothing in the province of Alicante. A 39-year-old man has been arrested in Alcoy, suspected of running a fraudulent scheme linked to textile waste management.

According to investigators, the suspect rented industrial warehouses and adjacent land in Orihuela and Alcoy, where truckloads of used clothing were unloaded and accumulated. The materials were neither recycled nor treated in accordance with environmental regulations, and were left abandoned without proper control.

The investigation began after a property owner in Orihuela filed a complaint, reporting that the tenant had stopped paying rent and could no longer be contacted. An inspection revealed that the premises had effectively become an illegal dumping site for textile waste.

Police believe the suspect posed as a businessman offering collection, recycling and possible export of used clothing, charging individuals and companies for these services. In reality, no such processing took place, pointing to fraud, in addition to potential environmental offences. At least two clients have been identified as victims, alongside the property owner.

Experts estimate that the cost of legally removing and processing the accumulated clothing could exceed €120,000, including transport costs of around €1,000 per truck and recycling fees ranging from €100 to €200 per tonne.

The case has been referred to the Investigating Court in Alcoy, where possible charges of fraud, financial damage and, depending on environmental impact, an environmental crime are being considered. The investigation remains ongoing.

This article is based on information from Spanish and international media.