Don’t Trash Them! How to Recycle Clothes Hangers Correctly.

Don’t Trash Them! How to Recycle Clothes Hangers Correctly

Clothes hangers. We all have them, and often, we end up with way too many. But before you toss those extra hangers in the trash, let’s talk about how to properly recycle clothes hangers and give them a new life! It’s easier than you think!

Understanding Hanger Materials and Their Recyclability

Not all hangers are created equal! Knowing what your hangers are made of is the first step in figuring out how to recycle them.

Common Hanger Materials

• Plastic Hangers: These are the most common. They’re usually made of different types of plastic, and their recyclability varies.

• Wire Hangers: Found at dry cleaners, these are made of metal, often steel.

• Wooden Hangers: Usually made from hardwood, they are heavier and often used for suits and coats.

Why Material Matters for Recycling

The material of the hanger dictates how and where you can recycle it. Some materials are easily recycled curbside, while others require more specialized collection methods.

Plastic Hanger Recycling: A Detailed Guide

Recycling plastic hangers can be a little tricky, as not all plastics are accepted everywhere.

Checking Your Local Recycling Guidelines

The first, and most important step is to check with your local recycling program. Look on your city’s website or call your waste management company. Search for terms like "plastics accepted" or "recycling guidelines."

• What to Look For: See if they specifically mention accepting "rigid plastics" or list the plastic resin codes they accept (usually inside a recycling triangle on the hanger).
• Why This Matters: Many curbside programs only accept certain types of plastics. Throwing in hangers that aren’t accepted can contaminate the entire batch!

Identifying the Plastic Resin Code

If your local program accepts certain plastic codes, find the number inside the recycling triangle on your hanger. Common codes found on plastic hangers include:

• #1 (PET or PETE): Typically used for water bottles. Less common for hangers.
• #2 (HDPE): Often used for milk jugs. More recyclable than some other plastics.
• #5 (PP): A common plastic. Recyclability depends on your local program.
• #6 (PS): This is polystyrene, also known as Styrofoam. It is usually not accepted in curbside programs. Be especially careful!

Cleaning and Preparing Plastic Hangers

Before recycling any plastic hanger, it’s important to clean it.

1. Remove any labels, stickers, or fabric.
2. Rinse off any dirt or debris.

What if My Curbside Program Doesn’t Accept Plastic Hangers?

Don’t despair! Here are some other options:

• Donate to Thrift Stores: Many thrift stores happily accept plastic hangers. Call ahead to confirm.
• Check with Dry Cleaners: Some dry cleaners will take back plastic hangers. Ask your local dry cleaner about their policies.
• Specialized Recycling Programs: Some cities or counties have specialized drop-off locations for hard-to-recycle plastics. Search online for "hard plastic recycling [your city/county]."
• Terracycle: While it costs money, Terracycle offers mail-in recycling programs for various hard-to-recycle items. Look for a program that accepts plastic hangers.

Wire Hanger Recycling: Tips and Tricks

Wire hangers are generally easier to recycle than plastic hangers.

Curbside Recycling (Usually!)

Most curbside recycling programs accept metal, including wire hangers.

Preparing Wire Hangers for Recycling

• Straighten the Hanger: Try to straighten out any bent or tangled hangers to make them easier to process. This prevents them from getting caught in recycling machinery.
• Bundle the Hangers (Optional): Check with your local program. Some programs prefer you to bundle wire hangers together with other metal items.
• Remove Any Paper or Cardboard: Ensure any paper labels or cardboard pieces are removed from the hanger before recycling.

Alternative Options for Wire Hangers

• Return to Dry Cleaner: Many dry cleaners will gladly take back wire hangers for reuse. This is the most sustainable option!
• Crafting Projects: Get creative! Wire hangers can be used for various DIY projects.

Wooden Hanger Recycling: Dealing with Wood

Wooden hangers present a unique challenge as they are a composite material (wood plus metal hook).

Is Wood Recycling Possible?

Generally, wooden hangers aren’t accepted in standard curbside recycling programs.

Alternative Uses for Wooden Hangers

• Donation: Thrift stores may accept wooden hangers. Contact them beforehand.
• Repurposing: Wooden hangers can be repurposed for various DIY projects around the house.
• Composting (Limited): If the wooden hanger is unfinished and untreated wood, you might be able to break it down and compost it. Remove the metal hook first! This is a slow process and requires a well-established composting system. Proceed with caution.
• Upcycling: Turn them into coat racks, jewelry organizers, or decorative elements.

Disposal (Last Resort)

If no other options are available, wooden hangers may need to be disposed of in the trash. Try to separate the metal hook and recycle that separately.

Quick Reference: Recycling Clothes Hangers

Here’s a table summarizing the key points:

Hanger Type	Curbside Recycling?	Preparation Needed	Alternative Options
Plastic	Check local guidelines. Varies by plastic type.	Clean, remove labels.	Donate to thrift stores, return to dry cleaners, specialized recycling.
Wire	Usually yes.	Straighten (if possible), bundle (check local guidelines).	Return to dry cleaner, crafting projects.
Wood	Usually no.	Remove metal hook.	Donate, repurpose, compost (if unfinished/untreated wood), upcycle.

Alright, now you’re equipped to give those old clothes hangers a new lease on life! We hope this article helps you recycle clothes hangers in a way that helps support your local community!. Every little bit counts, so let’s get started!