Omar Khalid
Plastic coolers are bulky and inconvenient items to dispose of, but they can be recycled or reused in a variety of ways. Some companies, such as Omaha Steaks, offer recycling services for their coolers, while others may accept donations of old coolers for reuse. There are also creative ways to repurpose coolers, such as using them for storage, as planters, or as decorative pieces. It's important to check with local recycling programs to ensure that the specific type of plastic used in the cooler is recyclable in your area.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic coolers can be recycled | Omaha Steaks coolers, Igloo coolers, Coleman coolers |
| Plastic coolers can be reused | As storage for tools, emergency items, toys, holiday decorations, etc. |
| Plastic coolers can be repurposed | As a sewing box, ice chest, dog house insulation, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic coolers can be reused for storage or insulation
Plastic coolers are often made from polystyrene, a type of plastic that can be recycled. However, recycling policies vary by location, so it is important to check with your local waste management service to see if plastic coolers can be recycled in your area. Some companies, like Omaha Steaks, offer recycling programs for their coolers, providing customers with information on recycling sites in their area.
If you're unable to recycle your plastic cooler, there are many ways to reuse it for storage or insulation. For example, you could use it to store tools and emergency items in your car, or to transport refrigerated and frozen goods from the grocery store. Plastic coolers can also be used to protect items in storage, such as holiday decorations, clothing, or other fragile items.
For those with a creative flair, plastic coolers can be transformed into decorative pieces of furniture. With a small investment in materials such as wood, nails, and handles, you can create a unique conversation piece for your home. Alternatively, plastic coolers can be cut into squares and used for insulation, as one dog owner did to keep their dogs warm during cold winters.
Another option for reusing plastic coolers is to donate them to those in need. Shelters and nonprofit resale stores may be interested in receiving donations of coolers, which can be especially useful for keeping items cold or frozen. Overall, while recycling may not always be an option for plastic coolers, there are numerous ways to reuse them and give them a second life.
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Some companies will take back coolers to recycle
Plastic coolers are not commonly recyclable, but some companies will take them back to recycle or reuse. For example, Omaha Steaks uses custom polystyrene coolers to ship their products, which can be recycled. They ask customers to call their Toll-Free Recycle Hotline for information on local recycling sites.
Some companies will take back items such as water cooler jugs to sanitize and reuse them. For example, Tom's of Maine Natural Care Brigade allows customers to mail back any brand of deodorant tubes, soap containers, and other bathroom products for recycling. Similarly, Best Buy accepts most electronics and large appliances for recycling, with a few exceptions.
If you are unable to find a company that will take back your cooler for recycling, there are other options to consider. You could try selling your cooler or giving it away for free on Craigslist, eBay, or a non-profit resale store. Another option is to get creative and repurpose your cooler. For example, you could turn it into a sewing box, storage for clothes or tools, or even insulation for a dog house. With a small investment in materials, you could also transform your cooler into a decorative piece of furniture.
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Coolers can be repurposed as furniture or toys
Plastic coolers are recyclable, but they can also be reused and repurposed in a variety of ways. For example, they can be used as storage for tools, emergency items, or groceries. They can also be used as a sewing box, or to store clothes, ornaments, or holiday decorations.
One popular way to repurpose a cooler is to use it as a toy box, especially for grandchildren. The lightweight lid ensures that little fingers don't get pinched. Coolers can also be used to keep children entertained outside. For example, they can be cut into squares and used to insulate a dog house, or used as shelters for feral cats.
Coolers can be repurposed as furniture with a small investment of around $30 on some scrap wood, nails, pipe coupling, a spigot, handles, and a bottle opener. A frame is constructed around the cooler, with legs added to bring it to counter height. Wood is then cut for the siding and attached with nails. The original cooler lid can also be framed and sided, with hinges added to allow it to lift, and a bottle opener and spigot attached for cute details.
Coolers can also be used as planters, or as ice chests for cold drinks at parties.
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Plastic coolers can be recycled through specialist companies
Plastic coolers are not commonly recycled through municipal programs, but they can be recycled through specialist companies. Many companies that produce plastic coolers also offer recycling services for their products. For example, Omaha Steaks has a recycling hotline that provides information on recycling sites in your area. Similarly, Plastilite, a manufacturer of EPS coolers, accepts EPS products for recycling at their Omaha, Nebraska location.
Some companies, like Best Buy, accept most electronics and large appliances for recycling, and may take plastic coolers. It is worth contacting such companies to find out if they accept plastic coolers.
There are also companies that specialize in recycling specific types of plastic. For example, Appliance Recycling Centers of America accepts appliances for recycling, and some water delivery companies take back empty water cooler jugs. By determining the type of plastic your cooler is made of, you can find a specialist recycler that accepts it.
Before recycling a plastic cooler, it is important to clean and prepare it for reuse. This involves removing any residual product or contaminant and separating the cooler into its component parts, such as plastic and metal. Some curbside recycling or waste disposal services may accept plastic coolers if they are properly cleaned and separated.
If you are unable to find a specialist company to recycle your plastic cooler, there are other options to dispose of it responsibly. You can donate it to a local thrift store or charity, or sell it online. Another option is to get creative and repurpose the cooler, for example, as a storage container or a planter.
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Plastic coolers can be donated or sold second-hand
If you're looking to dispose of a plastic cooler, one option is to donate or sell it second-hand. This can be a great way to extend the life of the item and find it a new home, while also potentially making some money.
There are several platforms and avenues you can use to donate or sell a plastic cooler. Online marketplaces such as Craigslist, eBay, or Facebook Marketplace are popular options for selling items second-hand. You can list your cooler for sale and set a price, or offer it for free if you'd rather donate it. These platforms often have local listings, so you can connect with buyers or recipients in your area, making it convenient for pick-up or drop-off.
Another option is to reach out to your community. You can ask around at campgrounds or cabins, as people there might be interested in a second-hand cooler. You can also inquire with employees or neighbours, especially if you're travelling and looking to offload a cooler before heading home. Non-profit resale stores are another option for donating your cooler, and they often accept a variety of items for resale.
If you're feeling creative and want to add a personal touch, you can consider upcycling your plastic cooler before donating or selling it. This involves transforming the cooler into something new and unique. For example, with some wood, nails, and a few other materials, you can turn your old cooler into a stylish piece of furniture, giving it a new purpose and potentially increasing its value.
Lastly, if you're unable to find someone to donate your cooler to, you can look into recycling options. Some companies, like Omaha Steaks, offer recycling programs for their custom polystyrene coolers. They may provide information on recycling sites in your area or have a recycling hotline you can call for guidance. Remember to properly prepare and clean your cooler before recycling or donating it to ensure it's ready for its next owner.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic coolers can be recycled, but it depends on the type of plastic. Some curbside recycling or waste disposal services accept large plastics, while others do not. It is best to contact your local provider for specific instructions.
Plastic coolers can be recycled by donating them to local thrift stores or by giving them away on Craigslist, eBay, or other online platforms. Some companies, like Omaha Steaks, have their own recycling programs, where they reuse and recycle their custom polystyrene coolers.
Plastic coolers can be reused in various ways, such as for fishing, sewing, storing clothes or tools, and even as a planter. With some creativity and a small investment, old coolers can be transformed into decorative pieces, like a counter-height cooler with wooden siding and legs.
