Ethan Clarke
Plastic hangers are a common household item, but what happens when you no longer need them? Do they go in the recycling bin or the trash? This is a question that many people in Ontario and beyond have asked, and it's an important one. With an estimated 380 million tons of plastic produced each year, plastic pollution has become a pressing issue for environmentalists. So, are plastic hangers recyclable in Ontario?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Recyclability | Plastic hangers can be recycled, despite common misconceptions. |
| Difficulty of recycling | Plastic hangers cannot be recycled curbside and may not be accepted by local recycling programs. They may contain metal parts or be made from multiple types of plastic, making them difficult to recycle. |
| Environmental impact | Recycling plastic hangers can help reduce pollution, minimize waste, and protect the environment. |
| Alternative options | Consumers can opt for more sustainable hanger options made from recycled plastic, FSC-certified paper, bamboo, or plant-based bioplastics. |
| Consumer responsibility | It is important to recycle plastic hangers properly and check local recycling policies. |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic hangers are recyclable
Before recycling your plastic hangers, check the recycling number, which indicates how recyclable it is. The number can usually be found on the hanger. Hangers are typically made of polystyrene, which has the number six as a recycling symbol. This type of plastic is challenging to recycle because Styrofoam falls into the same category and is not widely recycled. If your local recycling program accepts hangers with the number six, you will need to remove any metal parts before placing them in the recycling bin.
There are several ways to recycle your plastic hangers. Some retailers collect hangers at the point of purchase, giving them full control over the lifecycle of plastic hangers. You can also check your local area's recycling program to see if they recycle the type of plastic hanger you have. Additionally, companies like TerraCycle specialize in recycling products like hangers and aim to keep plastic out of landfills.
By recycling old plastic hangers, you can help minimize pollution, reduce global warming, and conserve natural resources. It is also important to buy your plastic hangers from companies that prioritize sustainability and have reuse and recycling programs in place.
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Local recycling programs
Plastic hangers are recyclable, despite the common misconception that they are not. Many domestic plastic collection facilities are unable to handle and recycle plastic hangers, but there are several ways to recycle them through local recycling programs.
Firstly, check your local recycling policy. If your local program mentions collecting hangers, you can put them in your curbside recycle bin. If not, you can drop them off at the recycling center. You can also donate them to a dry cleaner or give them to scrap metal recyclers.
Some retailers are paying attention to recycling and are collecting hangers at the point of purchase. This means that customers should not take hangers home with them and possibly throw them away. Having them in the store gives retailers full control over the lifecycle of plastic hangers.
Some companies have created reuse and recycling programs to help make recycling easier for their customers. For example, Target has been running a recycling program since 1994, where manufacturers recycle old plastic and metal hangers to make other items. You can easily return hangers from Target to the store. Marks and Spencer in the UK runs a similar program, allowing shoppers to return any unwanted hangers. Arch and Hook use eco-friendly materials like timber with FSC certification.
Another company that offers recycling programs is TerraCycle. They create solutions to recycle the unrecyclable and work with local communities to design river waste prevention, collection, and recycling solutions. They also offer programs for offices and facilities, ranging from mailback to pickup, with customizable solutions.
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Retailers' recycling programs
Plastic hangers are recyclable, despite the common misconception that they are not. Many domestic plastic collection facilities are unable to handle and recycle plastic hangers, but there are still ways to recycle them. Retailers and consumers should both take responsibility when it comes to plastic hanger waste.
Some retailers are taking steps to address this issue by collecting hangers at the point of purchase (POP). This means that customers should not take the hangers with them and possibly throw them away. By having them in the store, retailers can control the lifecycle of plastic hangers.
Some companies have also created reuse and recycling programs to help make recycling easier for their customers. For example, Mainetti's recycling program involves reclaiming hangers for reuse and reusing plastic from old hangers to produce new ones.
TerraCycle is another company that offers recycling solutions for a variety of materials, including plastic hangers. They work with brands and retailers to sponsor national recycling programs and develop custom supply chains to collect and process unique recycled materials. They also offer bulk solutions for offices and facilities, ranging from mailback to pickup services.
Retailers can also play a role in reducing plastic hanger waste by using more environmentally friendly alternatives, such as cardboard hangers, which can be recycled in blue bins.
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Hangers without a recycling symbol
Plastic hangers are recyclable, despite common misconceptions. However, many domestic plastic collection facilities are unable to recycle them, leading to the belief that they cannot be recycled.
Most plastic hangers don't have a recycling symbol, which can be problematic. The absence of a recycling symbol makes it challenging to determine the specific type of plastic used and whether it can be recycled. It's important to check your local recycling program to understand their specific guidelines for plastic hangers. Some communities may allow recycling plastic hangers with the number six, but you'll need to remove any metal parts before adding them to the recycle bin.
If your local recycling program doesn't accept plastic hangers, there are alternative options. You can explore companies like TerraCycle, which specializes in recycling products like hangers, juice pouches, and toothbrushes, with the goal of keeping plastic out of landfills. You can sign up to be a collection station or find one near you. Additionally, when buying clothes, you can remove the hangers and return them to the store so they can be reused.
Another sustainable alternative is to switch to non-plastic hangers. A Toronto-based company, Media Hook, has introduced a "smart hanger" made from paper-board fibres. These hangers are fully recyclable and can be placed in blue bins in Toronto. They are marketed towards dry cleaners in Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia, aiming to provide an environmentally friendly option.
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Eco-friendly alternatives to plastic hangers
Plastic hangers are recyclable, but many domestic plastic collection facilities are unable to process them. This has led to the misconception that plastic hangers cannot be recycled. However, there are several ways to recycle them, including local recycling programs and company recycling initiatives.
If you're looking for eco-friendly alternatives to plastic hangers, there are plenty of options available. Here are some sustainable choices to consider:
Wooden Hangers
Wooden hangers are a popular alternative to plastic hangers. They are durable, long-lasting, and can hold heavier garments without snapping. Look for hangers made from reclaimed wood, bamboo, cork, or Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-certified wood. These options are more environmentally friendly than hangers made from new wood. Additionally, wooden hangers add a sleek and natural look to your closet.
Cardboard Hangers
Cardboard hangers are another eco-friendly option. They are usually packaged in recycled cardboard and printed with water-based inks. Cardboard hangers are lightweight, recyclable, and perfect for lightweight garments such as t-shirts and blouses.
Metal Hangers
Metal hangers, such as those made from steel or brass, offer a durable and stylish alternative to plastic. They are strong enough to hold heavy garments, and brass hangers, in particular, are 100% recyclable without losing their strength or shine when recycled into new products.
Eco-Friendly Brands
When purchasing hangers, consider buying from brands that prioritize sustainability. For example, Topline offers classic hangers made from sustainable Hevea wood, while MAWA produces slimline steel hangers that help you organize your clothes neatly without using any plastic.
Remember, by choosing eco-friendly alternatives to plastic hangers, you're not only reducing waste but also preserving non-renewable resources and minimizing pollution.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic hangers are recyclable in Ontario, but they cannot be recycled curbside. The best thing to do is to check your local recycling policy. If you can recycle plastic hangers with the number six in your community, you'll need to remove the metal parts of the hanger before adding them to the recycling bin.
You can check the recycling number of your plastic hanger and research your local area's recycling program to make sure they recycle that type of plastic hanger. You can also look into companies that recycle products like hangers, such as TerraCycle.
Plastic hangers are usually made of polystyrene, which has the number six as a recycling symbol. However, they can also be made with multiple types of plastics blended in, which makes them difficult to recycle.
Plastic hangers cannot be recycled curbside because they are often mixed with metal clips and parts, and when hangers are made of multiple plastic types, the plastics are unable to be separated for recycling.
There are more sustainable hanger options available, such as hangers made from FSC-certified paper, bamboo, or plant-based bioplastics. A Toronto-based company called Media Hook also offers "smart hangers" made from paper-board fibres that can be recycled in blue bins in Toronto.
