Ethan Clarke
Plastic coat hangers are recyclable, despite common misconceptions. Many domestic plastic collection facilities are unable to handle and recycle them, so they often end up in landfills. However, recycling plastic hangers can reduce energy consumption, divert plastic from landfills and incineration, and reduce CO₂ emissions by up to 80% compared to using virgin plastic. Retailers can play a crucial role in collecting hangers at the point of purchase, ensuring they are recycled or reused, and some are already implementing such schemes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Recyclability | Plastic coat hangers are recyclable, although many domestic plastic collection facilities are unable to process them. |
| Colour | The colour of the plastic hanger does not impact its recyclability. |
| Recycling process | The recycling process for plastic hangers involves shredding, sorting, and washing the plastic to create "plastic granules" that can be used to manufacture new products. |
| Retailer responsibility | Some retailers collect hangers at the point-of-purchase (POP) to improve the efficiency and consistency of the recycling process. |
| Recycling symbol | Plastic hangers made of polystyrene have a recycling symbol of number six, but they are not widely recycled due to the inclusion of Styrofoam in this category. |
| Metal parts | If recycling plastic hangers with the number six symbol, remove any metal parts with pliers before placing them in the recycling bin. |
| Alternative options | If local recycling programs do not accept plastic hangers, consider returning them to the store or donating them to Goodwill or clothing donation centres. |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic coat hangers are recyclable
To recycle plastic coat hangers properly, it is important to first check your local recycling policy. Some communities may have specific guidelines or requirements for recycling plastic hangers. For example, if your hangers have a recycling number six, indicating they are made of polystyrene, you may need to remove any metal parts before placing them in the recycling bin.
Another option is to return plastic hangers to retailers, who can collect them at the point of purchase (POP). This approach ensures that retailers have full control over the lifecycle of plastic hangers and promotes a more consistent and efficient recycling process. Some stores may also have specified recycling points or schemes for plastic hangers and other soft plastics.
Additionally, there are companies like TerraCycle that specialise in recycling discarded items, such as hangers, juice pouches, and toothbrushes, to keep plastic out of landfills. You can check if there is a collection station near you or sign up to host one.
By recycling plastic coat hangers, you can help reduce energy consumption, divert plastic from landfills and incineration, and decrease the need for natural resources to create new hangers.
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Retailers can collect hangers at the point-of-purchase
Retailers can play a significant role in ensuring plastic coat hangers are recycled effectively by implementing a system to collect hangers at the point-of-purchase (POP). This approach offers several advantages and can make a substantial difference in reducing plastic waste.
Firstly, collecting hangers at the point-of-purchase prevents customers from taking unnecessary hangers home, which often leads to disposal in domestic bins. Many local recycling facilities are unable to process plastic hangers due to their unique shape and the challenges of sorting black plastic, resulting in hangers ending up in landfills. By collecting hangers at the POP, retailers can ensure they are responsibly recycled, reducing the environmental impact of plastic waste.
Secondly, retailers can establish a closed-loop recycling system by collecting hangers at the point-of-purchase. This means that the hangers can be recycled and reused within the retailer's operations, creating a sustainable cycle. For example, the hangers can be shredded, sorted, washed, and turned into "plastic granules" that can be used to manufacture new hangers or other products like garden equipment. This approach not only reduces waste but also decreases energy consumption and contributes to diverting plastic from landfills and incineration.
Additionally, collecting hangers at the point-of-purchase allows retailers to have full control over the lifecycle of plastic hangers. They can ensure proper recycling methods are employed, reducing the risk of contamination that often occurs in household recycling. Retailers can also explore partnerships with specialised companies, such as TerraCycle, that focus on recycling discarded items and creating new materials.
By implementing a POP hanger collection system, retailers can actively contribute to environmental sustainability and efficient waste management. This simple step can have a significant impact on reducing plastic waste and promoting a circular economy.
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Plastic hanger recycling reduces energy consumption
Plastic hanger recycling is an effective way to reduce energy consumption and contribute to a more sustainable world. By recycling plastic hangers, we can significantly reduce the energy required to produce new plastic products. The process of manufacturing new plastic generates three times its weight in carbon dioxide, contributing to climate change and environmental degradation.
Recycling plastic hangers help divert waste from landfills and incineration, reducing the need for energy-intensive waste management practices. It also decreases the demand for virgin plastic, which requires significant energy consumption during the extraction, transportation, and refining of fossil fuels. By reusing and recycling existing plastic, we can minimise the energy required for these processes, leading to a more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly approach.
Many retailers are recognising the importance of plastic hanger recycling and are implementing collection programmes at the point of purchase. This allows retailers to take responsibility for the hangers they provide, ensuring proper recycling and reducing the burden on consumers. By collecting hangers at the time of sale, retailers can implement efficient recycling processes, such as shredding, sorting, and washing, to produce valuable recycled materials.
Additionally, recycling plastic hangers can help close the loop on plastic waste. Instead of discarding hangers in the trash, where they may end up in landfills or the environment, recycling transforms them into new products. This reduces the energy required for waste management and transportation while also decreasing the amount of new plastic needed. By recycling plastic hangers, we can contribute to a circular economy, minimising waste and maximising the use of existing resources.
While some domestic recycling facilities may not accept plastic hangers due to their unique shape and potential for contamination, there are alternative options. Consumers can return hangers to retailers or explore specialised recycling programmes, such as TerraCycle, which focuses on keeping plastic out of landfills. By combining individual efforts with retailer initiatives, we can maximise the benefits of plastic hanger recycling and significantly reduce energy consumption across the industry.
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Plastic hanger recycling helps divert waste from landfill
Retailers can play a crucial role in plastic hanger recycling by implementing systems to collect hangers at the point of purchase (POP). This prevents customers from taking clothes or shoe hangers home and potentially throwing them away. By collecting hangers at the POP, retailers can have full control over the lifecycle of plastic hangers, ensuring they are recycled properly.
Some retailers are already paying attention to recycling and are collecting hangers at the POP. Alternatively, they can have specified recycling points in stores or car parks. For example, Tesco is trialling a new recycling scheme for soft plastics in selected UK stores. However, this approach has limitations, as not all consumers will use these recycling facilities, resulting in a reduced collection percentage compared to POP recycling schemes.
To recycle plastic hangers effectively, it is essential to check your local recycling policy. Hangers are typically made of polystyrene, with the number six as their recycling symbol. Before placing them in the recycling bin, remove any metal parts from the hangers using pliers. Companies like TerraCycle specialise in recycling hangers and other products like juice pouches and toothbrushes, aiming to keep plastic materials out of landfills.
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Plastic hangers can be recycled into new products
Check with Local Recycling Programs
Some local recycling programs or facilities have the capacity to handle plastic hangers. Contact your city's recycling program or local recycling centre to inquire about their capabilities. Some may have specific recycling points in stores or designated drop-off locations for plastic hangers. For example, New York City's recycling program includes all rigid plastics, such as hangers.
Donate or Reuse
If you're unable to recycle plastic hangers through your local program, consider donating them to thrift stores, charity organisations, or homeless shelters. Workers at dry cleaning stores are always in need of hangers for clean clothes, so they will gladly take them off your hands. You can also try posting on local Facebook "free" groups or giving them to friends and family who may need them. By extending the lifespan of these hangers, you're preventing waste and promoting reuse.
Support Sustainable Alternatives
Another way to encourage the recycling of plastic hangers into new products is to support companies that are committed to sustainability. Some companies, like Arch and Hook, produce sustainable hangers made from certified wood, upcycled ocean-bound plastics, or other recycled plastics. By supporting these businesses, you're sending a message to the fashion industry that single-use plastic hangers should be phased out.
Closed-Loop Manufacturing
Some companies have implemented closed-loop manufacturing systems, where they reuse garment hangers multiple times before repairing or grinding down broken hangers to make new ones. This process ensures that plastic hangers are continuously recycled into new products within a closed loop, reducing waste and the need for new resources.
Retailer Responsibility
Passing the responsibility from consumers to retailers is another effective way to ensure plastic hangers are recycled into new products. Retailers can implement systems to collect hangers at the point of purchase, preventing customers from taking hangers home and encouraging their return for recycling. This approach can lead to a more consistent and efficient recycling process.
While plastic hangers can be recycled into new products, it's clear that the current system has room for improvement. By taking an active role in properly disposing of or reusing plastic hangers, you're contributing to a more sustainable future and reducing the environmental impact of single-use plastics.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, plastic coat hangers are recyclable. However, many domestic plastic collection facilities are unable to handle and recycle them, so check your local recycling policy.
Before recycling, check the plastic hanger's recycling number. Usually, hangers are made of polystyrene, which has the number six as a recycling symbol. If your local community can recycle plastic hangers with number six, you'll need to remove any metal parts from the hanger before adding them to the recycling bin.
By implementing a system that uses recycled plastic for hangers, you will greatly reduce energy consumption and help divert plastic away from landfills, incineration, or ocean plastic.
