Sofia Martinez
Plastic gift cards are made from polyvinyl chloride, also known as PVC, which is a known human carcinogen. Although PVC can be recycled, it requires a unique recycling process, and not all recycling centres are equipped to handle it. Many curbside recycling programs will not accept PVC, and there are a limited number of facilities that can process it. However, there are several options for recycling plastic gift cards, such as sending them to specialist recyclers like Terracycle and Earthworks Systems, or returning them to retailers that collect used gift cards for recycling. Some stores also offer rechargeable gift cards, which can be reloaded and reused. Additionally, crafty individuals can upcycle their gift cards into various projects, such as bookmarks or DIY stencils.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Material | Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) |
| Plastic Type | #3 |
| Recyclability | Recyclable but requires a unique recycling process |
| Disposal Options | Sending to specialist recyclers, in-store collection points, retailer mail-in programs, upcycling |
| Eco-friendly Alternatives | Refillable/rechargeable cards, paper gift cards, e-gift cards |
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What You'll Learn
Retailers that recycle gift cards
Plastic gift cards are made from polyvinyl chloride, also known as PVC, which requires a unique recycling process. Many recycling centers are not equipped to handle this process, but there are still several ways to recycle your gift cards.
Some retailers collect used gift cards and send them to recycling centers that handle PVC recycling. For example, Macy's will take gift cards at the register and put them in a special bin for recycling. Best Buy has recycling kiosks inside each of its retail store locations where you can drop off gift cards at no charge. Other retailers that offer similar programs include:
- Walmart
- Starbucks
- Kroger
- The Gap
Additionally, some stores offer collection points for recycling gift cards from any brand or retailer, not just their own. So, the next time you're at a store, it's worth asking if they have a gift card recycling program.
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Online recycling search tools
Plastic gift cards are made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a plastic resin that is not widely recycled. However, there are some online recycling search tools and options to consider if you want to recycle your old gift cards.
Firstly, you can check if your local transfer station accepts PVC cards. Although they cannot be placed in most curbside recycling bins, some local transfer stations may accept them. You can use an online recycling search tool like Earth911, which allows you to search for local recycling options by adding your ZIP code.
Another option is to send your plastic gift cards to a recycling company that specializes in PVC recycling, such as EarthWorks System LLC. They accept various plastic cards, including gift cards, credit cards, and ID cards, and they work to reduce the amount of PVC material ending up in landfills. You can mail your cards to their address: Earthworks c/o Halprin Ind., 25840 Miles Rd., Bedford, OH 44146.
Additionally, TerraCycle is a company that offers paid mail-in programs specifically for PVC cards. They provide pre-paid boxes on their website, and you can purchase either the Plastic Cards Zero Waste Pouch or the Plastic Cards Zero Waste Box to send in your cards for recycling.
If you're feeling creative, you can also upcycle your plastic gift cards into new items. For example, you can use them to create jewelry, picture frames, or even guitar picks. Upcycling is a fun and eco-friendly way to give your old gift cards a new purpose instead of throwing them away.
Lastly, some online tools help you find specific types of recycling facilities in your area. For instance, "Find a Composter" offers a searchable database to locate municipal composting facilities nationwide, and Eco-Cycle, based in Boulder, CO, accepts all compost materials at their CHARM facility. Similarly, "Find a Foam Recycler" on Plastic Loose Fill Producers Council's website can help you locate a drop-off site for foam packing materials.
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Eco-friendly alternatives to plastic gift cards
Plastic gift cards are made from polyvinyl chloride, also known as PVC, which is a known human carcinogen. It is one of the most difficult plastics to recycle, and many curbside programs do not accept it. However, there are some recycling centers that allow you to send in your plastic gift cards for recycling. For example, Terracycle breaks down the plastic cards to create new plastic products.
Rechargeable Gift Cards
Some companies offer rechargeable gift cards that can be reloaded at any time. This way, the recipient can continue using the same card instead of throwing it away and getting a new one. Examples of companies that allow you to recharge gift cards include Walmart and Starbucks.
Paper Gift Certificates
If the store offers paper gift certificates instead of plastic cards, opt for those. Paper certificates are easier to recycle than plastic ones and have less environmental impact. You can also purchase custom-printed paper cards with specialized coated paper that has the same dimensions and thickness as a plastic gift card. However, it's important to look for paper that is labeled "100% post-consumer recycled content" or has a processed chlorine-free label.
Biodegradable Cards
Some companies offer gift cards made from biodegradable materials. For example, NatureWorks LLC produces corn-based cards that will eventually break down in some composting systems. These cards have fewer environmental impacts and are a more sustainable alternative to plastic.
Electronic Gift Cards
Instead of a physical gift card, consider giving an electronic gift certificate. Many retailers, such as Sephora, iTunes, and Amazon, offer e-gift cards that can be purchased online and sent to the recipient's email address. This option reduces the need for any physical material and eliminates the potential waste associated with plastic gift cards.
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Reusing gift cards for craft projects
Plastic gift cards are made from polyvinyl chloride, also known as PVC, which is a known human carcinogen. They require a unique recycling process, and many recycling centers are not equipped to handle this. However, you can reuse gift cards for craft projects. Here are some ideas:
Gift Tags
Cut down the gift cards to smaller sizes and glue paper on the back to cover the barcode and writing. You can also cut out note cards to the size of a gift card and glue it to the card for added sturdiness.
Earrings
You can cut gift cards into different shapes and sizes to make cute earrings. For instance, you can pair them with old buttons or strings to make unique jewelry.
Bracelets
You can cut and mold gift cards into beautiful bracelets. You can also include a matching gift card for the recipient to use.
Guitar Picks
You can get punches that turn gift cards into guitar picks.
Rulers
You can mark measurements on a gift card and use it as a small ruler for craft projects.
Scrapers
Gift cards can be used as emergency windshield scrapers to get frost off your car.
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Mailing gift cards to specialist recyclers
Plastic gift cards are made from polyvinyl chloride, also known as PVC, which is a known human carcinogen. As a result, it is one of the most difficult plastics to recycle. Many curbside recycling programs will not accept PVC, and only a limited number of facilities are equipped to process it.
However, you can still send your plastic gift cards to specialist recyclers via mail. Some companies that accept old gift cards for recycling include Earthworks Systems and Terracycle. Earthworks Systems manufactures gift cards from 100% recycled PVC and will accept old cards for recycling. To recycle your cards with Earthworks, fill out the registration form on their website and a representative will email you the necessary information. The only cost to you is the price of mailing the cards to their facility.
Similarly, Terracycle has created a zero-waste solution for all your plastic cards. They accept any wallet-sized flexible plastic material, typically used for identification or commercial transactions, and recycle them into slightly more eco-friendly plastics.
Before mailing your gift cards to a specialist recycler, you can also check with your local store to see if they have a gift card drop-off point. Many major retailers will collect used gift cards in-store and send them to recyclers in batches, which is more environmentally friendly than sending a single gift card through the mail.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic gift cards are made from high-quality polyvinyl chloride, also known as PVC.
Plastic gift cards cannot be recycled through your household recycling service. You can send them to a specialist recycler, such as Terracycle or Earthworks Systems, which can be done through mail-in programs. Many big-name retailers also have gift card collection points in-store, so make sure to ask the retailer when buying a gift card.
Eco-friendly alternatives to plastic gift cards include paper gift certificates, digital gift cards, and rechargeable gift cards.
If you're feeling crafty, you can repurpose your plastic gift cards into bookmarks, stencils, or a mosaic.
