Sofia Martinez
Plastic hangers are a single-use plastic item that often ends up in landfills. With most recycling centres not accepting them due to the mix of materials they contain, it is important to know how to properly dispose of them. This paragraph will discuss ways to recycle plastic hangers, including upcycling, donating, and repurposing, to ensure they stay out of landfills and reduce waste.
How to recycle plastic hangers
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Types of plastic hangers | Tube-type (completely plastic) and retail stores (made of both plastic and metal) |
| Plastic hangers recycling symbol | Number 6 or 7 |
| Plastic hangers material | Polystyrene or Styrofoam |
| Plastic hangers recyclability | Difficult to recycle |
| Alternative recycling options | TerraCycle, donation to thrift stores, dry cleaners, schools, day care centers |
| Alternative reuse options | Repurpose broken hangers, upcycling, Pinterest projects |
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What You'll Learn
How to identify recyclable plastic hangers
Plastic hangers are recyclable, but they are not always recycled due to various reasons. The majority of plastic hangers end up in landfills because recycling centres are unable to handle and recycle them. Plastic hangers are made of polystyrene, which has the number six as a recycling symbol. This type of plastic is very challenging to recycle because it is bulky and not widely recycled.
To identify recyclable plastic hangers, you should first check if your local recycling program accepts plastic hangers. Most plastic hangers do not have a recycling symbol, but if they do, it will likely be the number six. If your local recycling program accepts number six plastics, you can recycle your plastic hangers by removing any metal parts with pliers and placing them in your recycling bin.
If your local recycling program does not accept plastic hangers, you have several other options for disposing of them sustainably. You can donate them to local thrift stores, charity stores, homeless shelters, nursing homes, or theatres for costumes. Some retailers, such as Target, have individual recycling programs for the hangers they use and will accept unwanted hangers for reuse or recycling. You can also try posting them for free on websites like FreeCycle or repurposing them for creative projects at home.
It is important to note that the best way to reduce waste from plastic hangers is to avoid getting them in the first place. When buying clothes, you can ask the sales clerk to remove the hangers before placing the clothes in a bag. You can also support companies that use sustainable hangers made from certified wood, upcycled ocean-bound plastics, or other recycled materials.
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How to recycle plastic hangers with metal parts
Plastic hangers are difficult to recycle because they are often made with multiple types of plastics that cannot be easily separated. Additionally, metal parts or clips on the hangers can make them challenging to recycle. While it is not easy for consumers to recycle plastic hangers, there are a few options to consider:
Firstly, you can check with your local municipality or recycling center to see if they accept plastic hangers with metal parts. Some centers may be equipped to handle these types of hangers, but they are relatively few and far between. Alternatively, you can try removing the metal parts from the plastic hangers and recycling the plastic portion separately. However, this may not be feasible, depending on the design of the hanger.
If you are unable to recycle the hangers, you can consider donating them to local thrift shops or consignment stores, such as Habitat for Humanity "ReStore". These stores often accept plastic hangers for reuse. You can also offer them to friends, family, or neighbours who may need them. Another option is to get creative and find new purposes for your plastic hangers, such as using them for crafts or other household projects.
Remember, sustainable living is not just about recycling but also about reducing waste and reusing items whenever possible. By prolonging the use of the hangers you already have and being mindful of accepting new hangers from stores, you can help reduce the number of plastic hangers that end up in landfills.
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How to repurpose broken plastic hangers
Plastic hangers are not environmentally friendly, and most recycling centers do not accept them. However, there are several ways to repurpose broken plastic hangers. Here are some ideas:
In the Garden
Use broken plastic hangers in your garden to protect plants from frost or as markers for garden rows. You can also use them as inserts in the soil of potted plants to help get water or nutrients down to the roots.
DIY Crafts
Get creative and turn your broken plastic hangers into something new! Instagram user @tidywithspark suggests using tape and curtain rings with clips to hold hats, scarves, belts, and bags. Alternatively, bend your hangers into fun shapes, such as Easter eggs, flowers, or the sun.
Laptop Stand
Create a makeshift laptop stand by taking a plastic hanger with clips and attaching the left end of the hanger to your laptop screen's rim. Use the right-side clip to hang notes.
Paper Towel Dispenser
Take a broken plastic hanger and stretch the broken side enough to slide a paper towel roll through it. Glue or duct tape the broken ends together for extra support.
Non-Slip Hangers
Instead of buying new non-slip hangers, repurpose your old plastic ones. Use a glue gun to create a zigzag line along the left side of the hanger and repeat the process on the right side. Let the glue dry completely before using.
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How to donate plastic hangers
Plastic hangers are often made from a mixture of plastic resins, making them difficult to recycle. However, if you have unwanted plastic hangers, there are several ways to donate them.
First, you can contact local dry cleaners as most dry cleaners reuse plastic hangers and accept donations. You can also ask area schools and day care centers if they need extra hangers. Another option is to donate clothing that is on plastic hangers. Most thrift stores will take the hangers if you are donating clothes. You can also bring plastic hangers to your workplace if there seems to be a shortage.
If you are unable to donate your plastic hangers, you may be able to recycle them. First, check your hangers for a recycling symbol or number. Most plastic portions of retail hangers are made of polystyrene, which is recycling symbol number six. If your local recycling program accepts plastics with the number six symbol, you can recycle your hangers after removing any metal parts with pliers. Be aware that your hanger may still end up in a landfill if your recycling district cannot recycle it.
To avoid this, you can use a company like TerraCycle, which upcycles and recycles hangers, keeping them out of landfills. Alternatively, The ReCollective provides solutions for hanger reuse and recycling across the Triangle, NC, and also offers a mail-back program.
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How to avoid plastic hangers
Plastic hangers are a significant environmental concern as they are predominantly found in many homes and are hard to recycle. They are not durable, break easily, and are not easy to maintain, often requiring quick replacements. To avoid using plastic hangers, you can opt for more sustainable alternatives such as wooden hangers. Wooden hangers are made from natural substances, are biodegradable, and can be easily recycled without releasing toxic substances into the environment. They are also more durable, cost-effective, and aesthetically pleasing.
When buying new hangers, choose wooden ones that are sturdy, have a 360-degree swivel hook, and feature cut notches for various clothing items. You can purchase wooden hangers in bulk and use them for multiple purposes. Some brands, like Greenliving, design their products with natural materials, ensuring they are non-radioactive.
Additionally, you can take proactive steps to reduce your reliance on hangers, especially single-use plastic ones. Contact companies that deliver garments on plastic hangers and request that they stop using them. Some companies already have hanger drop-off boxes in their stores, which is a step in the right direction, but the best solution is to prevent the use of plastic hangers from the outset.
If you already have plastic hangers that you no longer want, consider donating them instead of discarding them. Many local dry cleaners, thrift stores, schools, and daycare centers accept donations of plastic hangers. You can also donate clothing for young children on plastic hangers or bring extra hangers to your workplace if there is a shortage.
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Frequently asked questions
Most plastic hangers are made from a mixture of plastic resins and do not have an obvious recycling number. However, most of them are made from plastic no. 6 (polystyrene) or plastic no. 7 (Styrofoam), which are difficult to recycle. If your local recycling program accepts plastic no. 6, you can remove the metal parts of the hangers and recycle the plastic. You can also use companies like TerraCycle to recycle your hangers.
You can repurpose broken plastic hangers by following this trick from Instagram user @tidywithspark. Simply slip some curtain rings with clips through the crack in the hanger and wrap a piece of tape around the broken ends. You can then use the clips to hold hats and keep them together in your closet.
If your hangers are not broken, consider donating them to your local thrift or charity store. You can also contact local dry cleaners, as they often reuse plastic hangers and accept donations.
