Maya Ellison
Trophies are often made of materials such as stone, marble, plastic, and metal, and they cannot be recycled with curbside waste. If you have old plastic trophies that you want to recycle, you can look for local or national trophy recycling programs. Some companies accept donations of old trophies and awards and recycle them to non-profit organizations. You can also repurpose your trophies by making them into DIY crafts, such as bookends or coat racks. If you want to recycle your trophies, make sure to contact the recycling center to find out their specific rules and any associated costs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Recycling options | Donate to a trophy recycling program; send to a recycling plant; repurpose as DIY crafts; donate to thrift stores; sell online; break down into materials and recycle |
| Cost | Some recycling programs charge a small fee |
| Shipping | Some programs accept shipped trophies, but you may have to cover the cost |
| Preparation | Remove any engraved plates you want to keep; pack trophies in boxes, bags, or containers that you don't need returned |
| Timing | Drop off trophies during the center's operational hours |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic trophies can be repurposed into DIY crafts
Plastic trophies are a great way to recognise achievements, but they can also become clutter if they are no longer wanted or needed. Instead of throwing them away, consider repurposing them into DIY crafts. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Keyrings or Bag Charms
Remove the figurine or top part of the trophy and attach a keyring or bag charm clasp. You can paint or decorate the figurine to personalise it further. These can make unique gifts for friends or family.
Paperweights
If you have a larger plastic trophy, consider filling the base with sand or small pebbles to create a paperweight. You can also paint or decorate the outside to match your office or desk aesthetic.
Home Décor
Plastic trophies can be upcycled into unique home décor items. For example, you could create a vase by removing the top part of the trophy and painting the base in your chosen colour. Alternatively, you could attach a small light or candle to the top to create a lamp or candle holder.
Garden Stakes
Turn your plastic trophies into garden stakes by attaching a long, thin piece of wood or metal to the base. You can then decorate the trophy with weather-resistant paint or sealant. These garden stakes can be used to mark plants or simply as decorative accents in your outdoor space.
DIY New Trophies
You can also use plastic trophies to create new trophies for personal events or competitions. Disassemble the old trophies and use the parts to create a unique design. You can paint or decorate the base and figurine to match the theme of your event.
Repurposing plastic trophies into DIY crafts is a creative way to reduce waste and give new life to old awards. With a bit of imagination, you can transform them into functional and decorative items for yourself or others.
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Find a recycling centre that accepts plastic trophies
If you're looking to recycle plastic trophies, one of the best ways is to find a recycling centre that accepts them. Here are some tips to help you find the right place:
Firstly, it is recommended to contact your local recycling facility to see what can be recycled in your area. They will be able to provide specific information on whether they accept plastic trophies and any requirements they may have. Some facilities may have quantity limits or specific conditions for the trophies to be recycled.
If your local recycling centre does not accept plastic trophies, you can explore other options. Some organisations, such as Total Awards & Promotions, offer trophy recycling programs. They accept donated trophies, clean, sanitise, and recycle them, or re-engrave and donate them to non-profits. You can contact similar organisations in your area to inquire about their trophy recycling initiatives.
Additionally, some local thrift stores or trophy shops may be interested in reusing or repurposing old trophies. It's worth calling around to see if they can accept your plastic trophies for recycling or if they know of any specific recycling centres that do.
When preparing your plastic trophies for recycling, ensure they are in good condition. Some centres may have guidelines regarding broken or damaged trophies, so it's important to check their requirements beforehand. You may also need to disassemble the trophies into their individual components, such as plastic, metal, and marble, and separate them accordingly before taking them to the recycling centre.
Remember to pack your trophies carefully if you need to ship them to a recycling centre. Use appropriate packaging materials, such as bubble wrap or paper, to ensure the trophies remain intact during transit. Also, retain any necessary documentation, such as a sales or invoice number, to avoid potential issues with your shipment.
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Remove any engraved plates before recycling
If you want to recycle plastic trophies, it's a good idea to remove any engraved plates before recycling. This is because the plates are often made of metal and can be recycled separately. Additionally, removing the plates can make the trophies easier to transport and store.
There are a few ways to remove engraved plates from plastic trophies. One method is to use a tool to wedge under the plate and gently pry it off. This may take some time and effort, but it can be effective. Another method is to use a solvent to dissolve the adhesive holding the plate in place. This can be done by applying the solvent to the edges of the plate and waiting for it to loosen before prying the plate off.
It's important to be careful when removing engraved plates, as they can be sharp and cause injury. It's also important to dispose of the plates properly after removal. They can often be recycled with other metals, but it's a good idea to check with your local recycling center to ensure they accept them.
Some people choose to keep the engraved plates as mementos or souvenirs. If you plan to do this, it's important to clean the plates before storing them. They can be wiped down with a mild cleaner and a soft cloth to remove any dust or residue. You can also use a soft-bristled brush to gently scrub away any stubborn dirt or adhesive residue.
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Donate trophies to be recycled for non-profit organisations
If you have plastic trophies that you no longer want, there are several ways to recycle them for non-profit organisations. Firstly, you could contact local non-profits, schools, or clubs to see if they would like the trophies for their own activities. They may be able to reuse them, especially if they are in good condition. Well-known charities like the Salvation Army and Goodwill may also take gently used trophies, but it is worth calling your local branch first to check.
Another option is to send your trophies to a dedicated trophy recycling programme, such as Total Awards & Promotions, which has been running for over 30 years. They accept old trophies, recycle them, and donate them to non-profits. They also recycle the individual components of trophies to create new ones, which they sell to keep the programme running. You can ship your trophies to them, but you will need to pay for this yourself. Alternatively, you can drop them off for free from Monday to Friday.
There are also other organisations that run similar programmes, such as AwardsMall.com, which has been running for 30 years and charges a recycling fee. They accept gently used trophies, awards, and medals, and either donate them to non-profits or recycle the parts. They specify that they do not accept trophies with yellowed plastic bases, broken parts, or water damage. You can contact them to see if they have a drop-off location in your area.
Finally, you could try calling your local trophy shop to see if they can reuse the trophies or know of any local organisations that need them.
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Sell old plastic trophies online
If you're looking to sell your old plastic trophies online, there are a few options you can consider. Firstly, determine the condition of your trophies. If they are in good, usable condition, you can look into selling them on websites like eBay or Etsy. Set a symbolic price to cover shipping costs, and consider allowing local pickup to avoid shipping charges.
You can also explore selling your trophies to trophy companies that recycle old trophies. Websites like AwardMall and Total Awards & Promotions offer trophy recycling programs. These companies may charge a recycling fee, but they will ensure your trophies are reused, re-gifted, or recycled responsibly. Contact them directly to understand their specific requirements and restrictions, as some may not accept broken or damaged trophies.
Another option is to get creative and repurpose your trophies before selling them. For example, you could turn them into coat racks, kitchen utensil holders, or cupcake stands. These upcycled items may appeal to a niche market and could be sold on platforms like Etsy, which cater to unique, handcrafted goods.
Lastly, consider donating your trophies to non-profit organizations or charities. While you won't make a monetary profit, you'll be contributing to a good cause. Organizations like the Salvation Army and Goodwill may accept gently used trophies, and some non-profits or schools might find them useful for their own activities.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to recycle plastic trophies. You can repurpose them into DIY crafts, such as bookends or coat racks, or donate them to organisations that recycle trophies for non-profits. You can also contact your local recycling facility to see if they accept plastic trophies, or search online for local or national trophy recycling programs.
Total Awards & Promotions and Lamb Awards are two examples of organisations that recycle trophies for non-profits. Lamb Awards also breaks down trophies for parts.
If you want to keep any engraved plates, be sure to remove them before sending in your trophies. Most engraved plates are attached with small screws, so you can use a small screwdriver to unscrew them. Additionally, pack your trophies with care using bubble wrap or paper to ensure they can be reused.
Some recycling centres charge a small recycling fee, typically around $1 per trophy, but it can vary depending on the centre.
Yes, you can consider repurposing your trophies or donating them to local thrift stores, artists, or organisations that may be able to reuse them. You can also sell them on platforms like eBay or Etsy for a symbolic price to cover shipping costs.
