Alexei Volkov
Inflatable pool toys are often made from plastic, specifically polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which is one of the hardest plastics to recycle. This is because PVC is designed to be strong, and this strength makes it hard to recycle. As a result, broken or unwanted pool toys often end up in landfills or the sea. However, there are several alternatives to throwing away your old pool inflatables, such as repairing, upcycling, or donating them.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic Type | Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) |
| Recycling Number | 3 |
| Recyclability | Very Hard to Recycle |
| Recycling Facilities | Very Few Facilities Accept PVC |
| Repairability | Easy to Repair |
| Upcycling | Possible |
| Donating | Possible |
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What You'll Learn
Repairing inflatables
Inflatable pool toys are made from polyvinyl chloride, or PVC, which is one of the hardest plastics to recycle. This means that, if your pool inflatable is damaged, it's better to repair it than to throw it away.
You can find inflatable pool toy repair kits at many major retailers, or you can use household items to repair punctured inflatables. First, inflate the inflatable and submerge it in water to find the puncture. Mark the spot with your finger and dry the area with a paper towel. Then, draw a small circle around the puncture with a marker pen. Cut out a small strip of strong adhesive tape, such as duct tape or brown tape, and have a second, slightly larger piece ready. Inflate the inflatable again and quickly seal the puncture with the tape. Put on some disposable gloves and use super glue to spread over the surface of the tape. Place the new patch on the temporary patch and apply pressure for a couple of minutes. Leave the inflatable to dry at room temperature, avoiding direct sunlight.
If you don't want to repair your inflatable yourself, you can contact the manufacturer to order a repair kit or ask if they can repair it for you. Some companies are also starting to offer upcycling services, creating accessories such as bags from old inflatables.
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Upcycling
While PVC pool inflatables are notoriously difficult to recycle, there are several ways to upcycle them.
Repair
If your inflatable is damaged, you can repair it using a repair kit, plastic sealant, or PVC adhesive. You can also contact the manufacturer to order a repair kit or use scraps from other inflatables made from the same material to patch the leaks.
Reuse
If you no longer want your inflatable, consider gifting it to someone else who will enjoy using it. You can list it on a site such as eBay or Freecycle, or donate it to a local charity shop.
If your inflatable is beyond repair, you can upcycle it into something new, such as a bag, pouch, or purse. Several companies, such as Ploys and Wyatt and Jack, specialize in creating accessories from old inflatables, giving them a new lease of life and preventing them from ending up in landfills.
Eco-Friendly Alternatives
When purchasing new pool inflatables, look for eco-friendly options made from easily recyclable materials such as polyethylene or thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). These materials are non-toxic, inert, and can be recycled at most facilities.
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Donating
If you have a PVC inflatable pool toy that you no longer want, consider donating it to someone else who might find it useful. This could be a friend or family member, or you could list it on a site such as eBay or Freecycle. You could also donate it to a thrift store or charity shop, where someone else might buy it.
If your inflatable pool toy is in good condition but you no longer want it, you could also sell it online. There will be people who will purchase used inflatable pool toys, especially if they are in good condition.
If your pool toy has a small tear or puncture, you could try repairing it. There are several repair kits, plastic sealants, and PVC adhesives available that can help you fix the leak. You can even call the float manufacturer and order a repair kit or use scraps from other floats made from the same material to patch the leaks.
If you are unable to donate or sell your pool toy, you could try to find a recycling centre that accepts PVC. However, this may be difficult as PVC is one of the hardest plastics to recycle due to its strength and durability. You can check the recycling number on the pool toy, which is likely to be 3, indicating that it is not accepted at most recycling facilities. You may need to call several recycling centres to find one that accepts PVC.
Remember that PVC is designed to last a long time and is waterproof, so if you are unable to donate, sell, or recycle your pool toy, you could try to upcycle it. You can use the material to make costumes, bags, or other crafts.
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Finding a recycling centre that accepts PVC
While PVC pool toys are difficult to recycle, some recycling centres do accept them. To find a recycling centre near you that can recycle PVC, you can try the following methods:
- Use an online recycling locator: Websites like Earth911.com maintain an extensive recycling database with over 100,000 listings in North America. Simply enter the material you are trying to recycle (PVC) and your zip code to find nearby options.
- Contact local recycling centres: Call or email recycling centres in your area and inquire about their acceptance of PVC materials. Ask specific questions such as whether they accept PVC with a recycling category of 3, as this is the category for PVC.
- Check with your local council: Your local council or waste management authority may provide information on specialised recycling services or facilities that can handle PVC. They may also have specific drop-off locations or programs for these items.
- Explore specialised recycling programs: Some organisations, such as Wyatt and Jack, collect old inflatables for upcycling into new products like accessories and bags. These initiatives give new life to PVC items and divert them from landfills.
- Consider repair and reuse: Before discarding, explore options to repair and reuse your PVC pool toys. Repair kits, PVC adhesives, and duct tape can extend the life of these items, reducing the need for recycling.
Remember that recycling options may vary based on your location, so it is always best to contact your local recycling centres or relevant authorities for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Eco-friendly alternatives
Pool toys made from PVC plastic are difficult to recycle and are known to be environmentally hazardous. If you're looking for eco-friendly alternatives, there are plenty of options to choose from.
Firstly, you can opt for pool toys made from recycled materials, such as Geometry Beach Towels, which are super-absorbent, quick-drying, and made from recycled materials. You can also look for pool toys made from biodegradable materials, such as bamboo fiber and cornstarch. Willow + Sim's Bamboo Kids Beach Toys are a great example of this, offering an environmentally-friendly alternative that is just as sturdy as their plastic counterparts.
Another option is to choose pool toys made from non-toxic plastics that are easier to recycle, such as polyethylene or thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). These plastics are often used in products like soda bottles and are widely accepted by recycling facilities.
If you're looking for something unique, you might consider pool toys made from bioplastics. One example is the Bat Ray bioplastic pool toy, a 3D-modelled toy designed to be soft, flexible, and safe for children, containing no toxic chemicals.
Lastly, consider pool toys made from upcycled materials. Companies like Wyatt and Jack, and Ploys – Creative Concepts in Disguise, specialize in transforming old inflatable pool toys into new accessories, such as bags and purses, giving discarded plastic a new lease of life.
Remember, you can also extend the life of your current pool toys by repairing them instead of discarding them when they spring a leak.
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Frequently asked questions
Inflatable pool toys are typically made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and are not recyclable. However, some places collect old inflatables for upcycling.
PVC is one of the hardest plastics to recycle because it is designed to be strong. It is also dangerous as it contains chlorine and heavy metals.
You can find a recycling centre that accepts PVC products. You can also upcycle, repair, or donate your pool toys.
First, find the hole by immersing the inflatable in water and looking for escaping bubbles. Dry the float and inflate it. Cover the hole with duct tape, then cut a larger piece of duct tape or a PVC patch, cover it with glue, and press it over the first piece of duct tape.
If you no longer want your pool, consider giving it away to someone who can use it or donating it to charity. You can also repurpose it, for example, by turning it into a sandbox.
