Omar Khalid
Plastic hangers are a common household item, but what do you do with them when they break? With the fashion industry already producing billions of plastic hangers each year, most of which end up in landfills, it's important to consider how to reuse or recycle them. While plastic hangers can't be recycled curbside, some companies have individual recycling programs, and there are many ways to repurpose broken hangers at home.
What to do with broken plastic hangers
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Repurpose | Garden stakes, markers for garden rows, poles for plants, laptop stand, drying rack for flowers, belts, scarves, ties, and light stuff, etc. |
| Donate | Local thrift stores, homeless shelters, nursing homes, or theaters |
| Give away | Buy Nothing Facebook groups, Freecycle, Craigslist |
| Recycle | Find out through the Beyond the Bin tool |
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What You'll Learn
Use them as garden row markers
If you have a garden, broken plastic hangers can be used as row markers. Cut each side of the triangle of the hanger, and you will have three markers to put in the ground per hanger. You can also use them as markers for potted plants.
To make your markers, start by cutting each side of the hanger's triangle, so you are left with three pieces. You can then attach seed paper to each piece with a string. Alternatively, you could use duct tape or glue to attach the seed paper.
If you want to get creative, you can decorate your markers by wrapping them with yarn or fabric. This will add colour and make them more visible in your garden. You could also try painting them with bright colours or patterns.
Broken plastic hangers can also be used as supports for plants. Place them in the ground near your plants, and then drape a light cover, such as a pillowcase, over the hanger. This will protect your plants from frost without putting weight on them.
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Make a laptop stand
Plastic hangers are not environmentally friendly, and billions end up in landfills each year. Consumers looking to recycle plastic hangers don't have many options, but they can try donating them to local thrift stores, homeless shelters, nursing homes, or theatres.
If you have a broken plastic hanger, you can repurpose it into a laptop stand. You will need a plastic hanger with clips. Clip the left end of the hanger to your laptop screen's rim. Use the right-side clip to hang your notes. You can also bend the hanger to prop up your laptop. You can bend the corners of the hanger perpendicular to its bottom and adjust the ends to fit your laptop snugly. You can also bend the hook of the hanger to adjust the angle of your laptop screen.
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Create a ribbon dispenser
Plastic hangers are versatile and can be repurposed into several useful tools and crafts. Here is a guide on how to create a ribbon dispenser using a broken plastic hanger:
Materials Required:
- Broken plastic hanger
- Ribbon
- Glue gun
- Hot glue/wood glue
- Yarn or scrap fabric
- Super glue
- Permanent marker
Steps to Create a Ribbon Dispenser:
Step 1: Prepare the Hanger
Firstly, ensure you have a broken plastic hanger that you can repurpose. If your hanger is intact, carefully cut it to size using a sharp utility knife and a cutting board. You can cut just below the neck of the hanger to create two hooks or cut it into smaller sections, depending on your desired design. Smooth any sharp edges with sandpaper to ensure a safe working surface.
Step 2: Assemble the Dispenser
Now, you can assemble your ribbon dispenser. If you have cut your hanger, carefully join the pieces back together securely. You can use super glue or duct tape for this step. If you want to add some colour or texture, wrap the hanger with yarn or scrap fabric.
Step 3: Attach the Ribbon
Take your ribbon and attach it to the hanger. Begin by folding the end of the ribbon over the tip of the hanger's hook and then wind the ribbon tightly and at an angle around the hook. You can secure the ribbon with a small dot of hot glue. Continue wrapping the ribbon around the rest of the hanger, adding more glue as needed. It is okay to use multiple strands of ribbon for a unique design.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Once you have wrapped the hanger to your liking, secure the end of the ribbon with another small dot of hot glue. You can also add decorations to your ribbon dispenser, such as beads or charms. Get creative and make your dispenser unique!
And there you have it! A simple and sustainable way to create a ribbon dispenser using a broken plastic hanger. This project is a great way to upcycle and reduce waste, and you can create a functional and aesthetically pleasing dispenser with just a few simple tools and materials.
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Dry flowers
Broken plastic hangers can be used for drying flowers. Here are some detailed steps for using broken plastic hangers for this purpose:
First, ensure that the broken hanger still has its hook intact. If the hanger is broken at the bottom, check that the indented part is still attached.
Next, gather your flowers. Any variety of flowers can be dried, but some popular choices include roses, lavender, and baby's breath. Cut the flowers, leaving a long enough stem to tie a knot.
Using some twine or string, tie the flowers together in a bunch. The number of flowers will depend on their size and the desired fullness of the bouquet. Leave enough space between the flowers to allow for good airflow during the drying process.
Then, hang the tied flowers upside down on the plastic hanger. Place the hanger near a window, preferably in a pantry or kitchen area, where there is good ventilation. The window will provide gentle sunlight and warmth to aid in the drying process.
It is important to allow sufficient time for the flowers to dry completely. This process can take several weeks, depending on the flower type and the humidity levels in your location. Check the flowers periodically to ensure they are drying properly and to prevent any potential mold issues.
Once the flowers are fully dried, you can remove them from the hanger and use them for decorative purposes, such as in a vase or as part of a craft project.
In addition to drying flowers, there are other creative ways to reuse broken plastic hangers. They can be used as garden row markers, supports for fragile plants, or "poles" to protect plants from frost by draping a light cover over them. You can also get creative and bend them into shapes, such as Easter eggs, flowers, or suns, for decorative purposes.
If you are unable to reuse broken plastic hangers, consider donating them to thrift stores, shelters, dry cleaners, daycare centers, or local theaters. Some companies, like Target, have recycling programs for plastic hangers, reusing and repurposing them. However, it is important to note that plastic hangers are generally difficult to recycle due to the mix of plastic types and metal parts, so they often end up in landfills, contributing to environmental concerns.
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Make non-slip hangers
If you have broken plastic hangers that are still mostly intact, you can repurpose them as non-slip hangers. Here are some ways to do this:
Using Pipe Cleaners
Take a couple of pipe cleaners and wrap them around each end of the hanger (where the shoulders of your shirts and blouses rest). You can add more pipe cleaners if you want to increase the non-slip surface.
With Yarn
If you have any leftover yarn from past projects, this is a great way to use it up. Wrap the yarn around the hanger, starting at the base of the hook and working your way through the middle. Thicker yarn works best for this method.
Hot Glue
Warm up a hot glue gun and pipe a zig-zag line of hot glue onto each end of the hanger. Allow the glue to dry completely before using the hanger. Once dry, the glue will remain slightly tacky, helping to keep your clothes in place.
Felt or Velvet Fabric
You can use a matching sheet of felt fabric or velvet to create a non-slip surface on your hangers. Cut the fabric into strips and glue them onto the hanger, following the same steps as the pipe cleaner method. If using velvet, it is recommended to buy ribbon so that the sides are already sealed and finished, and you can choose your preferred thickness.
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Frequently asked questions
Unfortunately, plastic hangers are difficult to recycle and often end up in landfills. However, you can get creative and repurpose them for various tasks around the house or garden.
Broken plastic hangers can be used as markers for garden rows, supports for plants, and poles to cover plants in the event of a late frost.
Yes, you can use broken plastic hangers for crafting. For example, you can create a scarf organiser by attaching shower curtain rings to a plastic hanger and wrapping it with yarn or scrap fabric.
Yes, you can use a plastic hanger as a makeshift stand for your laptop. Simply clip the left end of the hanger to your laptop screen's rim and use the right-side clip to hang your notes.
Although plastic hangers cannot be recycled curbside, some companies have individual recycling programs for the hangers they use. Alternatively, you can donate your broken hangers to local thrift stores, homeless shelters, nursing homes, or theatres.
