Maya Ellison
Plastic hangers are a common household item, but unlike plastic bottles and containers, they are not routinely recycled. This is because most plastic hangers are made from multiple types of plastic, including polystyrene, which is difficult to recycle. They may also contain metal parts, which can contaminate recycling batches and damage recycling machinery. As a result, plastic hangers often end up in landfills, where they can leach toxic chemicals into the soil and groundwater. However, some companies are now making sustainable hangers from recycled plastics, and consumers can also take steps to reduce, reuse, and repurpose plastic hangers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Difficulty in recycling | Plastic hangers are difficult to recycle due to their odd shape and the mix of materials they contain, including different types of plastics and metal. |
| Environmental impact | Plastic hangers often end up in landfills, where they can leach toxic chemicals like benzene and BPA into the soil and groundwater. |
| Alternatives | Consumers are encouraged to avoid plastic hangers and opt for more sustainable options, such as hangers made from recycled plastic, FSC-certified paper, bamboo, or plant-based bioplastics. |
| Consumer actions | Individuals can reduce plastic hanger waste by refusing hangers when shopping, donating hangers to thrift stores, repurposing old hangers, and supporting campaigns for sustainable alternatives. |
| Recycling programs | Certain specialized recycling programs can process plastic hangers, although these are limited. |
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What You'll Learn
Why plastic hangers are difficult to recycle
Plastic hangers are difficult to recycle because they are often made from a mix of materials, including different types of plastics and metal. This makes it challenging to separate the various components, rendering the hangers non-recyclable. The metal parts, in particular, pose a challenge as they can get caught in the machinery at recycling centers.
Most plastic hangers lack a clear recycling symbol, making it hard for consumers to identify the type of plastic they are made from. This lack of identification further complicates the recycling process, as different types of plastics require specific recycling methods.
Another issue is that many domestic plastic collection facilities are not equipped to handle and recycle plastic hangers. As a result, there is a common misconception that plastic hangers cannot be recycled at all. However, some specialized companies, like TerraCycle, focus on recycling hangers and other products like juice pouches and toothbrushes to keep plastic out of landfills.
The fashion industry contributes significantly to this waste, as an estimated 30 to 40 billion garments are imported into the US each year, with many of them coming on their own hangers. This has led to an estimated 85% of textile waste in the US ending up in landfills, along with the hangers used to display them.
To address this issue, consumers are encouraged to avoid plastic hangers altogether and opt for more sustainable alternatives made from recycled materials, FSC-certified paper, bamboo, or plant-based bioplastics. If plastic hangers are already in use, it is recommended to reuse them for as long as possible and then donate them to thrift stores or charity shops before considering disposal.
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How to dispose of plastic hangers responsibly
Plastic hangers are often made of multiple types of plastic, including plastic #6 and #7, which are difficult to recycle. They may also contain small parts made of metal, wood, or wire. As a result, most plastic hangers cannot be recycled curbside and end up in landfills, contributing to the vast amount of plastic waste on Earth.
To dispose of plastic hangers responsibly, consider the following options:
- Donate them to your local thrift or charity store if they are in good condition. Many stores will accept hangers with clothing donations, and some stores, like Target, have take-back programs where they accept their own brand of hangers back.
- Re-purpose them. There are plenty of creative ideas available online for reusing old plastic hangers, such as Pinterest projects.
- Return them to the store if they are branded. Some stores have boxes for depositing old hangers.
- Offer them to local businesses that might be able to reuse them, such as a dry cleaner or a local Lularoe consultant.
- Remove any metal parts and take them to a scrapyard for recycling.
- Dispose of them in the trash if they are broken and cannot be reused or recycled.
While these options may not be ideal, they can help to prolong the lifespan of plastic hangers and reduce the demand for new ones. Ultimately, the best way to dispose of plastic hangers responsibly is to avoid getting them in the first place and opt for more sustainable alternatives, such as hangers made from recycled materials, FSC-certified paper, bamboo, or plant-based bioplastics. You can also support campaigns, like "Show Fashion You Care," which advocates for phasing out single-use plastic hangers.
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Alternatives to plastic hangers
Plastic hangers are typically made from a mix of different plastics, which makes them hard to recycle. While a few specialist recyclers have the equipment to handle plastic hangers, most will end up in landfills or the ocean, where they can leach toxic chemicals.
So what are some alternatives to plastic hangers?
Wood
Wooden hangers are a popular alternative to plastic hangers. They are more durable and can hold heavier clothing. However, they are usually mixed with wire hooks, and the wood is often varnished, making it unsuitable for composting. To ensure your wooden hangers are eco-friendly, look for Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-certified wood, reclaimed wood, bamboo, or cork.
Recycled Plastic
Some companies are creating sustainable hangers from recycled plastic, such as upcycled ocean-bound plastics.
FSC-Certified Paper
Hangers made from FSC-certified paper are another eco-friendly alternative.
Bamboo
Bamboo hangers are a natural alternative to plastic hangers. They are completely eco-friendly and can hold light clothing.
Plant-Based Bioplastics
Hangers made from plant-based bioplastics are another sustainable option.
In addition to choosing sustainable hangers, you can also reduce waste by avoiding plastic hangers altogether. If you already have plastic hangers, reuse them as long as possible, and then consider donating them to a local thrift store or charity. You can also get creative and repurpose them for other uses.
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The environmental impact of plastic hangers
Plastic hangers have a negative environmental impact, contributing to waste and pollution. They are often discarded after use, with an estimated 85% of plastic hangers ending up in landfills, where they can take hundreds or even thousands of years to degrade. During this slow degradation process, plastic hangers release toxic chemicals, such as benzene and bisphenol-A (BPA), into the soil and groundwater, posing ecological and human health risks.
The challenge of recycling plastic hangers exacerbates their environmental impact. Most plastic hangers are made from polystyrene (plastic no. 6), which is not commonly recycled by local facilities. Additionally, many hangers contain metal parts, further complicating the recycling process as these materials need to be separated. While some local recycling centres and organisations, like TerraCycle, do accept polystyrene, plastic hangers often lack clear recycling labels, making it difficult for consumers to identify the appropriate recycling methods.
The fashion industry's demand for hangers contributes significantly to their environmental footprint. The production of 10 billion hangers annually is driven by the fast fashion industry's rapid apparel production. This massive production volume leads to substantial waste, with billions of hangers discarded each year. The environmental impact of plastic hangers is comparable to that of textile and plastic waste generated by the fashion industry.
To reduce the environmental impact of plastic hangers, consumers can take several actions. Firstly, they can avoid using single-use plastic hangers and opt for more sustainable alternatives, such as hangers made from recycled plastic, FSC-certified paper, bamboo, or plant-based bioplastics. Consumers can also extend the lifespan of hangers by reusing or repurposing them. Donating hangers to second-hand stores, schools, shelters, or hospitals is another way to prevent them from ending up in landfills. Additionally, consumers can support campaigns, like "Show Fashion You Care," that advocate for the phase-out of single-use plastic hangers.
While recycling plastic hangers is challenging, it is not impossible. Consumers can check with their local municipalities or use online tools, like the Recycling Locator, to find specialised recycling centres that accept polystyrene or mixed-material hangers. Recycling hangers can significantly reduce carbon emissions, emphasising the importance of proper disposal methods.
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How to recycle plastic hangers
Plastic hangers are often made from multiple types of plastics, including plastic #6 and #7, which makes them difficult to recycle. They also sometimes have small metal parts, which can be recycled at a scrapyard if removed. However, it is important to note that if you are unsure whether a plastic hanger can be recycled, it is safer to throw it away as it could contaminate your recycling stream and cause difficulties for the recycling facility.
To recycle plastic hangers, you can start by checking with your local recycling center or using an online recycling locator tool to see if they accept plastic hangers. Some facilities, like those in New York City and Riverside, California, accept metal hangers, so they may also take plastic ones. Certain stores, such as Target, Kohl's, and Walmart, have plastic hanger recycling programs and will take back their single-use hangers for reuse or recycling.
If you are unable to find a recycling option for your plastic hangers, there are other ways to dispose of them responsibly. You can donate them to local thrift stores or charities, give them away on platforms like Craigslist or Freecycle, or get creative and repurpose them for DIY projects. Another option is to simply continue using the hangers you already have and avoid bringing home new ones from shopping trips.
When it comes to reducing waste, it is important to consider more sustainable hanger options. These include hangers made from recycled plastic, FSC-certified paper, bamboo, or plant-based bioplastics. By choosing these eco-friendly alternatives, you can help reduce the demand for single-use plastic hangers and minimize their environmental impact.
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Frequently asked questions
No, plastic hangers cannot be recycled through conventional curbside recycling.
Plastic hangers are made up of multiple types of plastic, which makes them difficult to recycle. They also have a mix of materials, including metal clips and hooks, wood, and wire.
If your hangers are not broken, consider donating them to a local thrift or charity store. You can also give them away on Craigslist or Freecycle.
No hanger is easy to recycle. However, wood hangers tend to last the longest, which makes them a good investment.
When buying clothes at a store, ask the employee to remove the clothing from the hangers before placing them in a bag. You can also switch to using wooden hangers or hangers made from recycled plastic.
