Continue reading to find out what’s wrong with plastic coat hangers and what you can do with them.

We frequently use plastic hangers to store and hang clothing. Everywhere you go, from department stores to retail stores to thrift shops, hangers are everywhere. In some of our closets, there are extra plastic hangers that we don’t need. Many of these plastic coat hangers end up in landfills and the trash, adding to the plastic waste problem.

But first, you must determine whether plastic hangers can be recycled before throwing them in the trash. Contrary to popular belief, plastic hangers can usually be recycled. There is a misconception that plastic hangers cannot be recycled, but this is untrue because many domestic plastic collection facilities are unable to handle and recycle plastic hangers.

Unfortunately, not all hangers can be recycled. However, hangers in good condition can be reused, either for their intended use or by tenacious artists and craftspeople. In order for you to participate in this activity, we will go over how to properly recycle plastic hangers in this article.

Can You Recycle Plastic Hangers?

We can mostly find two types of plastic hangers on the market today. At home, we frequently employ plastic-only tube hangers of this type. However, retail establishments use hangers made of both metal and plastic in addition to those made of plastic.

The majority of shoppers throw away their hangers after purchasing clothing or shoes because they don’t want to use them. Hangers from the store are unnecessary because people typically have a specific kind of hanger in their closets at home.

Instead of discarding unwanted hangers if you don’t want them in your closet, recycle them.

We turn waste materials into fresh materials and products through the recycling process. One of the best ways to repay nature for the things we owe her is to do that.

The responsibility for discarded plastic hangers should fall on retailers as well as buyers. Recycling would be done in a more effective and consistent manner as a result. Hangers are being collected at the Point-of-Purchase (POP) by some retailers who are concerned about recycling.

Customers shouldn’t take shoes or clothes hangers with them because they might discard them later. Retailers have total control over the lifecycle of plastic hangers because they are available in the store.

Recycle plastic hangers the next time you find yourself wondering if they are recyclable.

How Can You Recycle Plastic Hangers?

Plastic recycling is important because it keeps plastic products out of landfills, where they cannot biodegrade for a long time. Do not be afraid; there are numerous ways to recycle plastic hangers, whether they are new or old.

The hanger will scratch when turned inside out if any metal prongs are used on the edge. Should there be any fabric covering the clothes pins, you should cut it off. With assistance from a second person, remove the clothes pins from the rod; do not use a clothes dryer to do this.

• Cut off any metal prongs on the edge (will cause scratches)
• Unpin clothes from the rod with help from another person; do not place hangers in a clothes dryer to remove pins
• Remove as much fabric around clothespins are possible without damaging them
• Make sure there are no edges that are sharp or discolored areas that may have been overlooked when assembling plastic pieces for recycling. When handling the hanger by hand during this process, it should be light and flexible.

What to Do With Plastic Hangers?

Here are some creative uses for plastic hangers in case you have a lot of them and are stuck on what to do with them.

• Recycle (where possible): A great way to reuse materials is to participate in your local recycling community’s program for recycling plastic hangers.
• Donate: Clothes hangers can always be given to a needy person. If no one nearby requires them, you can inquire with charitable organizations.
• Reuse (upcycle): Reusing discarded items or materials can be a great way to produce something better or more valuable than the original. Your outdated plastic hangers may demonstrate this.
• Take them to dry cleaners: Hangers are a constant requirement for employees in dry cleaning facilities. They will undoubtedly be used once more if hangers are given to them.
• Give to Freecycle: The Freecycle website is a good option if you’re not sure where to donate used hangers. People who participate in that nonprofit movement give and receive things for free. Reuse is key, as is avoiding landfilling useful materials.

Creative Ways to Repurpose Your Old Hangers

Here are a few other creative ways you can use your old hangers:

• You can use old metal hangers in your garden to support flimsy plants.
• To clear clogged drains at home, use a wire hanger. To create a thin metal wire that can pass through the drainage, you simply need to fold the hook up.
• When you go camping, you can also use your old metal hangers. You can use them around your campfire to roast marshmallows.
• You could make a wreath out of your wire hanger. To create a circle, just bend the hanger. After that, you can affix some plants or flowers to the wire.
• Some of your flat shoes and flip-flops can be kept on your wire hanger. You can make creative shoe storage by simply stretching out your hanger.
• You can use your wire hanger to hold some books, magazines, or photos
• Perhaps you need to organize your tapes, threads, and ribbons. You can put them on the spools and hang them for use by using your old wire hanger.

Where to Donate Plastic Hangers?

Donating hangers is the simplest way to get rid of extra ones, as we already mentioned. You can find some suggestions for where to donate plastic hangers below if you’re having trouble deciding.

• Target (stores)

Reusing plastic hangers is something that Target stores are doing. Target will also make plastic flowerpots and other gardening supplies from recycled plastic when hangers break.

• Clothing stores

After purchasing clothing, hangers can be left behind if you don’t need them. Hangers are being returned by many stores.

• Salvation Army

Hangers are always needed by the Salvation Army. Just remember that they prefer plastic hangers and won’t take wire hangers.

Along with these options, you can donate your used hangers to a dry cleaner, a drift shop, a shelter, a nursing home, a hospital, or even a local school or daycare facility.

Can You Recycle Metal Hangers?

The good news is that metal hangers are frequently made of recyclable steel. Metal coat hangers are unfortunately not accepted by the majority of recycling facilities or curbside recycling services because they jam up the equipment. There are some places that fit this description, for instance., certain facilities in Try Riverside, California, or New York City.

Consult with your neighborhood dry cleaner as a backup plan. Metal coat hangers are frequently accepted as donations or returns. Metal hangers can be recycled at a scrapyard if all other options have been exhausted. They ought to accept it because the steel can be fully recycled.

Depending on how many you have, you might not receive much cash, but at least you can rest assured that they will be recycled.

Can You Recycle Wooden Coat Hangers?

Given the strength of their construction, wooden hangers are more likely to last longer. However, the majority of wooden hangers can’t be recycled. Usually painted or varnished, the timber has lost its usefulness as wood chips or compost.

Small parts of these hangers are frequently made of metal. On your subsequent trip to the scrap yard, you might be able to remove these items and place them with your metal recycling.

If not, you must put them in your general waste bin.

Can You Recycle Mixed Material Coat Hangers?

Sadly, a lot of coat hangers are constructed from a variety of materials. They could include wooden, plastic, or even padded models with metal frames. These are even more difficult to recycle than the majority of mixed-material items.

The metal components can be taken out and dumped at a scrapyard, but the rest must be disposed of in the regular trash.

Conclusion: Recycle Plastic Hangers

Your main query—are plastic hangers recyclable—was answered in this article. You are now aware of how to properly dispose of used hangers.

Reduce your carbon footprint and benefit the environment by recycling plastic hangers. Recycling plastic hangers can be done at home with a few easy steps.

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