Can You Recycle Hangers?
Although generally ignored, when it comes to wardrobe and clothing arrangement, hangers can prove quite indispensable. Over the years and through various advancements, one thing is constant: hangers never go out of style no matter how much we deny it.
Surprisingly, hangers can come from different materials. Still, the popular ones are plastic, wire, and wood. They also come from different colors and composition that adds to the aesthetics of your wardrobe.
However, your cloth hangers cannot last forever. Typically, they may either get spoilt or outlive their usefulness. Regardless, you will need to dispose of them at this point. So, have you given an afterthought to hangers and their aftermath?
Well, if you have, one thing that must have come up is recycling. You may be wondering if this common practice is also applicable to cloth hangers. And as such, you are wondering, are cloth hangers recyclable? You might even have some other questions.
We realize how mind-boggling these questions can be. As such, we will take the time to answer the questions. We will also address other similarly connected questions.
Let’s go!
Are Hangers Recyclable?
Now, to our million-dollar question, ‘are hangers recyclable?’ The answer is Yes and No. you can recycle some hangers while you will find it impossible to recycle some other hangers.
In case you are trying to process the possibility of this, Relax. We shall explain.
As we stated earlier, hangers come in various forms, sizes, and compositions. And the possibility of your hangers getting recycled largely depends on the factors above. Even more, you will have to consider the policies and prohibitions put in place by the recycling center. This is because there is a possibility that many recycling centers will not accept hangers for recycling.
What we are trying to say is that you cannot recycle all hangers. And before you know if you can recycle a hanger, you would have to consider that hanger. Also, you need to know if the recycling center can accept the hanger for recycling. Only then can you have your answer.
So, now that we have that clear, let us consider hanger types and whether you can recycle them. Let’s get right to it.
Can You Recycle Plastic Hangers?
First up are plastic hangers. And this is because they are quite popular. Now, can you recycle plastic hangers?
The answer is that it is highly unlikely that you can recycle plastic hangers. They are almost impossible to recycle. We understand this might come as a shock giving that you can recycle most plastic items.
However, this does not apply to plastic hangers. You see, some plastic hangers do not appear so. And it can be extremely difficult to identify its plastic-type. Even more, while some are purely plastic, some are metal-like. Now, it is this difficulty in knowing what type of plastics different hangers come from that makes it tricky to recycle.
However, you can derive maximum utility from your plastic hangers by reusing them. You can always donate your old plastic hangers to thrift stores for them to use.
So, you see, while you can still find some use for them when you’re done with them, sadly, when it comes to recycling, plastics hangers are a big NO.
Can You Recycle Wood Hangers?
Now, the next type of hanger is the wood hanger. So, can you also recycle them? The answer is No!
Wood hangers are quite impossible to recycle. This is because manufacturers treat the wood with varnish, among other types of finishing products. These products are non-recyclable, thus making it impossible to recycle wood hangers.
Alternatively, you can consider donating your old hangers to thrift stores or charity organizations.
Can You Put Wire Hangers in the Recycle Bin?
Moving on to our next big question, ’can you put wire hangers in the recycle bin?’
Technically, you can put your wire hangers in the recycle bin. You can put just about any item in the recycle bin. However, whether you can recycle them is yet another issue.
While you may put your wire hangers in the recycling bin, most recycling companies will not accept wire hangers as recyclable items. This is because they may get stuck on the recycling machine due to their metallic form. Even more, most recycling companies cannot handle the shape and material of wire hangers.
So, while there might have been some possibility of recycling wire hangers in your recycling bin, it has been rendered difficult due to their odd shape. Precisely, it can cause damage to the recycling equipment.
This is not to say you cannot recycle wire hangers. Although difficult, you can recycle wire hangers. They still stand a chance of getting recycled, provided you take them to a specialist dealing with scrap metal. You never can tell; some scrap recyclers might accept them.
And if they do not, you can always donate them to dry cleaners and thrift stores.
Can You Recycle Wire Hangers for Money?
By now, you know for a fact that it is possible to recycle wire hangers. Although, this largely depends on your location as well as your accessibility to scrap recyclers. Or whether the recycling centers near you have the equipment that can handle the recycling of wire hangers or not.
Put briefly, the answer to whether you can recycle wire hangers for money is Yes. It is very much possible to recycle them for money.
Some scrap metal recyclers, curbside recycling programs, and recycling centers would compensate you for bringing wire hangers to them.
However, not all recycling establishments are like this. Some would accept scrap metals without bothering to pay for them.
Regardless, you can most definitely recycle wire hangers for money. All you will need to do is find one that pays.
One thing you must note about hanger recycling is that nothing is definite. As such, before recycling, you must adequately research the recycling companies and scrap recyclers near you. And then, find out whether they accept hangers for recycling and whether they pay. Only then can you be certain of the situation.
What Can You Do with Old Metal Hangers? (Ways to Reuse)
Suppose you are not able to recycle your wire hangers. As a result of this, your old metal hangers have been lying idle and taking up space in your wardrobe.
You have been trying to develop alternatives for your old metal hangers, and you seem stuck. Well, don’t fret. We have got you covered. Here are a few things you can do with old metal hangers.
1. Plant Support
You can make use of your old metal hangers as support for your weak and feeble plants. So, in case you have a plant that is on the verge of collapsing for lack of support, your old metal hanger can be a life-saver for your plant.
2. To Make A Wreath
You can always get crafty with your old metal hangers by using them to make a wreath. All you need to do is manipulate the wire hanger into a circle or your preferred shape and then get to it.
3. Static Bond Breaker
Your old metal hangers can be quite useful in breaking a static bond. Simply run the metal hanger across two clinging pieces of clothing materials. You can as well use it for your hair.
4. Unclog A Drain
On the list of ways to reuse your old metal hangers is by unclogging a drain. Simply untighten the neck and fold the hook tighter. That way, you can create a thin snake that helps get the mud and dirt out the drainage.
5. To Skim Pool Dirt
Your old metal hangers can also be quite valuable for skimming dirt off the pool surface. You can get this done by merely shaping the hanger into a circle and passing the pantyhose over it. You can as well do the same for birdbaths and other water features.
6. Store Magazines
On the list of possible alternatives is that you can use them to store magazines. You can get this done easily done by reshaping the bottom of the hanger into a square. That way, you can have a nook to hang your magazines.
7. Roast Marshmallows
Your old metal hangers can as well prove quite useful during camping. With a twisted hanger end, you have a campfire staple perfect for roasting your marshmallows.
8. Hang Pictures
Additionally, you can make use of your old metal hangers to hang your pictures with ease. The sharp end of the twisted hanger will help you mark the wall so you can hang the frame easier and faster.
How Do You Dispose of Metal Hangers?
If you are convinced that your old metal hangers have outlived its usefulness despite all the alternatives we have provided above, then it’s okay. We will tell you how you can properly dispose of your old metal hangers.
You have a range of options available for the disposal of your metal hangers. These options are determined by whether such a metal hanger is usable or unusable. Well, here you go.
1. Donate to Charity
You can only do this if the metal hanger is usable and in proper condition. All you need do is put them in the local collection bin, over the counter, or ask the charities to come and pick them up.
2. Give Them to Your Dry Cleaner
Alternatively, you could give them out to your dry cleaner to use in their day-to-day work.
3. Take Them to Your Laundry
If you eventually decide on reusing them all by yourself, then you have the option of taking them to your local laundry for proper cleaning and use.
4. Give to Freecycle
Asides from donating to charity organizations, you can as well give it up for free on Freecycle. They guarantee the proper use of your deposit.
5. Toss Them in the Trash
Lastly, your old metal hangers might not be in reusable condition. And you are convinced that they have no value or use for them again, then you can go ahead and toss them in the trash can.
Conclusion
So long as the wardrobe arrangement is still a thing, hangers will continually be relevant. And as long as hangers are relevant, recycling of hangers will also remain an explorable option in earth management.
So, in all, we have intimated on all you need to know about the recycling of hangers and alternatives to reusing them. We have also discussed how you can dispose of them should they outlive their usefulness.
As such, it now up to you to make an informed decision on how you want to handle your hangers. However, we advise that think through all your available options and opt for one that would do the earth some good.
References:
https://www.millenniumrecycling.com/hangers-cant-go-in-the-bin/
https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/cleaning/a33369/surprising-new-uses-for-wire-hangers/
https://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/9-clever-things-you-can-do-with-a-wire-hanger-49335
