Recycle Shoes for Good
When you recycle shoes, you are making the world better in so many ways. Did you know that the US alone dumps around 300 million pairs of shoes annually into a landfill? That’s right! Not a recycling bin but a landfill. In spite of the fact that 1 in 7 children in the US does not have adequate footwear. That’s where recycling or donating your shoes comes into play.
Donate To A Charity
When donating shoes to a charity, we recommend that you only donate unused or gently worn shoes. I’m sure you have them. Shoes still in the box that you never really liked. Or, the ones you bought for your child that they never did wear. Whatever the reason is that leaves you with extra shoes, there are several reputable charities just for shoes!
- Souls4Soles (DSW Shoes Drop Off Sites)
- Shoes That Fit
- be.cause International
- Got Sneakers
Even better, if you’ve recently bought new shoes, here is a way to recycle that old box. Simply go to Operation Christmas Child and follow their instructions to fill your old shoe boxes with gifts for kids. Then drop it off at one of their collection sites during the month of November (Dates change each year). Some people fill shoe boxes all year long. You can too.
Consignment Shop for Shoes
There are local consignment shops out there just for shoes. Or you could visit an online site like Poshmark or Thredup. These stores offer you a small return when an item is sold. If the item can’t be sold, they will usually give you the option to pick it up/mail it back, or you can choose to have them recycle it instead.
Lower The Numbers and Recycle Shoes
Just think, if each family in the US recycled just 1 pair of shoes annually, that would save 100s of millions of shoes from entering the landfill. Now consider the impact if each would recycle 2 pairs of shoes!
Depending on where you buy your shoes, they may offer their very own recycling takeback program. For example, Rothy’s offers you a $20 credit when you recycle a pair of their shoes. The top part of their shoes can be repurposed into thread. Meanwhile, the foam insoles and midsoles may show up in your carpet backing or insulation, and the rubber is often used in athletic floors.
The VANS brand of shoes will accept ANY brand of shoes in any condition for a $10 credit toward your next purchase.
