How to Recycle Shoes
Trainers, dress shoes, boots, and sandals. Graded with textiles, and worth pairing up before they leave the house.
Quick answer
Wearable shoes are wanted, so donate those first, and tie or band each pair together so they do not get separated. Worn-out pairs go to textile recycling rather than the bin, since footwear is graded alongside clothing. Athletic brands run grinding programs that turn old sneakers into sport surfaces, though these come and go, so check a specific one is still running before making the trip.
- Recycling route
- Check locally
How to Prepare
- 1Knock the dirt off and let shoes dry fully
- 2Tie laces together or band each pair, since unpaired shoes are close to worthless to a grader
- 3Donate wearable shoes to a charity shop or donation bin
- 4