Household recycling
How to Recycle Shoes
Athletic shoes, dress shoes, boots, and other footwear.
RecyclableUpdated Jun 2026
Quick answer
Yes, donate wearable shoes, and recycle worn-out pairs. Drop usable shoes at a thrift store or donation bin; for recycling, programs like Nike's Reuse-A-Shoe and many running stores grind old sneakers into track and playground surfaces rather than sending them to landfill.
- Recyclable
- Yes
How to Prepare
- 1Clean thoroughly
- 2Remove laces and insoles if required
- 3Pair shoes together
- 4Check for specialized recycling programs
