The Surprising Truth About Recycling Plastic Hangers

In the closets of our homes, there lives an army of silent helpers – plastic hangers. These simple, unassuming tools have long played a vital role in keeping our garments organized and wrinkle-free. However, beneath their useful exterior lies a deeper narrative that intertwines with the global tale of plastic waste and recycling. As consumers grow increasingly conscious of their environmental footprint, questions arise about the fate of these plastic allies, leading us to ponder, “Are plastic hangers recyclable?” Are these heroes of convenience destined to become villains of sustainability, or can they be redeemed through the magic of recycling?

The Reality of Plastic Hanger Recycling

While plastic clothes hangers are a common sight in closets, their journey towards recycling is not straightforward. Most are made of types of plastics like polystyrene (PS) or polycarbonate (PC), which are rarely recycled. The EPA reports that a mere 8.7% of all plastic waste was recycled in the U.S. in 2017.¹ The recycling process for these materials is complex due to the different materials involved, such as metal hooks in hangers, which complicates their path in the recycling system.

Environmental Concerns of Plastic Hangers

About 100 million plastic hangers end up in landfills annually.² These discarded plastic coat hangers have a negative environmental impact, often releasing toxic chemicals as they degrade.

In landfills, plastic hangers contribute to the growing problem of plastic pollution. Due to their durability and resistance to degradation, they take hundreds of years to break down.

During this process, they fragment into smaller pieces, known as microplastics, which pose a significant threat to terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.

They also release harmful chemicals like phthalates, bisphenol A (BPA), and other additives used during manufacturing.³ When these chemicals leach into the soil and groundwater, they can harm wildlife and potentially contaminate our water sources, posing health risks to humans.

The production and disposal of plastic hangers also contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. The manufacturing process is energy-intensive, often relying on fossil fuels, which leads to the release of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases.⁴ When discarded in landfills, plastic waste can generate methane, a potent greenhouse gas, further exacerbating climate change.

Finally, discarded hangers threaten wildlife, particularly those that find their way into natural habitats. Animals can become entangled in hangers, and smaller pieces of broken plastic can be ingested, leading to internal injuries or death.

Are Plastic Hangers Recyclable?

Curbside collection programs typically do not accept plastic hangers. The structure and size of hangers, especially those with metal hooks, can damage recycling center machinery.⁵ Also, the mixed materials in hangers – including plastics of varying densities and embedded scrap metal – make them incompatible with standard processing equipment. However, there are creative ways to address this issue.

What To Do With Old Plastic Hangers

When faced with old plastic hangers that can’t be recycled through your local recycling program, there are several creative and eco-friendly alternatives to consider:

Donate to Local Thrift Stores or Charities: Some thrift stores and charities accept plastic hangers (and wooden or metal hangers) for reuse. They can use or distribute them in their stores to those in need.
Check with Your Local Dry Cleaner or Retail Stores: Some dry cleaners and clothing stores might have take-back programs and accept hangers for reuse. It’s a sustainable way for them to reduce costs and minimize waste.
Repurpose or Upcycle: Get creative and repurpose old hangers into useful items:
- Plastic hangers can be transformed into book/magazine holders or frames for garden vine plants.
- Old hangers can neatly organize cables or cords. Coil the cable and use the hanger as a holder.
- Plastic hangers can be repurposed in garages or workshops to hang tools, wires, or other equipment.
Community Centers or Schools: Schools, community centers, or local theater groups might need plastic or old wire hangers to organize costumes or art projects.
Offer to Friends or Family: Sometimes, friends, family members, or neighbors might find a use for these hangers, especially if they are moving or organizing their homes.
Online Giveaway Platforms: Use websites or apps like Freecycle, Craigslist, or Facebook Marketplace to give away hangers to people in your community.
Garage Sales: If you’re planning a garage sale, offer the hangers for free or a nominal price to shoppers purchasing clothing items.

Future Consumer Choices

Consumers can opt for wire clothes hangers or wood hangers, which generally have less environmental impact due to their recyclability and absence of hazardous waste concerns. Sustainable hangers from natural resources also offer an eco-friendly alternative to new hangers made from virgin plastic.

Though plastic hangers are generally not recyclable, the proper disposal of unwanted hangers is a small yet impactful step in our environmental stewardship. They require thoughtful consideration to avoid ending up in the regular trash. By exploring options to donate or upcycle plastic hangers, we ensure a proper disposal method for our hangers and contribute to a broader effort to minimize waste.

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