Unsafe to Recycle
Wire coat hangers are not safe to recycle. They can get caught in recycling equipment and cause jams, machinery damage and injuries to workers. Keep wire hangers out of your recycling.
Recycle the Paper on the Hanger
The paper or lightweight cardboard that sometimes comes on wire hangers is recyclable. The foam and yarn that can accompany wire hangers are not recyclable and should be thrown in the garbage.
Recycle the Dry Cleaning Bag
Dry cleaning bags can be recycled with plastic bags.
Ways to Reduce
Bring Your Own Hangers
When you take clothing to the dry cleaners, deliver them on your own hangers. That way, they won’t send you home with additional wire hangers.
Ways to Reuse
Return to the Dry Cleaners
Many dry cleaners are willing to take your unwanted wire hangers back and reuse them.
Donate or Give Away
Hang clothing on unwanted hangers when donating to thrift stores. Many will accept the hangers this way, though some will accept them individually as well. You can also give hangers away on Craigslist or Freecycle.
