Can You Recycle Coat Hangers?

Can You Recycle Coat Hangers?

Last reviewed by James Hartley on 01 April 2026

Wire hangers can go to scrap metal. Plastic and wooden hangers aren't kerbside recyclable - donate them to charity shops or dry cleaners.

Coat hangers are a common household item. But their recycling isn't straightforward due to the variety of materials used in their construction. Wire hangers are primarily made from thin steel, which can be easily recycled as scrap metal. However, plastic and wooden coat hangers pose more challenges because they require different processing methods that aren't typically available at kerbside collection points.

According to the World Economic Forum, e-waste is the fastest-growing waste stream globally.

Why Coat Hangers Isn't Easy to Recycle

Coat hangers often consist of multiple materials like wire, wood, or plastic, making them difficult to recycle through standard processes. Wire hangers are predominantly made from steel, which can be recycled fairly easily by separating it from other metals at a scrap yard. But when you add in wooden or plastic components, the recycling process becomes more complicated.

For instance, a single coat hanger might have a wire hook and a wooden base. Separating these materials for recycling isn't something most households can do effectively. Additionally, mixed material items like this are typically rejected by kerbside collection systems due to contamination concerns, which aim to maintain the purity of recyclable streams.

How to Recycle Coat Hangers Properly

To recycle wire hangers, take them to a scrap metal recycling facility or participate in local programmes that collect and process these materials. In the UK, you can drop off wire coat hangers at sites like Resource Bureau or Recycling Plus. These companies accept various types of scrap metal and often provide collection services for bulk quantities.

In the US, Goodwill Industries offers recycling services through its Reuse & Recycle programme where they take in a variety of items including wire hangers. Another option is to look up local scrap yards listed on websites like Earth911, which can help you find nearby facilities that accept steel products.

For plastic and wooden hangers, consider donating them to charity shops or dry cleaners who might reuse them instead of throwing them away. This not only keeps these items out of landfills but also supports local businesses by providing free materials they need.

Alternatives to Throwing Coat Hangers Away

Instead of tossing coat hangers in the trash, look for ways to reuse them around your home or donate them to places that can use them. For example, you could repurpose wire hangers as makeshift hooks for hanging kitchen towels, or use plastic ones to organise cables behind entertainment systems.

Another option is to swap out single-use hangers with more durable alternatives made from materials like bamboo or recycled plastic. These options not only last longer but also reduce waste over time. Additionally, consider dropping off any unwanted hangers at charity shops, which often have a steady demand for them due to their frequent use in retail.

FAQ

Q: Can I recycle wire coat hangers with my kerbside collection? A: No, most kerbside recycling programmes don't accept mixed-material items like wire and wood. Instead, take your wire hangers to local scrap metal facilities or donate wooden and plastic ones to charities.

Q: Are there any companies that offer drop-off services for coat hangers? A: Yes, Goodwill Industries in the US offers a Reuse & Recycle programme where you can drop off various items including wire hangers. In the UK, check out local scrap yards or recycling centres listed on Earth911.

Q: What should I do with plastic and wooden coat hangers? A: Donate them to charity shops, dry cleaners, or other businesses that use these items regularly. This keeps them in circulation rather than sending them to landfills.

Sources

• World Economic Forum
• Apple Environmental Report 2024
• BankMyCell 2024