Can You Recycle Shoes?
Last updated: 4 April 2026
Can You Recycle Shoes?
Last reviewed by James Hartley on 01 April 2026
Yes. Nike Grind, Soles4Souls, and textile recycling bins accept old shoes. Wearable shoes should be donated, not binned.
Shoes are made of a variety of materials that can often be recycled, though the process is more complex than for other items like paper or plastic. Many shoes contain rubber soles, synthetic fabrics, leather, and foam padding-materials that require specific recycling methods to break down effectively.
According to the Consumer Technology Association, The average US household has 21 unused electronic devices.
Why Shoes Is Easy to Recycle
Shoes are composed primarily of rubber, plastics, and textiles, which can be broken down into reusable components through industrial processes. Nike Grind, for example, takes old shoes and converts them into material used in athletic surfaces like running tracks or playgrounds. shoes has recycled over 30 million pairs of shoes since it began its programme in 2010.How to Recycle Shoes Properly
First, check if your local community offers textile recycling bins-these accept a wide range of materials including old shoes. In the US and UK, many cities have programmes that collect textiles at kerbside or through dedicated drop-off locations. Alternatively, take them to Nike stores or send them to Soles4Souls for repurposing.Alternatives to Throwing Shoes Away
Before recycling, consider donating wearable shoes to charity shops or shelters. In the UK, organisations like The Shoe Project and local Salvation Army branches accept donations year-round. For those in the US, Goodwill also accepts shoe donations across many states. These options ensure that your old shoes can continue to serve a purpose before ending up in recycling.FAQ
Can I put shoes out with my kerbside collection?
No, most kerbside collections don't accept textiles or footwear. Instead, look for local textile bins or drop-off points specifically designed for these items.How does Nike Grind work?
Nike Grind collects old shoes, breaks them down into component materials like rubber and foam, then repurposes these materials into surfaces such as running tracks and playgrounds. Since 2010, the programme has recycled over 30 million pairs of shoes.Are there any fees for shoe recycling?
No fees are typically associated with dropping off old shoes at designated collection points or sending them to companies like Nike Grind or Soles4Souls. These services aim to make recycling accessible and easy.Sources
- Consumer Technology Association
- Counterpoint Research
- UN Global E-Waste Monitor 2024
How to Cite This Page
James Hartley (2026). 'Can You Recycle Shoes?'. eCycling Central. Available at: https://ecyclingcentral.com/guides/can-you-recycle-shoes (Accessed: 01 April 2026).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put shoes out with my kerbside collection?
No, most kerbside collections don't accept textiles or footwear. Instead, look for local textile bins or drop-off points specifically designed for these items.
How does Nike Grind work?
Nike Grind collects old shoes, breaks them down into component materials like rubber and foam, then repurposes these materials into surfaces such as running tracks and playgrounds. Since 2010, the programme has recycled over 30 million pairs of shoes.
Are there any fees for shoe recycling?
No fees are typically associated with dropping off old shoes at designated collection points or sending them to companies like Nike Grind or Soles4Souls. These services aim to make recycling accessible and easy.