Shoe Recycling

What Is Shoe Recycling?

Last reviewed by Sarah Chen on 01 April 2026

Shoe recycling is the process of collecting and reusing old footwear materials rather than sending them to landfills. This practice significantly reduces environmental impact, with over 32 million pairs collected since Nike's Grind programme began in 1990.

Recycling shoes helps divert waste from landfills and repurposes textiles into new products like playground surfaces and gym flooring. The process doesn't generate income but can offer incentives such as discount coupons at participating retailers.

According to the UN Global E-Waste Monitor 2024, only 22.3% of e-waste was properly collected and recycled in 2022.

Where to Recycle Shoes

Shoe Recycling is accepted at several major brands' locations, including Nike stores (through the Nike Grind programme), Adidas select locations, Soles4Souls for mail-in options, Goodwill, DSW in-store collection points, and running shoe specialty stores. These services provide opportunities to responsibly dispose of old shoes.

Specific programmes like Nike's Reuse-A-Shoe initiative and Adidas' Runners programme aim to collect worn-out sneakers for recycling into new products. Each brand has its own guidelines and locations where you can drop off your used footwear.

How to Prepare Shoe for Recycling

To recycle shoes, first remove any laces or insoles that can't be reused. Clean the shoes thoroughly if they're dirty. Ensure there are no metal parts left inside as these might interfere with recycling processes. Place them in a bag or box and transport them to one of the designated drop-off points.

Some programmes like Nike Grind allow you to mail in your shoes, while others have specific collection days at their stores. Make sure to check each retailer's guidelines for precise preparation instructions.

What Is Shoe Worth?

Shoe Recycling doesn't generate monetary value; however, some brands offer discounts or coupons for trade-ins. For example, Nike gives a 10% discount on new purchases when you recycle your old shoes through the Reuse-A-Shoe programme.

Although you won't receive money from recycling shoes, participating in these programmes often rewards customers with incentives such as store credit, which encourages more people to participate in sustainable practices.

According to the Consumer Technology Association, The average US household has 21 unused electronic devices.

Environmental Impact

Shoe Recycling has a substantial environmental impact. By recycling one pair of shoes, you can save up to 1 kg of CO2 emissions and conserve around 30 litres of water compared to producing new materials from scratch. Over time, this adds up significantly when millions of pairs are recycled annually.

The global secondhand clothing market is expected to reach $197 billion by 2026 (ThredUp), indicating a growing trend towards sustainable practices in the fashion industry. Initiatives like shoe recycling contribute to reducing waste and conserving resources.

Safety and Regulations

There are no specific safety hazards associated with household quantities of shoes for recycling. However, it's important to follow manufacturer guidelines when preparing items for drop-off or mail-in programmes. For instance, removing laces and ensuring there are no metal components is important before sending in your footwear.

While Shoe Recycling doesn't have stringent legal requirements due to the nature of the materials involved, participating companies adhere to their own internal policies to ensure proper handling and processing of collected items.

Sources

• UN Global E-Waste Monitor 2024
• Consumer Technology Association