Shoes
Why recycle shoes
95% of the shoes we make end up in landfills. That's over 20 billion pairs every year. Each pair of shoes will release green house gases the equivalent of which can light a 100 watt bulb for full week.
And at the same time 300 million children globally have never owned a pair of shoes! This just doesn'r add up. This is an equation we have to be able to balance.
"What is the point of any individual action? What dent will it make?" One might conclude it is so insignificant, that it is not worth the effort. But the outcome of collective inaction is not in doubt. Somewhat like voting in a democracy.
How to recycle shoes
Our extended definition of "Recycle" includes the idea of keeping clothes in circulation longer, through repair, reuse, donation or reselling. Recycling shoes is inefficient and inadequate even in the most conducive of circumstances. There are over 40 different materials in most shoes that need to be separated for effective recycling. Instead, extending the life of our shoes is as good as or better than recycling, at least in the short term. It keeps them from landfills for longer and also allows time for the recycling ecosystem to get their act together.
Make money by reselling your gently used clothes, donate to those who desperately need them, prevent them from ending up in landfills.
Check out the curated list of options here. For more options see out Directory links below. Recycling options are rapidly evolving. Revisit us to the stay in touch with the latest.
Shoes By The Numbers
BY THE NUMBERS
...
7
Pairs of shoes bought on average each year by an individual American
300 million
Number of children around the world who have never owned a shoe (USAID data)
24 billion
Pairs of shoes manufactured every year
95%
Percentage of shoes that end up in landfills.
1000 years
Time takes for PVC & EVA that make up 35% of most shoes to decompose
1.4%
Total green house gas contribution from the shoe manufacturing process alone.
40
Number of different material footware could contain. If material cannot be separated they cannot be recycled.
7 days
Days a 100 watt light bulb can be lit from the CO2 your sneakers can generate
Ready?
Regardless how to choose to sell your shoes, ensure they are clean and as well presented as you can make them.
Local initiatives and neighborhood donation drives might be an effective and convenient way of donating your shoes. The list here gives you some control over the cause you want to support. Several names under the Returns listing on this page also end up donating what you send to them. We have removed several interesting listings that shut down during Covid.
If you opt for manufacturer take back programs, there is some level of greenwashing, but these and other companies are at least making the right moves. Most of them over produce, no declared plans of what they do to shoes taken back and also not everything qualifies for takeback. Separating material that goes into shoes is a complex process.
The Shoe Service Institute of America says a good pair of men's shoes can be resoled seven to the times and can last up to thirty years, while women's shoes can be resoled three to five times. Many cobblers will take on unusual repairs, like replacing the cork Birkenstocks, shampooing and reconditioning Uggs and rejuvenating your sneakers, too.
Click on the company logos to get to their websites
Kid to Kid
This chain based in Rockville, and present in multiple states and four countries takes children’s clothing, toys and equipment.
Cash on a case-by-case basis or 20 percent more in trade.
Other options
Mom and pop consignment stores.
Consignment stores could pay up to 50% of sale value.
Salvation Army
Donate your shoes for responsible distribution to the most needy. Find a drop off location near you, or a thrift store near you or schedule a free pick-up.
Pay it forward. Keep your clothes from Landfills.
Buffalo Exchange
Used-clothing chain has stores in 17 states. Walk in and a Buffalo Exchange employee will price your items on the spot.
50% of the anticipated selling price in trade or 25% in cash.
One World Running
Since 1986, One World Running has collected, washed, and sent athletic shoes, along with T-shirts, shorts, medicine, and school supplies to developing countries.
Pay it forward. Keep your shoes from Landfills.
Souls4Soles
Donation program for gently used shoes, even a shoe with a missing pair. They’ve distributed over 53 million shoes to people in need in all 50 states of the US and 127 countries worldwide.
Pay it forward. Keep your shoes from Landfills.
Plato’s closet
#1 Ranked Teen Resale Franchise – Entrepreneur Magazine. Gently used teen and young adult clothes, shoes and accessories. Current fashion sells best. No appointment necessary.
Dress for Success
Donations of gently used women’s professional attire and accessories. It accepts footwear, jewelry, accessories, scarves, handbag and such. This requires hosting a donation drive.
Their mission is to support women financially independent, professional attire being a key contributor.
Other Options
Local initiatives everywhere. Shelters, churches, and children’s homes or other foundations.
Find local organizations near you like: Room to Grow in Boston and New York, or Clothes for Kids in Lynnwood, WA.
Pay it forward. Keep your clothes from Landfills.
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