Whether or not window blinds can be recycled depends on the type of material they are made from. Wood blinds, for instance, cannot be recycled because they are usually fashioned from treated wood with preservatives.
Aluminum blinds can be easily recycled and taken to a recycling centre. Similarly, fabric window coverings such as Roman shades can be donated to a clothing donation center.
Repurposed or Upcycled
There are several ways to reuse or upcycle old window blinds instead of throwing them away. First, you can use them as decorations or art around your home. Window blinds come in a variety materials including wood, aluminum and plastic. This means they can be used to create a range of projects. Wooden blinds are great for creating photo frames or decorative wall hangings. Plastic and aluminum blinds are great for making vases or lampshades. Blinds made from fabric can be turned into pillow covers or curtains.
Another way to repurpose or upcycle your old window blinds is to donate them to charity. Many charities, such as the Salvation Army accept donations of gently-used items. If you want to donate your old blinds, you can check with your local Salvation Army website to see if they have a drop-off or pickup location near you. If they do, then you can schedule a pick-up or drop-off and request a receipt for tax purposes.
You can also sell your old window blinds online on a website like Craigslist or eBay. These websites allow you to post an ad that will be seen by people in your area who are looking for the types of items you have for sale. Take good quality photos of your blinds, and set a fair price. Make sure to include details about the type of window shades cheap and any hardware that comes with them.
Many scrap metal recycling centers and furniture reuse centers will recycle your aluminum or PVC blinds. You will need to remove the cords as well as any metal hardware. You can also donate your fabric blinds to a fabric donation center or thrift store. If the fabric has mildew, is wet or has been exposed hazardous chemicals, then it is best to toss them out rather than repurpose.
If you don’t want to sell your old blinds you can give them to someone who wants to use them in an arts and craft project. Just make sure that you separate the good slats from the ones that are broken and that you don’t leave any rusty or sticky hardware behind.
Donated
Many Earth-conscious people have started donating old items such as window blinds rather than throwing them out. This not only helps them save money, but it also provides a new purpose for these blinds and allows them to serve someone else.
If your old blinds in good condition are still usable, you can donate them to a local charity. You can also take your blinds to a recycling center, like Blinds To Go(r), where they will assess the materials and recycle them accordingly. If you plan on donating your blinds, make sure that they are free of any cords or hardware and that you carefully dismantle them before handing them over for recycling. You can then separate the hardware from any remaining fabric.
You can also sell your used blinds on websites like Aptdeco which are dedicated to selling home and decor related goods. This method is great for keeping your sales local and can be much quicker than using a regular site like eBay. It’s important to remember that this method won’t allow you to reach a wide audience.
You can also contact your local recycling centers or scrap metal yards to find out if they accept window blinds. These centers can recycle aluminum and PVC window blinds, but may not accept faux wood or wood blinds. You can also donate your old blinds to a local thrift store, but this can be risky because the item may end up with someone who doesn’t need it.
If your old window blinds are in excellent condition, you can take them to a Habitat for Humanity ReStore to be sold with other building materials that support the organization. Many of these organizations will have specific guidelines, such as making sure that your blinds remain in their original packaging, and are not damaged or torn. It’s better to find a friend who will take your old blinds than to try to recycle them.
Taken to a Scrap Yard
You can recycle your old blinds if you cannot find a place to put them. Most recycling centers will be able to process the plastic, aluminum, and other materials into new products. You can also contact specialty recycling companies who specialize in specific materials such as woven wood and natural fibers.
Window blinds made of fabric can be recycled by taking them apart and donating the fabric to a clothing donation center or school program for craft projects. The hardware can be recycled at a local metal recycling center. If the fabric is in good condition, it can be used for other home decorating purposes. For example, if the blinds have full-sized slats, you can use them to level furniture or line shelves. You can also use the slats to make homemade decorations, such as bird feeders or sun catchers.
You can take blinds made from aluminum, steel and vinyl to a scrapyard. You may need to disassemble them and remove the lift cords and ladder cords before they are accepted by a scrap yard. If your blinds are in bad shape and you do not want to recycle them, you can donate them to a charity or give them to a friend.
The only type of window blinds that cannot be recycled are those made of wood. Recycling centers and construction resale shops will accept cut limbs or leftover lumber pieces. However, wooden blinds cannot be recycled if they have been painted, stained, or treated with chemicals. If your wooden blinds are still in good condition, you can give them to a friend.
The best way to determine if your blinds are recyclable is to contact a recycling company and ask about their policies. Do your research before donating any item, and especially something as large as a pair of window blinds. Most charities have guidelines that require items to be in good condition and not more than a few years old. Consider whether you will be able to receive tax credits for your donation.
Recycled
You may be able recycle a good-condition wood, plastic, or metal blind. It is best to fully dismantle the blinds before you try to recycle them because the different materials will need to be separated. The cords of an electric or motorized window blind will also need to be removed. Remove any hardware attached to the blinds. Once you have dismantled the blinds, any metals and plastics can be recycled at a local recycling center. The fabric that is on the blinds can be donated to a charity such as Goodwill, or it could be used for another purpose like a cushion cover.
The main type of window blinds that cannot be recycled are those made from wood. Wood blinds are made from wood that has been treated with preservatives. The main way that treated wood is recycled is by turning it into mulch or compost, but this can be very harmful to the environment if it leaches into the soil or water supply.
Blinds made of treated wood can sometimes be donated to a Habitat for Humanity ReStore. They can then be resold along with other building and home materials for the benefit of the organization. It is better to donate these blinds, or give them to someone in need, than to try to recycle them.
It is important to check at your local recycling center what can be recycled. Repurposing or upcycling items is better than throwing them out, as it takes less energy and resources.
If you have a pair of window blinds that are still in decent shape, but you no longer want them, consider giving them to someone who needs them instead of throwing them out. This can be a friend who is moving into their first apartment, a family member who is going off to college, or even a local homeless shelter. The key is to remember that a person’s trash is often another person’s treasure, and you never know who will be happy to receive your old blinds.