Can I Recycle My Garden Hose?
As the weather begins to turn and we find ourselves heading to the shed to pull out last years supplies, we may discover that some of our tools didn’t make it through the winter. Maybe your plastic flower pots have new cracks in them or your garden hose is worn out. You want to get rid of them, but how?
Unfortunately, there are not many eco-friendly options for garden hose removal. Although they may look like plastic, they are made up of many non-recyclable materials. Not only are they not recyclable, but hoses, much like plastic bags, cause big problems for sorting facilities across the U.S. When placed in curbside recycle carts and transported to these facilities, hoses often get lodged in trucks, wrapped around gears and get tangled in conveyor belts. This all leads to a decrease in productivity at recycling centers. Instead, garden hoses should be placed inside your regular household garbage carts for safe disposal.
Creative Ways to Re-purpose a Garden Hose:
- Handle for a Bucket: Cut a section of an old hose and slip it over the wire handle of a bucket.
- Dog Chew Toy: Cut up a hose and it becomes a perfect new toy for your furry family member.
- Doorstop: A portion of a hose is perfect to jam under a door to prop open a door or gate.
- Blade Protector: Cut a piece of your hose at the exact length of a knife or a hacksaw blade. Then slice down the hose and wrap it around the blade.
- Swing Protector: Long sections of an old hose are perfect for putting around the chains on your swings. This will prevent hands from being pinched by the chains.
Additional Outdoor Disposal Tip:
Plastic Flower Pots
Plastic flower pots are easy! While they aren’t part of your curbside recycling program, they can be recycled if you bring them to small, local garden centers! These businesses are always looking for pots to re-use for the next year. If you are unable to bring your pots to be recycled, as long as they are empty, they can be placed in your regular garbage container for removal.
Read Up on Recycling
