How to Recycle Vinyl Blinds

You finally upgraded your window treatments! If you replaced vinyl blinds, the only problem is how to dispose of them. They can be awkward, but more importantly, vinyl blinds should be disposed of properly. Stuffing them into a trash can is the wrong way to do it.

There is no single right answer for how to dispose of vinyl blinds because it depends on where you live and your municipality's recycling program. Unless technology changes sometime soon, it is unlikely that your town or county will accept vinyl blinds for recycling. For example, in New York City, blinds are on the "not accepted" list along with foam plastic items, printer cartridges and hardcover books. This is also true in Montgomery County, Maryland, which also does not have recycling opportunities for vinyl blinds.

So, why is it difficult to find places that will pick up your old vinyl blinds? Some experts explain that vinyl blinds contain polyvinyl chloride, a special plastic. Although you can recycle them, recycling organizations need to handle them differently because they could contaminate other materials. The best practice is to contact your local recycling center. If you search the web for "recycling centers near me," you should be able to find some that you can call. Do not pack up the blinds in your car and just drive them there; pick up the phone first and inquire.

If your vinyl blinds are in good working condition and clean, you might consider donating them to a charity, like the Salvation Army, but again, be sure to call first. Like recycling centers, many locations will not take them, but some organizations may take other blinds, like ones made from aluminum or wood. One example of an organization that accepts these is Blinds to Go through a partnership with World Vision.

World Vision is a worldwide humanitarian organization that works with children, families and communities across the globe to battle poverty and injustice. People can bring blinds into area Blinds to Go stores, and the goods are then distributed to World Vision distribution centers in places like New Orleans, Dallas, Appalachia and Los Angeles.

You can only recycle wood blinds if they have not been painted or treated in any way. You can take extra lumber to recycling centers, but that's it. Instead, think of ways to use them for projects around your house; otherwise, you will have to donate them. Aluminum blinds are usually made from recyclable aluminum, so you can take these to recycling centers or scrap metal yards in most cases. Make sure that you clean them first and call the center or yard before heading there because you may need to take the blinds apart first.

Fabric window coverings, like curtains, are easy to donate and recycle. They are often in demand at charitable organizations as long as they are in good shape, clean and free of mold and mildew. You will need to snip away the fabric from the cords and hardware for recycling centers. Alternatively, you can recycle them yourself if you're particularly creative. Think about cutting them up and making them into pillow covers, dresses for dolls and other things.