If you’ve ever cleaned out your closet, you’ve probably ended up with a tangled pile of old hangers. Some are plastic, some wire, maybe a few wooden ones from nicer suits or coats. And then comes the inevitable question:
What should you do with all these hangers? Can they be recycled?
The short answer: it’s not as simple as dropping them in your curbside recycling bin.
Why Most Hangers Are Difficult to Recycle
Hangers are small, common items, but they pose big challenges for recycling systems.
1.Plastic Hangers
Most plastic hangers are made from mixed plastics, such as resin code #6 (polystyrene) or #7 (other/mixed plastics), and some have metal hooks.
Recycling facilities struggle with these because machines are designed for bottles and flat plastics, not irregular shapes.
As the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) notes, only 8.7% of plastic waste was recycled in 2018, and hangers are rarely part of that stream.
2.Wire Hangers
Wire hangers are technically steel and can be recycled as scrap metal.
However, their thin, hooked shape tangles in sorting machinery, which is why most curbside programs reject them.
Some cities (like New York City) allow metal hangers in recycling, but local rules vary widely.
3.Wooden Hangers
Wooden hangers are often coated with varnish or paint, and they contain metal hooks.
This combination makes them unsuitable for regular wood recycling programs.
While the wood itself can sometimes be composted or repurposed, most facilities will not accept them whole.
According to National Geographic, over 8.3 billion metric tons of plastic have been produced since the 1950s, and nearly 79% ends up in landfills or the natural environment. Something as small as a plastic hanger contributes to that problem if not handled responsibly.
Practical Ways to Handle Old Hangers
Even if most hangers can’t go into your regular recycling bin, there are plenty of ways to deal with them responsibly.
1. Reuse as Long as Possible
The most sustainable approach is simple: keep using what you already have.
Don’t throw out functional hangers just to “go green.”
Extending the life of an item reduces waste and delays the need for new production.
Avoid breaking hangers if possible, as damaged pieces are nearly impossible to recycle.
2. Donate or Give Them Away
If your hangers are still in good shape, donation is the easiest option.
Thrift stores, shelters, and community organizations often accept hangers because they need them to display clothing.
Friends, neighbors, or family may also be happy to take a bundle off your hands.
This gives the hangers a second life without sending them to a landfill.
3. Return to Dry Cleaners or Specialty Programs
Wire hangers have a natural home: dry cleaners.
Many dry cleaners will gladly take them back for reuse.
This reduces waste and saves the cleaner money.
Some large retailers, like Target, Walmart, and Kohl’s, offer rigid plastic recycling programs where single-use hangers from stores are collected and reused or recycled.
Always check with your local store first, as programs vary by location.
Commercial recycling for hangers is more common than residential options.
4. Repurpose for DIY or Home Projects
Before discarding, consider giving old hangers a creative second life (diy hangers ):
Wire hangers can be bent into plant supports, closet organizers, or craft frames like wreaths.
Plastic hangers can be cut into clips or used for garage organization.
Wooden hangers can be repurposed into hooks, racks, or upcycled home décor.
These small steps delay landfill disposal and encourage resourcefulness.
Eco-Friendly Upgrades and Sustainable Habits
While reusing and donating is the best first step, consider slowly transitioning to more sustainable hanger options:
Bamboo or wooden FSC-certified hangers for long-lasting durability
Recycled paperboard hangers, like the brand Ditto, which are 100% recyclable, compostable, and non-toxic
Metal hangers without coatings, which can be more easily recycled at end-of-life
Equally important is changing your shopping habits:
Decline free store hangers when buying clothes; let retailers reuse them.
Buy clothes without extra hangers, or remove hangers at checkout so the store can recycle them.
Replace hangers gradually rather than discarding all old ones at once—sustainability is about progress, not overnight perfection.
Key Takeaways
Most hangers cannot be placed in curbside recycling because they are mixed-material and tangle in machinery.
The best strategies are to reuse, donate, or return hangers to dry cleaners or retailer programs.
Scrap metal centers may accept wire hangers; wooden and plastic hangers are usually better repurposed or donated.
Eco-friendly hangers and mindful shopping can reduce future waste.
Sustainable living is about making small, thoughtful changes that add up over time.
Final Thoughts
Dealing with old hangers may seem like a small problem, but it reflects a larger reality: everyday household items add up in the waste stream. By reusing, donating, and making small eco-conscious choices, you keep plastic and metal out of landfills and reduce demand for new hangers.
Next time you clean your closet, think of your old hangers not as trash, but as an opportunity to practice sustainability in everyday life.
