How to Recycle an Old Suitcase
You have finally decided to part ways with your old Samsonite. Over the years, streaks, scuffs and tears have accumulated on it; the update is long overdue. But before you throw that baggage in the trash, you should know that even an old suitcase is recyclable.
According to Recycle Bank , the suitcases are made from several valuable recyclable materials, including zippers, plastic handles and rubber wheels. The problem, however, is that your local curbside recycling program will likely not accept the bag as it is – you will have to disassemble it yourself and then investigate if the individual components can be recycled with your program. You are probably not going to do this.
Instead, check with your local recycler to see if they have a bulk pickup program that will offer to recycle your suitcase on your behalf. If that fails, TerraCycle , a household waste recycling program, has its own luggage and travel bag recycling program. To participate, you’ll have to pay for a box of TerraCycle to ship it (which won’t be cheap since small boxes start at around $ 89). However, according to their website , they separate metals, fibers, plastics and fabrics and recycle them for you, saving you the trouble of taking them apart yourself.
If these options don’t work, you have plenty of other simple (and cheaper) solutions to your suitcase leftovers that might even benefit. Ebags, an online suitcase retailer, recently partnered with GoodWill to accept suitcases for donations. The process is free; just print the free shipping label on their website and ship it in the box of your choice. (You will also get a $ 25 discount on your suitcase purchase from their website.) To be eligible for your bag, all wheels, handles, and zippers must be in working order to be donated so that it cannot be completely ruined. by the time you need to unload it.
Here’s another tip, courtesy of a recent Reddit thread : If your bag is still in good condition, search the internet for your nearest childcare agencies in addition to local emergency shelters. “Guests often need luggage to carry the things they have accumulated during their stay,” writes u / tradinggotits . “They also use trash bags to carry the essentials with them.” Be sure to contact them in advance and ask if they need suitcases before the trip. While you are doing this, you can also check your local Facebook groups for other organizations and nonprofits that might benefit from your used suitcase.