Where Do You Throw Your Used Shoes?

When our shoes reach the end of the line, the question that arises spontaneously is: where do you throw your used shoes?

The answer is in the dry residue or in the undifferentiated. But is it really that easy? Let’s make some considerations. Surely the most sustainable solution is to recycle or reuse our shoes rather than throw them away, generating further waste. This is not always possible, however, the state of the shoe must be considered. So let’s proceed step by step and see the possible solutions.

WHY RECYCLE SHOES?

There are many positives to recycling your old shoes. Whether they are heels, sneakers, or ankle boots, once you stop wearing them you can:

Reduce landfill waste
Decrease your carbon footprint (i.e. the number of greenhouse gases you emit into the atmosphere)
Do a good deed by giving to those most in need
Giving new life to an object now considered finished

HOW TO RECYCLE SHOES

Shoes can be recycled in several ways. An interesting project is a Reuse a Shoe proposed by Nike: if you have a pair of running shoes or sports sneakers of any brand that you no longer wear, you can take them to one of the Nike bins scattered in the main Italian cities. The shoes will then be transferred to a collection center where they will be shredded and, together with other materials, will go to create brand new shoes.

Another similar project is offered by Esosport which, in addition to shoes, also recycles other sports materials. You can find more information on the dedicated page. Another option is to inquire locally: try to contact your municipality to find out if there are any recovery projects.

RESELL USED SHOES

Have you stopped wearing a pair of shoes because you don’t like them or they don’t fit you anymore? If you don’t want to try one of the ways to make your shoes bigger, you can simply try selling them.

It is an option that certainly requires more time and effort, but it could bring you a little extra income that will amortize the purchase of a new pair of shoes. We recommend that you clean your shoes carefully and carry out a little maintenance (for example, changing the laces) before trying this route.

But where to sell used shoes? Surely the best option is eBay or the Facebook marketplace. Just take a few photos (with good light and a steady hand) and proceed with the publication of the ad. However, this often means having to ship the shoes and a series of complications that follow.

The most painless option is therefore to take the shoes to a flea market to a vintage shop. The margin will certainly be lower but you won’t have to worry about anything else anymore.

HOW TO DONATE USED SHOES

If the shoes are still in good condition, a more noble alternative is to donate them. Here, too, it will be enough to clean the shoes, close them carefully in an envelope and go to one of the many yellow bins of the Caritas Diocesana. Alternatively, you can go directly to the parish to make the donation. But to whom do the clothes of the yellow dumpsters really go?

As reported on the Caritas Ambrosiana website, the donated clothing drastically exceeds the needs of the needy. The surpluses are in fact resold to specialized companies and the proceeds are then reinvested in other common solidarity projects. We can, therefore, rest assured.