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Shoes
Accepted at 3 locations
Footwear items made from mixed materials including rubber, foam, fabric, leather, and plastic that can be recycled through specialized programs but not in curbside bins.
Material Details
Parent material: Textiles
Accepted Locations

Last updated on June 5, 2026 by Green Star GM

Last updated on June 15, 2026 by Green Star GM
Last updated on June 15, 2026 by Green Star GM
About Shoes
What it is
Shoes are constructed from synthetic materials, including rubber, plastic, and foam that make them unsuitable for standard curbside recycling. EPA estimated that the recycling rate for textiles in clothing and footwear was 13 percent in 2018. Shoes are made from mixed materials (rubber, fabric, leather, foam), so they require specialized recycling programs.
How it’s recycled
The different components that make up a shoe – like rubber, foam and plastic – are separated by machines using heat and friction. Those materials are then shredded into small pieces, before being separated out by type, and then refined into recycled materials ready for reuse. The foam, rubber and textile granules are then sold to manufacturers to be made back into items such as shoe parts, yoga mats, or flooring for playgrounds and outdoor sports centers.
How to prepare it
Clean the shoes by removing any dirt or debris, as this helps recycling programs process the materials more efficiently. Tie the laces together or use a rubber band to keep the pair together to prevent the shoes from getting separated during the recycling process.
Common mistakes
Because most shoes are created from several materials melded together, standard recycling facilities aren't equipped to handle them. Tossing them in the recycling bin qualifies as wishcycling: a well-intentioned behavior that hampers effective recycling processes. Such contamination may lead to entire bins of otherwise perfectly recyclable goods being thrown away.
Environmental impact
With over 20 billion shoes manufactured annually, the production process emits significant amounts of carbon dioxide, contributing to 1.4% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Fashion for Good reports that around 95% of used footwear goes to landfill or incineration. Shoes end up in landfills—taking up to 40 years to decompose and potentially leaking harmful chemicals into the soil.
Did you know?
A typical pair of running shoes generates approximately 13.6 kilograms of CO2 emissions.
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Last updated on June 15, 2026 by Green Star GM
Last updated on June 15, 2026 by Green Star GM
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Last updated on June 5, 2026 by Green Star GM
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The FNSB Central Recycling Facility (CRF) is a service for FNSB residents and businesses / organizations only. Unlike the landfill, there is no provision for "out of borough" collection. Residents and businesses…
Last updated on June 15, 2026 by Green Star GM
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Last updated on June 16, 2026 by Green Star GM
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See FNSB documents for accepted items and fees
Last updated on June 9, 2026 by Green Star GM
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See FNSB documents for accepted items and fees
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See FNSB documents for accepted items and fees
Last updated on June 9, 2026 by Green Star GM
See FNSB documents for accepted items and fees
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See FNSB documents for accepted items and fees
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Acceptable items: Clean Clothing Linens and towels Clothing accessories: belts, ties, scarves, hats Small appliances Clean shoes, boots, sandals, etc. Vehicles with titles Toys, games, puzzles Eye glasses Books, DVD'S, VHS's, Cassette…
Last updated on June 15, 2026 by Green Star GM
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