How To Recycle A Tent

How To Properly Recycle Your Old Tent

It may be time for you to purchase a new tent, but one concern you may have is whether or not it is feasible to recycle your old one. When I finally wore out my first tent, the first thing that came to mind was how to properly dispose of my old tent. So, are tents a recyclable material? Tents may be recycled in a number of ways, depending on their original purpose. Tents can be donated to charitable organizations, reconditioned, or left off at most recycling sites, depending on their condition.

There are many various ways to recycle different objects in today’s world, and modern recycling is growing better all the time.

By the way, if you’re in the market for a new tent, you can check out the one I recommend on Amazon by clicking here.

Repurposing Is The Best Option

It is possible to recycle many different pieces of your old tent in order to have it continue to serve you for many more years to come. It is the act of converting an item that was originally intended for one use into something else entirely. Tents and tent hardware may be recycled in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas. Tent poles are a type of pole that is used to support a tent.

Tightly woven tent poles may be readily reused in your garden to aid in the development of plants. You may also repaint the tent poles in a more complementary hue to match the colors of your current garden
Using tent poles to build and construct your own kite is also an option. If you’re working with youngsters, this may be a lot of fun. There are several ways in which tent poles may be utilized for arts and crafts projects, depending on your level of creativity

Material for Tents Due to the high strength of tent material, it may be used to make a variety of various objects, including:

Making stuff sacks for your other camping gear
Repairing your new camping gear
And more. Preparing a tent footprint for your new camping tent. Creating some reusable shopping bags is another option. Building backpacks that are basic, yet durable
Making wallets that are basic but long-lasting

Tent StakesTent stakes can be used for a variety of purposes other than simply securing tents. Extra tent stakes can be put to good use for a number of additional purposes, including but not limited to:

Sunshades
Preventing camping chairs from toppling over in the wind
Beach umbrellas
And more. securing tarps, including tent footprints, to the ground Mats, such as shoe mats, are being staked down. Providing assistance to plants in the garden
Keep it in your possession for use with your next tent. Anything else that can be secured with a tie

Recycle Your Tent Using Online Shops

Even if you don’t want your tent, it’s possible that someone else will. Consider putting your old tent up for sale on an internet auction site where you may sell it for free or only the cost of delivery. There are a variety of places to pick from, such as eBay and Craigslist, where you can basically give away your old tent for free. In particular, if you do not wish to repurpose the tent yourself, this is a convenient option because more than likely there is someone else who would be delighted to repurpose it themselves.

Recycle Your Tent At A Yard Sale/Garage Sale

If you like to stay close to home and you have additional items you want to get rid of but don’t want to toss away, one option is to sell them out of your yard or garage, which is something many people do. Typically, the asking price is fairly cheap because your top objective would be to get rid of it yourself rather than having it thrown out completely. Hopefully, someone else will be able to use your old tent in a more creative way than you can. It’s understandable that you’d want to save money on your next trip.

However, it’s also understandable that you’d want to know if camping is a more cost-effective option than staying in a hotel. Fortunately for you, I created an entire in-depth post comparing the prices of camping with staying in a hotel room. Check it out by clicking here!

Recycle Your Tent Using A Local Recycling Center

Recycling facilities can recycle almost anything for you, and they normally do so for no charge, but occasionally they may compensate you. Although you are unlikely to be compensated for the material that your tent is made of, some recycling centers may be able to assist you in properly disposing of your old tent. This is especially important because tents are typically made of man-made materials that are difficult, if not impossible, to recycle in their entirety.

Recycle Your Tent At Thrift Shops

Thrift stores are a fantastic way to discard items that are no longer required or wanted. It is permissible to give tents to thrift shops if they are still in usable shape and in good condition. The correct disposal of unusable products is also assisted by certain thrift stores, however this is dependent on the particular group involved. If your tent is still in good condition, consider donating it to a charitable organization. Alternatively, if you believe your tent is no longer usable, you should contact the thrift shop ahead of time to see if they would accept your tent and recycle it for you; it never hurts to inquire.

Don’t Put Your Tent In Your Recycling Bin

When it comes to recycling old or unnecessary products, thrift stores are a great place to go. Providing that the tents are still in usable condition, they can be donated to resale shops. However, depending on the organization, some thrift shops may also aid in the correct disposal of non-working items. You can try donating it to a thrift shop if the tent is still in good condition. Alternatively, if you believe your tent is no longer useful, you should contact the thrift shop before of time to see if they will accept your tent and recycle it for you.

Use Your Old Tent For At Home Fun

It doesn’t really matter if your tent isn’t in great condition as long as you can clean it and get it up to par before you use it. If your tent can still be set up, it can be utilized for recreational purposes in your house. Children like fort-building, and what could be more appropriate than a tent for a fort? Putting up an old tent in your living room might be a great way to keep the kids entertained while you work on other things. When you’re camping, it’s important to keep the kids active and having a good time.

What About Recycling Other Camping Gear?

Everything that has been discussed in this article may be applied to different types of camping equipment. First, evaluate whether any of your old equipment may be converted to serve a new role for you. If that is not possible, consider if someone else could be interested in repurposing your old equipment. It is possible to sell the equipment or give it away, as well as to donate it, among other possibilities. As a last attempt, you may check with local recycling facilities to see if they can do anything to recycle the material because, sadly, most camping gear is composed of materials that are difficult to recycle.

What Camping Gear Material Is Difficult To Recycle?

Camping equipment, of course, can be built from a variety of various types of materials. There are several types of materials available for use in tents, in particular. If you are interested about the type of material your tent is constructed of, you may look for a tag that is normally situated within the tent or on its carrying bag. You might also read this post that I created, which goes into great detail on the many types of tent materials available to you. Is Nylon a Recyclable Material? Despite the fact that nylon is not biodegradable, it may be recycled.

Is Polyester a Recyclable Material?

Polyester is a man-made substance that is extremely robust and does not take nearly as much energy to manufacture as most people believe.

Is Cotton a Recyclable Material? Cotton can be recycled without a doubt; it is one of the more prevalent materials that has been proven to be recyclable over time. Every effort should be made to recycle cotton camping gear wherever possible.

Do You Really Need A New Tent?

For those who are contemplating recycling their tent due to a broken pole, a small hole, or any other type of minor damage, consider first attempting to repair your existing tent before purchasing a new one. Tents can be repaired again and over again and will endure for a long time if they are properly cared for and small faults are addressed before they become big ones, as described above. If you’re in the market for a new tent, you might be interested in learning when the best deals on tents are often available.

For more information on when is the ideal time of year to buy a new tent and how to save money on your next purchase, please click here.

My Favorite Camping Gear

The stakes, on the other hand, are re-usable. I have a collection of salvaged stakes that I use for a variety of purposes, ranging from adding extra stakes during very harsh weather to anchoring newly planted trees. If the pole pieces are in good condition, they may be able to be reused. If the containers are made of aluminum, they can very surely be recycled. If they’re made of fiberglass and in poor condition, there’s not much you can do with them. Unfortunately, most nylon or polyester textiles are not recyclable, especially when they contain waterproof coatings.

If the fabric is in very good condition, it may be repurposed for another purpose.
If the tent has been used frequently, it is likely that the majority of the fabric has been sun-rotted to some level.
Some businesses are making great attempts, while others are simply paying lip service to the issue.
Consider contacting the manufacturer and seeing what type of answer you receive.
Apparently, Patagonia attempted to recycle Capilene a few years ago, but was unable to secure enough donations of old underwear to make the initiative financially viable.

Collection of used clothes and equipment seems like something REI would be well positioned to undertake, if they could locate someone who would be interested in purchasing the items.

A-Z Recycling Guide – Tents

Our hotline is available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. If you have any questions about Zero Waste, please contact us at 303-444-6634 or [email protected]. Our administrative offices will continue to be closed to the general public. The Eco-Cycle/City of Boulder Center for Hard-to-Recycle Materials (CHaRM) is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday. CHaRM at Eco-Cycle is actively adopting COVID-19 guidelines in order to assure the safety of the public. All visitors to the CHaRM will be expected to complete the following tasks:

If you have not been completely vaccinated against COVID-19, you must wear a mask or facial covering at all times while on-site, unless you are exempt (and our staff will do the same). Individuals who have received vaccinations are expected to wear a mask or other facial covering when indoors. Keep a 6-foot spacing zone set off around the drop-off bins in mind. Unload your own vehicles (please bring assistance if necessary, since our crew has been instructed to keep a 6-foot gap between vehicles)

For a complete list of acceptable materials, as well as price information, please see theCHARM website. [email protected] for queries about materials and for information about tour opportunities Tours of the CHaRM facility are presently available.

Other News:

Take a look at our report: Recycling in Colorado is now in a state of flux. Participate in our campaign: Denver is committed to zero waste. What if you live somewhere other than Boulder County? Our Eco-Cycle Solutions Hubprovides you with the resources you need to begin your community on the path to Zero Waste. Get started today.

Sign up to receive email alerts from Eco-Cycle:

When you join up for Outside+ today, you’ll receive a $50 discount off an eligible $100 purchase at the Outside Shop, where you’ll discover a variety of brand-name goods handpicked by our gear editors. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, recyclable materials such as rubber, leather, and textiles accounted for around 11 percent (or 19.3 million tons) of the garbage disposed of in American landfills in 2015. Putting a worn-out piece of equipment in the trash and forgetting about it is simple, but the item’s usefulness does not have to end with that disposal.

Turn Tent Scraps into Backpacks

(Photo courtesy of Pitroviz/iStock). It is simple to stitch the nylon or polyester material of tent bodies to the outside of other tents or camping gear in order to repair holes or tears. You may also use it to make gym bags, supermarket bags, or wallets for yourself or your friends and family if you want to be more creative. If you’d rather to donate your tent to someone else to reuse, organizations such as Green Guru will collect donations and repurpose them into backpacks or even beer can holders for bicycles.

Punch Holes in Fuel Canisters

(Photo courtesy of Sage Friedman/Unsplash) To recycle a fuel canister, use the Jetboil CrunchIt tool to remove all of the leftover fumes from the top nozzle before putting it back into use. When there is no more propane remaining in the canister, use the same tool to puncture a small hole in the canister with the included wrench by turning the wrench. Because pressurized containers cannot be processed by machines, this permits it to be recycled correctly. To make it easier for personnel at recycling facilities to identify the canister after it has been emptied, write “Empty” on the canister in large, bold letters in black marker after it has been emptied.

Also, be sure to verify your local recycling requirements, since most canisters are constructed of stainless steel, which is not accepted by many curbside pickup services. It is possible that you may be required to drive wasted canisters to a particular drop-off point.

Craft with Bike Tubes

(Photo courtesy of REI Co-op) Our state of New Mexico has an abundance of goatheads—spiny devil seeds from an invasive plant that puncture bike tires and stab the soles of unshod feet—on our roads and trails, resulting in a never-ending supply of flat tires. Fortunately, there are several choices for recycling old bike tubes, including REI and Green Guru, which will accept them by mail-in or drop-off service. (However, with REI, you should contact ahead to ensure that your local shop is participating in the program.) Aside from that, there are other tutorials on crafts that you can make from old bike tubes, such as jewelry and wallets.

Host a Clothing Swap

(Photo courtesy of Nick De Partee/Unsplash) Keeping garments in use for an additional nine months can lower the associated carbon, water, and waste footprints by 20 to 30 percent, depending on the kind of apparel. However, the majority of people just toss their clothes in a rubbish bag and take them to their local thrift store, which often receives more donations than they can practically sell. This is true to such an extent that only around 20% of the product is really resold. Instead, get together with your pals and organize a wardrobe swap.

Additionally, the San Francisco–based To celebrate the end of April, Marine Layer is introducing a program called Re-Spun, in which it will pay you $5 for each old T-shirt from any brand (up to a maximum of $25) and then use them to produce new ones.

Collect Energy-Bar Wrappers

(Image courtesy of TerraCycle.) Okay, so these aren’t really “gear,” but I’m sure you go through a few of energy bars every now and again. Each one is individually wrapped in an aluminum-coated, single-use wrapper. If you rinse the wrappers off and mail them to TerraCycle, they will remove them from your possession. They are cleaned and melted down into hard plastic that can be remolded into shower curtains, bags, and even shoes by the company’s employees. As an added bonus, Clif Bar will provide a one cent per wrapper donation to the American Forests American ReLeaf Program for any qualified shipments to the TerraCycle program that weigh more than five pounds.

Are Tents Recyclable? Repurposing Your Old Camping Gear

Since this site is sponsored by its readers, any purchases made after clicking on a link on this site will result in me receiving a commission from the store. As an Amazon Associate, I will receive a commission on qualifying purchases made by you. Camping equipment is a commodity that comes and goes every few years. Unfortunately, failure to recycle all of it might result in an increase in the amount of waste in the landfill. However, the good news is that there are several creative uses for outdated tents and other pieces of outdoor equipment.

Repurpose your tent into a gym bag, donate it to a homeless shelter, or think about donating it to a charitable organization instead.

Alternatively, you may manufacture flags, umbrellas, or window shades to hang from your vehicle. Throughout this post, you will also learn about how to recycle old tents, including the following information:

There are several options for repurposing tents rather than tossing them away
Once in a while, it may be necessary to get a new tent and dispose of your old one. In this article, you will learn how to recycle tent pegs, flys, and other pieces. Parts of your camping equipment that are recyclable and those that aren’t

Recycling is a good act that contributes to the protection of our environment. The majority of people are unsure of what to do with a worn-out tent, and some resort to abandoning them in the hope that they would be gathered for charitable purposes. This article will show you five different methods to recycle a tent.

Alternatively, you may drop it off at a recycling center, where everything is recycled for free, and you may even be rewarded for select products. These facilities are being built in order to reduce the amount of outdoor gear that goes to trash. The company refurbishes tent awnings, and if the awnings are beyond repair, they dismantle them and save every component that may be reused, which they then use to fix additional tents and canopies. Donate it to a charitable organization — If you have a new tent and are unsure what to do with your old one, donating it to a charitable organization might benefit someone in need, such as homeless shelters in your region. Offer to give it to a friend or member of your family – If you have a friend or family member who has expressed an interest in camping, giving it to them would be an excellent method to recycle
Construct tarps out of the tent – Tarps are sheets of fabric or plastic material that are water-resistant and fire-resistant and are often composed of canvas, polyester, or polyethylene. The majority of tents are composed of nylon or polyester fabrics, which may be recycled after they have served their function. As suggested by Outside Online, the material used to construct tents may be used to create a variety of different objects like as sturdy umbrellas, flags, gym bags, shopping bags, wallets, or even kites, which can be utilized to foster creativity and bonding among children.

When Is It Time to Get Rid of a Tent?

You may drop it off at a recycling center, where all goods are recycled for free, and you may even be rewarded for some of the materials you bring in. They are being built to reduce the amount of outdoor gear that ends up in landfill. The company refurbishes tent awnings, and if the awnings are beyond repair, they dismantle them and save every component that may be repurposed for use in other tents and canopies. Donate it to a charitable organization — If you have a new tent and are unsure what to do with your old one, donating it to a charitable organization might benefit someone in need, such as homeless shelters in your region; Offer to give it to a friend or member of your family – If you have a member of your family who has expressed an interest in camping, giving it to them would be an excellent method to recycle; Construct tarps out of the tent – Tarps are sheets of fabric or plastic material that are water-resistant and fire-resistant and are often composed of canvas, polyester, or polyethylene material.

Nylon and polyester are the most common materials used to construct tents, and these materials may be reused.

Seen indications of wear and tear on the fabric and hardware– Despite the fact that you could replace some damaged and worn down pieces, the fact that you are continually sinking your budget into the tent may be a strong indication that you need a new one. In this case, it indicates that the cloth is worn out and should be recycled or replaced. If your tent takes an excessive amount of time to set up and involves a significant amount of effort, it may be a sign that you need to improve. This might be due to the fact that you’ve misplaced bits of it or that they’re too worn out to work properly. The other cause is that your tent has broken down, and the intricate elements of the tent no longer fit together smoothly, resulting in a lengthy set-up process
Because of all the times you’ve had to mend it, if the tent has too many patches, you’ll probably have to cover it with duct tape or sew over the fabric to keep it. This is a clear indication that you need to get a new tent. Using the TEAR-AID Fabric Repair Kit, you may make minor repairs to your tent. If your tent becomes too tiny, your family may be unable to fit comfortably in it anymore, or the only space left is insufficient for you to walk around properly. This is a disadvantage when you consider that camping frequently necessitates spending a significant amount of time in your sleeping bag. You will most likely need to upgrade to a larger tent as well. When you keep your tent while it is still damp or in a humid environment before cleaning it, the tent becomes coated with mildew. Camping and sleeping in such a tent may expose you to the toxins that are present in the air. Try out the RMR-86 Instant Mold StainMildew Stain Remover Spray to see if it works for you.

Recycling Old Tent Parts

Those of you who are attempting to reuse every inch of your tent will be relieved to find that it is a rather straightforward process. Not only that, but you’ll be able to put your tent leftovers to good use in your regular life as well. What you can do is as follows:

Metal tent stakes– Metal tent stakes that have become bent may be straightened out with pliers and a vice. It is also possible to reuse the stakes in the garden to hold plants that require support during their developing phases. Take the stakes to a local scrap metal plant where they may be melted down and used to manufacture other pieces of equipment as another option for recycling. More information about tent stakes may be found here. TENT FOOTPRINTS– Tent footprints are used to protect the tent floor from abrasion or wear and tear. Using tent footprints to build windshield protectors can assist to protect your car from the scorching summer heat, which will raise the temperature of your vehicle and force you to turn on the air conditioner. The recycled tent footprint may be used to prevent frost from forming on your windows throughout the winter months. Mattress coverings that protect the mattress from being soiled by spills or crumbs may also be made out of recycled footprints. If you’re attempting to keep the flooring of garages and sheds clean, you may also use them as groundsheets for those areas. If you are unfamiliar with the term “footprint,” please see my article. TENSION FLYS– A tent fly is the outer flap or layer of a tent that is made of a portion of the tent fabric. A variety of applications for tent fly recycling exist, including the creation of bags, particularly for shopping (tote bags), the creation of sturdy ponchos to save you from getting soaked in downpours, and the creation of storage sacks for your gym equipment. The cloth may also be used to line a child’s school bag, which will assist to keep it clean and free of spillage. Guylines and tent poles should be cleaned with shark fins. conveyed the knowledge that kite poles are often constructed of hardened plastic or metal, and that they may be utilized in the construction of a kite. They can endure high winds since they are composed of a durable material, and they will not fall apart. In addition to being robust, the ropes may be used to fly the kite with the man lines.

Final Thoughts

Recycling your tent is environmentally good, it is beneficial to others, and it may save you money if you reuse it. It’s important to remember that not all camping items can be recycled. Polyester, for example, is frequently difficult or impossible to recycle. Please do your homework on the materials used in your tent before throwing them in the recycle bin. You might also contact your local recycling center or drive your tent there to see whether it’s feasible to recycle your tent. Here’s a short rundown of what was said in the post:

Metal or plastic pegs, tent fabric, and guy lines are all good candidates for repurposing. Think about repurposing your old tent gear to create floor mats, window covers, or tarps. When you find yourself constantly patching your tent, it’s time to invest in a new one. There are several groups that will accept discarded camping equipment for repurposing. Separate the recyclable components from one another before recycling them.

What To Do With Your Old Or Damaged Outdoor Gear

What do you do with the outdoor equipment that you no longer require or want to use? Is it time to toss it? Keeping it in a dusty box or cabinet for years isn’t a good idea. Alternatively, you may utilize it to assist someone else in getting outside. There are a plethora of creative methods to breathe fresh life into outdated gear. As a result, a lot of outdoor clothing and equipment is made of synthetic materials, which can be difficult to recycle and may take hundreds of years to disintegrate in the environment.

Here’s our guidance on what to do with old, worn-out, or simply undesired outdoor equipment in order to prevent it from ending up at a landfill site.

Give It Away

One of the simplest and most useful things you can do to give old objects a new lease on life is to just donate them to someone who would benefit from them. Give Your Gear as a Gift As long as it’s in functional shape, you can gather any and all kinds of outdoor equipment. Clothing, camping equipment, backpacks, sunglasses, and maps and guidebooks are all acceptable forms of transportation. These products are then given to community organizations, youth clubs, and charities in the United Kingdom that work with children and teenagers in the outside environment.

This is ideal if you’ve amassed a large amount of unneeded equipment.
Good, clean, and functioning equipment is donated to charities that deal with groups both domestically and internationally.
These products are immediately sent to homeless shelters, porters on Mount Kilimanjaro, and a variety of other organizations.
Find out more by getting in contact with your local chapter.
Homeless Link can help you locate resources in your area.
In addition, there are a multitude of sharing websites and applications available, the most well-known of which is arguably Freecycle.

…And Get Paid

Of course, you may always utilize your old equipment to help support (at least in part) the purchase of new, sparkling equipment. A relationship with Gift Your Gear has enabled Rohan to establish collecting locations in all of its stores (see above). In exchange for clean, working equipment, you will receive a 15 percent discount on any purchases made the same day. To be sure, the contribution and discount program is only available during specific times periods, so check their website for the most up-to-date information.

In order to post here, you’ll need a Facebook account and to be a member of the relevant groups.

Unwanted equipment can be purchased and sold on any site, but you will not reach the same level of specialized audience.

Give Old Gear New Life

If there’s still life in the old dog still, a little tender loving care may bring your equipment back to almost-new condition. Jackets made of water-resistant material are sometimes misinterpreted as being damaged when, in reality, all they require is a thorough cleaning and reproofing treatment. When water stops rolling off the surface of a cloth, this is referred to as “wetting out.” Generally speaking, it is caused by the wearing away or masking of the DWR (durable water repellent) treatment applied to the exterior fabric of the garment.

Nikwax, Grangers, and Storm Care are just a few of the companies that make washes and reproofers that can be thrown into your washing machine.
This makes it hard for moisture from the inside of your jacket to escape and condense on the outside of your garment.
Similar principles apply to virtually all fabrics, including tents and sleeping bags.
Always use a specialistdown wash and give it a full spin in the washing machine before laying it out to dry.
In terms of simple gear repairs, there is a wealth of information available on the internet.
Repairing a down jacket and ruined waterproofs are two topics that we’ve discussed recently on the site.

Patagonia, a US-based outdoor apparel company, has also created a series of short movies that demonstrate how to conduct minor repairs, such as rethreading a drawstring.

…Or Get It Fixed

Of course, performing this type of home-care on your cherished (and often expensive) outdoor equipment may be a heart-in-mouth experience; in that case, you can hire someone with greater skill to do it for you instead. George Fisherin Keswick provides an in-house reproofing service, following which they will test the garment to ensure that it is in good working order. For one garment, they charge £10 and for two, they charge £15 Johnson, a well-known high-street drycleaner, also provides the same service.

Unfortunately, certain things are beyond the scope of such easy renewal.
Goods repairs are available at Alpkit’s locations in Hathersage, Ambleside, Keswick, and Gateshead for any brand of product.
In addition, George Fisher will provide free servicing for Leki and Black Diamond walking poles, including removing them and performing any necessary minor repairs.
If none of these options are available in your area, your localTimpson’s may be able to assist you.
Don’t forget to get in touch with the company that manufactured your equipment as well.
Both of these methods are effective for repurposing outdated equipment.
Therefore, many people are typically motivated to increase their credentials and performance in this area of expertise.

Great Products To Help Revitalise Or Recycle Your Kit

The goods in the next half-dozen categories have all been hand-picked for their ability to breathe new life into old gear. They may all contribute to either extending the life of your outdoor equipment, restoring its performance, or making it easier to dispose of and recycle your outdoor equipment. $11 at nikwax.com for the Nikwax Tech Wash/TX Direct Twin Pack Nikwax Tech Wash will thoroughly clean your equipment while retaining breathability and revitalizing (but not replacing) the DWR coating on your equipment.

It does not require tumble drying and can just be thrown into your washing machine, making it one of the simplest products to use on the market.
Cleaning away any residue, including dust and pollen, prepares the surface for a paint-on treatment that provides water repellency and UV protection before the paint is applied.
This down wash has been particularly developed to clean all varieties of insulation, including synthetic insulation, without destroying the fibers in the process.
£4 Nikwax Waterproofing Wax for Leather (http://www.nikwax.com).
This sponge-on wax should be applied to clean, moist boots, and any excess should be wiped away with a towel afterward.
Nikwax Footwear Cleaning Gel (£4.99, Amazon) nikwax.com Dirt on the exterior of your boots, much like on the outside of your waterproof coats, can negatively impact the DWR coating.
Since most standard boot cleaners have a hydrophilic (water-attracting) nature, they are not recommended for footwear where waterproofing is necessary.

It attaches to the top of the gas canister and serves to exhaust any remaining fuel from the canister. Then, with a little press of the thumb, the can is safely punctured. The fact that it is tightly linked to the thread of the canister means that it has no danger of sliding and inflicting damage.

Recycle It

If everything else fails, or if the object has been punished beyond repair, it may still be possible to squeeze, chop, or shred some usefulness from it. Some outdoor gear, particularly those constructed of single-component, non-composite materials, may be recycled with relative ease. Others are more challenging, yet it is still feasible to complete them all. Clothing and metals are often not accepted in kerbside recycling bins, but it’s worth checking with your local municipality to be sure. Most likely, you’ll need to take it to a recycling facility; you can check the location of your local one here.

However, this can be just as expensive as purchasing the item outright from the manufacturer.
Profits from the sales of dog (and cat!) leashes, tote bags, and even teddy bears are donated to the British Medical Association’s Access and Conservation Trust.
A handful of climbing walls include collecting sites where you may drop off your equipment.
Photo courtesy of Sarah Ryan

Safe Disposal

It is still possible to extract some utility from anything even if all other options have failed or the object has been punished beyond repair. It is possible to recycle some outdoor gear, particularly that which is constructed of a single, non-compose material. Others are more challenging, but it is still feasible to complete them in the end. Clothing and metals are generally not accepted in kerbside recycling bins, but it’s worth checking with your local municipality to be sure of the rules in your area.

If you choose to recycle, Terracycle accepts all kinds of items such as backpacks, sunglasses, sports equipment, and snack packages, among other things.
In addition to old climbing gear, Green Peak Gear will accept ropes, harnesses, helmet slings, nuts, and karabiners as well as a variety of other items.
Old equipment may be given new life through this ingenious and imaginative method.
Take the approach of the boot garden.

Start Early

When you purchase your outdoor equipment, you may make the end-of-life recycling procedure easier. If at all feasible, choose materials that are recyclable or easily biodegradable to minimize environmental impact. When it comes to apparel, this is generally the most straightforward. Unlike composite materials, unmixed fabrics, such as 100 percent polyester, are far easier to recycle than composite fabrics. But why not make a little money off of your efforts to breathe new life into outdated equipment?

These are usually only available for a limited time period, so it’s important to keep an eye out for them.

The North Face’s “Clothes the Loop” effort, which accepts contributions of any brand in any condition, has drop-off stations in most of their stores and rewards donors for their generosity.

Cookies are used on our website to provide you with the best relevant experience possible by storing your choices and recognizing you when you return. By selecting “Accept All,” you agree to the usage of ALL cookies on this website. To grant a controlled permission, you may, on the other hand, go to “Cookie Settings.”

Newsletter TermsConditions

Please include your email address so that we can keep you up to speed on the latest news, features, and special offers. If you decide that you are no longer interested, you can unsubscribe at any point. We will never sell your information, and you will only get communications from us and our partners whose products and services we believe you would find useful and interesting. Please review our completePrivacy Policyas well as our Terms and Conditions.

15 Ways to Recycle Your Old Festival Tent

Festival season is filled with a plethora of wonderful experiences. The boom of music and the arts is, without a doubt, the most well-known of them. Others include enjoyment, companionship, and catharsis, to name a few. But let us not overlook the pleasures of camping on the premises. A large number of festival-goers consider staying in a tent for the length of an event to be an integral part of the experience. Most people view this aspect of festival culture as an adventure, but not everyone considers the consequences of leaving their belongings behind after the music stops.

Nonetheless, despite extensive recycling efforts, the event generated 600 tons of rubbish in 2014, only 214 tons of which were recycled (see chart below).
However, the usage of so-called “festival tents” is becoming an increasingly serious issue.
Every year, more than 250,000 of these temporary shelters are abandoned on construction sites, which is shocking.
In addition, the fact that stores are selling them as “single-use” is exacerbating the situation.
Okay, so you’re not intending on sleeping beneath it in the future.
In fact, there are 15 innovative methods to reuse an old festival tent that you should check out.

1. Protect your plants

A helping hand is required by some plants to ensure that they can resist the weather, particularly during the early phases of growth. Make a temporary gazebo out of an old festival tent to protect your newly planted flowers and shrubs from the elements. As an added bonus, this is an excellent method of protecting certain plants from sudden or unseasonal frost.

2. Create features in your garden

It’s possible that you’ll be able to utilize the poles from your festival tent to construct an attractive garden feature if you’re stumped for what to do with the framework of your festival tent.

Over time, certain plant species will colonize the space between the poles, forming a natural arch or dome.

3. Create your own gazebo

In many ways, a simple gazebo is similar to an open tent in its design. Make a simple gazebo out of the poles and cloth from your festival tent to give shade for your guests.

4. Make bags

Tent fabric, in keeping with the creative concept, is ideal for constructing shopping and tote bags for the family. If you’re familiar with using a sewing machine, the technique shouldn’t be too difficult for you to complete. Additionally, you may utilize numerous tents to create multi-colored patterns that are not available in stores.

5. Make ponchos

If you’re a regular attendee at a festival or concert, you’re undoubtedly used to being drenched when it rains heavily. After all, the show has to go on no matter what. Tent cloth is ideal for constructing ponchos that will last for a long time. And, unlike the ponchos you’ll often find at camping stores, they aren’t constructed of weak plastic as most of them are.

6. Fly a kite

If you’re the imaginative kind, you’ll find hundreds of possible applications for the cloth used in tents. You might, for example, use it in conjunction with man wires and poles to construct your own kite out of it. Strong plastic compounds are frequently utilized in the construction of festival tents, making them extremely durable in windy situations.

7. Use them as groundsheets

In the event that you have children in your house, you are undoubtedly used to seeing messes on your flooring. Crayons, felt tip pens, food, and ink may all wreak havoc on a well-maintained rug. Utilize an old festival tent as a ground sheet instead of restricting access to carpeted portions of your home. This will save you money on carpet replacement. Tent fabric is impervious to water, grease, and tears, making it the ideal barrier between your children and your pricey carpeting and flooring.

8. Use them to protect upholstered furniture

There are a variety of situations in which additional protection for your couches and armchairs is required. Perhaps you’re putting together a get-together? Perhaps you have a puppy or kitten that you are raising and training. If you have an old festival tent lying around, you may use it as a protective cover. Whatever the case, simply wash and reuse the item over and over again until it becomes soiled.

9. Make storage sacks

Do you remember those sacks in which you used to store your swimming equipment from school? Fabric from outdated festival tents may be used to make these decorations. Use them to transport belongings, store items for a lengthy period of time, or prepare lunches.

10. Arts and crafts

The most recent festival tents are available in a wide range of color schemes and designs. You can use them for arts and crafts projects if you don’t have a useful purpose for them right away. Allow the youngsters to express themselves artistically via them. If you want to make something truly unique for your house, you may even hang them in picture frames.

11. Protect your car windscreen

Extreme weather conditions are not usually friendly to automobiles. A car’s interior may get quite hot in the summer due to the intense heat of the sun beating down on the windscreen and heating up the interior. When you go inside, you have to crank up the air conditioning to the maximum setting in order to keep things comfortable — which consumes a lot of extra gasoline. However, by covering your windscreen with your old tent fabric, you can block out a significant amount of sunlight and maintain the temperature inside the car at a comfortable level.

During the winter, your old tent might also serve as an excellent protective barrier. If you drape it over your windscreen at night, you won’t have to spend several minutes de-icing it in the morning the following day.

12. A mattress protector

Unlike other materials, moisture damages a mattress more rapidly. No matter if it comes from leaks, spills, or perspiration, moisture has the ability to destroy mattresses in a matter of hours, as well as produce major odor problems. Before you put the first sheet on your mattress, you should attach your old festival tent fabric to it. This forms an extremely robust barrier that is entirely impermeable to liquids, making it ideal for use in industrial settings.

13. Line your child’s school bag

What youngster doesn’t had a drink leak into their school backpack at some point? And what youngster does not, from time to time, unintentionally drop their backpack in a puddle? You may safeguard the bag and its contents by lining the interior with the old tent fabric you saved from a previous project. It is entirely waterproof, and it is capable of withstanding repeated abuse indefinitely if properly maintained.

14. Make a table protector

We have to admit that when you’re throwing a table cloth over your nicest dining table, it doesn’t really matter what the protective barrier beneath it looks like, right? Tent fabric or plastic is water resistant, making it an excellent choice for protecting hardwood tables from spills.

15. Make a knee protector for gardening

Do you take pleasure in caring for your garden? It is quite likely that you will be on your knees for the most of the time – planting, trimming, and weeding. Over time, this might have a negative impact on the health of your knees. Wrap a cushion or pillow in the remnants of your old festival tent cloth and use it as knee protection. The conclusion of your next festival does not always imply the end of your tent. Whether you choose to reuse or repurpose it, you will be contributing to the environment in your own small way.

How To Recycle A Tent (Or Repurpose!)

Tents are a flexible and vital piece of equipment for dealing with the weather. Recycling, on the other hand, is always a good idea if you happen to have an extra tent on hand. Tents that are suitable for use in homeless shelters and youth groups are in high demand. Even if the tent has seen better days, you may still make use of the numerous parts and pieces that are included. As any festival cleanup team will tell you, it’s fairly typical for people to leave tents behind that they no longer require.

Don’t throw it away; instead, give it a second chance at life by recycling it!

Associated:Are you looking to upgrade to a larger tent?

Recycling center

It’s critical to avoid placing your tent in the trash or recycle container. Visit the recycling facility, and they will be able to ensure that your waste is disposed of in the proper fashion. Tent poles are frequently recyclable, although the main body of the tent is not typically recyclable. As a result, rather than recycling the tent, we propose that you consider donating it instead.

Donate the tent

Donating to online camping equipment companies is one method to ensure that your money is put to good use once it has been returned to you. There are several groups that should be investigated.

Gear Forward, Tents4Homeless, and Share/Wheel are just a few of the most effective. Tent contributions are accepted by a small number of charitable organizations. These will be distributed to youth organizations, schools, and even homeless and refugee relief organizations.

Reselling it

You may sale your time if it is still in good working order but you do not wish to use it any more. There are several options for you to generate some additional revenue by reselling your time. Tents can be sold in a variety of venues, including online shops and markets. Purchasers who are looking for your tent will search for the appropriate keywords and be connected to your tent. Keep your tent away from garbage and the natural environment. You can recycle them in order to ensure that they are disposed of in the proper manner.

Repurposing

You may resell your time if it is still in good working order but you do not wish to use it any more. There are several options for you to make some additional money by reselling your time. It is really beneficial to resale tents through online retailers and marketplaces. Purchasers who search for the appropriate keywords will be connected to you and your tent. Keep your tent away from garbage cans and natural disasters like wildfires. You can recycle them in order to ensure that they are disposed of in the appropriate manner.

Tent poles

Tents polls are small and lightweight, and you can easily come up with a variety of uses for them around the house. When it comes to repurposing a tent pole, one of the most straightforward options is to use it as a gardening tool. Either as a convenient support for growing plants or as a trellis for vining plants to scale, this structure may be used in a variety of ways. Tent stakes can be used to support plants in a variety of situations.

Tent material

With a needle and thread, you may use the tent material to fix patches and other camping gear if you’re handy with a needle and thread. The material might also be used to produce water-resistant bags or socks, among other things. Some people have turned their ideas into bags or even wallets! An unemployed fashion designer even used discarded tents to make a line of water repellent children’s coats from the water repellent material.

Tent stakes

If you are the outdoorsy sort, you might be surprised at how many different uses there are for tent stakes. On rainy days, they will ground anything that needs to be held stable from the rain, which makes them quite helpful on the beach. They will hold up beach umbrellas, sunshades, and even camping chairs, preventing them from collapsing. Tent pegs are also useful in the garden because they keep plants from falling over. Additionally, they can attach shoe mats to the outside of the door or even tarps to keep them from blowing away.

… Is it possible to wash a tent in a washing machine?

That’s the only way we’ll be able to make progress.

How to Reuse and Recycle Outdoor Gear – Appalachian Mountain Club

DLeeming69/Shutterstock Make use of your old boots as plant pots as a creative approach to recycle your outdoor gear and save money. Although the climbing rope my husband, Pete, purchased in 1993 never saw the inside of a harness after 1998, we still have many sections of it laying about the home. It has been used to secure kayaks to vehicle roofs, to dry clothes on camping excursions, and even to tow a car that had been trapped. For our children during the summer months, it serves as a makeshift tree swing, suspended not far from an old, leaky camping tent where they enjoy playing.

REPURPOSE Websites like as Pinterest and Instructables are excellent resources for discovering new and inventive ways to repurpose your stuff.
The interior of an old tent may be transformed into a play room, and the ripstop nylon can be cut and sewed together to create a homemade hammock.
RECYCLE If being artsy isn’t your thing, think about recycling.
Over the course of five years, the outfitter claims to have recycled more than 82 tons of apparel from its clients.
Drop off clothing and shoes from any manufacturer at any of the company’s retail locations and receive a $10 coupon to use on future purchases.
It collects items such as bike tubes, wetsuits, climbing ropes, and tents, and then recycles the materials into goods such as messenger bags, banknote holders, and tablet sleeves.
Make sure to also check with your local transfer station to see what materials they take, as well as local outfitters and bike stores for extra resources.

Check with your local scout units or thrift stores to see if they take donations of surplus equipment.

Organizations such as Roll It Forward and Bikes Not Bombs refurbish old bicycles and make them available to low-income communities and developing countries in need of transportation.

Yerdlei is a forum for exchanging outdoor equipment.

Another excellent resource for giving away items is Freecycle, which is an international network of community-based organizations.

Both sites serve as an online marketplace for both buyers and sellers, and they are both free.

Consider whether or not it is possible to repair the situation.

It is also possible to have your favorite blister-free hiking boots resoled.

Consult the manufacturer’s website for a list of recommended cobblers, or conduct a search in your area. Some shoe repair shops, such as Cabot Resole and Shoe Repair in Beverly, Massachusetts, accept mail-in repairs. Conclusion: Use your imagination to keep your old equipment out of the landfill.

How to Recycle Outdoor Gear and Clothing (Plus 21 Cool Upcycling Ideas)

No matter how well-made your outdoor equipment and apparel are, they will eventually reach the end of their useful life. It would be wonderful if the option to recycle outdoor gear and apparel could be as simple as placing it in the same bin as your regular domestic recycling. Unfortunately, things aren’t quite so straightforward. Having said that, with a little bit of work, there are several ways to recycle outdoor gear in order to divert as much of it as possible from the trash. As far as I can, I’ll try my best to explain how and where you can recycle your old equipment and apparel in this post.

What to do with old gear that’s in OK condition still

Before you consign your old outdoor equipment to the trash or recycling bin for good, take a time to assess if it is, in fact, at the end of its useful lifespan. Keep in mind that what one person considers garbage may be a treasure to another. If your clothes and equipment has reached the end of its useful life, it’s usually time to recycle it if it’s at all possible. However, if it is simply worn out in appearance, has a slight rip or crack, or you no longer use it, you should consider the following options:

Repair your outdoor gear and clothing

With a little patience (and a little YouTubing!) you should be able to fix most articles of clothes on your own. If, on the other hand, the repair is a bit more technical, you should either get it repaired by a local seamstress or contact the brand to see if they provide a repair service. Some may charge for this service, while others are more than happy to do it for free. I once returned my extremely old Osprey backpack to be repaired twice, and they didn’t charge me a penny.

Donate your gear and clothing

Many articles of clothing can be fixed relatively quickly, and with a little patience (and some YouTubing! ), you’ll most likely be able to do the repair yourself. But if your problem is a little more complicated, you may either hire a local seamstress to fix it or contact the manufacturer to see if they have an after-sales repair service. It is possible that some will charge for this service, while others will gladly provide it for free. I previously returned my extremely old Osprey backpack to be repaired twice, and they didn’t charge me a dime for either service call.

Make a donation of clothing to your local charity shop or thrift store. a homeless organization can use your sleeping bags, tents, and backpacks if you donate them to them for distribution
Camping equipment, old ropes, cooking stoves, and other such items can be donated to your local youth group or Scout/Girl Guide unit. Send any unwanted equipment to Gear Forward or Gift Your Gear, which will distribute it to youth programs. Offer your unwanted goods for free on Freecycle, and other people can pick them up from you.

Sell gear and clothing

Even if your gear or clothing is in fine shape but you no longer want or need it, you can always sell it for a few dollars on Ebay, Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree, or Craigslist to make a few more dollars. More information about purchasing and selling used outdoor gear and clothes may be found in our guide to used outdoor equipment.

How to recycle outdoor gear that’s no longer usable

Your equipment is completely unrepairable, and you’re confident that it won’t be of any service to anybody else in its current form. What happens next? Now is the moment to see if it can be recycled.

Recycle general camping and outdoor gear

The metal water bottles and camp cooking pots can be recycled in the home (but first check with your local agency to be sure). It is possible to recycle small gas canisters, provided they have been properly emptied, at your home together with metal recycling (check with your local service first). If you have outdated gear (sleeping bags, backpacks, tents, etc.) and want to donate it for study, recycling or reuse, contact the manufacturer of the item in issue and inquire. Items such as tent fly sheets, tarps, ropes, and sailcloth can be donated to Metamporphic Gear, which turns them into bags and wallets. Contact them by filling out their contact form. Most of the time, bicycle inner tubes may be recycled by bringing them to your local bike shop. Instead, send them to Green Guru Gear, who will upcycle them into useful items. Make a collection of old backpack buckles and fasteners to use as spares for future gear repairs.

How to recycle clothing

Your local clothing banks will accept your gently worn clothing and materials to be recycled, repurposed, or reused
The Clothes the Loop Program, run by The North Face, collects and recycles old clothes and footwear. By bringing in your apparel (of any brand) to one of their stores, you will be eligible to receive a $10 discount on your next purchase of $100 or more. Send your gently used equipment and apparel to REI in aGive Back Box to be recycled. Simply print up a pre-paid mailing label, pack up your belongings, and drop them off at your local post office. The Patagonia Worn Wear system functions in a similar manner to REI’s program, with the exception that they only accept Patagonia products. When you mail or drop off items, you receive credit that may be used to purchase new gear, similar to The North Face. Look for organizations in your area that accept fabric and bits of machinery and upcycle them into functional goods that may be sold on eBay. Contribute your old sleeping bags, blankets, and clothing to animal shelters, where they may be utilized as bedding or for cleaning purposes. Put your cotton and merino garments in the compost bin! Fabric that has not been combined with synthetic materials can be shredded and placed to your compost bin as long as it does not include any synthetic components.

Recycling hiking boots and outdoor shoes

Look for a shoe bank in your area where you can drop off your old shoes and boots for recycling. These are then sorted and resold or recycled depending on their condition. Climbing shoes that have become worn out may frequently be mended or patched. However, if they have progressed beyond that, climbing shoes can be used in the same areas as conventional shoes. Go to a Nike store and get your sneakers fixed. Used athletic shoes are recycled through the organization’sReuse-A-Shoe Program. Confirm if your local retailer is a participant in the program by contacting them.

Cool outdoor gear upcycling projects

Sometimes, no matter how hard you try, recycling outdoor gear just isn’t as simple as it appears.

For those who find it difficult to dispose of items without simply throwing them away, perhaps it is time to become creative and upcycle them into something else? Here are a few brilliantly basic upcycling ideas to get you started:

Tent recycling / upcycling ideas

A tent fly can be used to store items in the tent’s stuff sack. Make a kite out of a used fly tent and fly it around. Make a tent footprint out of the groundsheet of an old, worn-out tent to use as a tent foundation for your new tent. Alternatively, it may be used as a tarp or as a groundsheet on its own. To cultivate beans in the garden, use old tent poles to support the plants.

What to do with old climbing rope

Make a dog leash out of it
Construct a rope swing out of it. It may be used to hang a hammock. Make a shelf out of rope that hangs from the ceiling. Make a rug out of climbing ropes

Sleeping bag upcycle ideas

So, get your sewing kits out and start working on some warm winter accessories
It can be made into a quilt
To construct a cushion, use the excellent parts of your body. Make it into a sleeping bag for your canine companion.

Bike upcycling projects

An old bicycle wheel may be transformed into a stylish clock. Bike chain links may be used to make cuff links. Fire starters made from discarded inner tubes may be found at thrift stores and garage sales. Install old dropbars on the wall to use as a bicycle rack.

Other outdoor gear upcycling ideas

Construct a comfortable sofa out of an old or abandoned bouldering crash pad. Skis and snowboards may be transformed into a fence or piece of furniture. Plants and herbs may be grown in old hiking boots and sneakers.

Recycling outdoor gear is not difficult if you put in a little thought and work into it. In addition, if you’re having trouble finding a place to recycle your old technology, there are several imaginative methods to repurpose it. If you’ve completed an amazing outdoor gear upcycling project that you’re particularly proud of, we’d love to hear about it and showcase it on COTW – please get in contact with us.

Ethan Fontole