Can You Recycle Old Window Coverings?
At Blinds & Designs here in San Francisco and Tiburon, we know that many of our customers want to take care of the environment. Which is why they often ask what they can do with their old treatments after they replace them with new purchases. Although not all treatments will be eligible for recycling, many are—and those that aren’t can still be useful in other lights. Read on for some suggestions.
Donate to Further the Product’s Lifespan
If your blinds or shades still work, many places will accept them as a donation to get placed in a deserving home. Check first with friends or relatives or local college students. Then see if a place like Habitat for Humanity Restore, Salvation Army, or Goodwill will take them.
Recycle to Avoid Landfills
Aluminum or metal blinds are candidates for recycling. Many scrap yards will happily take the metal along with other donations. Before you drop them off, remove the strings and free the slats so they’re individual pieces—also bring in the hardware for recycling.
Upcycle
Wood or woven wood blinds that have been stained, painted, or treated can’t be recycled. Neither can faux wood blinds that have PVC in them. Similarly, honeycomb shades—which are made with polyester that’s already made from recycled materials—can’t be recycled again. Check with a school or after-school program to see if they’d like the materials for art projects. Or be creative and find some uses in your own home. You can use the slats from shutters as shims or as the material to make planters. Use any fabric for art projects around your home or to line a pet’s crate.
Check Online
If all else fails and you are finding yourself running into walls on what do to with your old blinds and shades, use online resources, such as Earth 9ll, to find a recycling center near you.
Recycling Ideas in San Francisco and Marin County
Blinds & Designs offers a full line of quality window treatments to homeowners and commercial clients throughout the San Francisco and Marin County areas, including Burlingame, Hillsborough, Atherton, and Los Altos. With an ongoing commitment to high quality products and exceptional service, we’ve been serving our communities for over 14 years.
Stop by our showrooms in San Francisco or Tiburon to see a variety of motorization displays in our showroom or call 415-921-4212 for more information.
