Pool Noodles
What Should I Do With It?
Pool noodles are popular summer toys, but they are not accepted in standard curbside recycling programs. Because they are manufactured from a type of plastic called polyethylene foam, standard facilities do not have the machinery to recycle them, meaning they must eventually go in the regular trash. To dispose of them easily, simply cut or fold the long foam tubes in half so they fit securely inside your garbage cart. To reduce waste, consider upcycling old pool noodles into creative home hacks, such as door stoppers, boot shapers, or soft bumper guards for sharp corners.
Before throwing this away, see if it can be fixed up, given to a friend, or donated to a local thrift shop. Keeping items in use is the best way to stop waste before it starts!
The recycling guidelines shown here are for general reference and educational purposes. Every city and town has different rules, sorting equipment, and recycling programs.
Please check your local town website or ask your local garbage collection program to make sure you are following your neighborhood's rules.