How to dispose of shoes
Best ways to dispose of shoes (best → last resort)
Donate/ReuseIf wearable
Donate usable shoes to charities and shelters; Soles4Souls redistributes them.
Drop-offWorn out
Nike 'Reuse-A-Shoe' / Nike Grind recycles athletic shoes into sport surfaces at participating stores.
How to prepare it
- Tie pairs together.
- Clean off heavy dirt.
Don't
- Don't trash wearable shoes — donate them.
Find a drop-off near you
Acceptance varies by city — always check your local program first.
Recycling rules for your city → · Item recycling guides →
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Shoes disposal — FAQ
- What's the best way to dispose of shoes?
- Donate/Reuse (if wearable): Donate usable shoes to charities and shelters; Soles4Souls redistributes them.
- Can you put shoes in the trash?
- Not usually — use a drop-off or take-back program instead of the trash.
- Where can I recycle shoes near me?
- Search a drop-off with the Earth911 locator or "shoe recycling drop-off near me." Acceptance varies by city, so confirm with your local program.
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