Can you recycle coat hangers in the UK
Coat hangers can technically be recycled but should never go in your household recycling bin, instead they should be taken direct to a retailer.
This is one of those items that causes constant confusion for councils and residents alike. Hangers feel recyclable because they’re made of plastic or metal (both of which are commonly recyclable) but at kerbside they almost always cause problems.
This guide explains what happens behind the scenes and what you should do instead.
Why coat hangers do not belong in your recycling bin
From a technical point of view almost everything can be recycled. The issue is whether it can be recycled through local authority collections.
Coat hangers fail that test for a few reasons.
- They get tangled in sorting machinery
- They are the wrong shape for optical sorting systems
- They contaminate paper and plastic streams
At materials recovery facilities hangers regularly wrap around screens and belts. They slow lines down and increase downtime. That is why most councils list them as non recyclable at kerbside.
Putting them in anyway does not help recycling rates. It usually means they are removed and sent for disposal.
What are coat hangers made from
Knowing the material helps explain what to do next.
Plastic hangers
Most plastic hangers are made from polystyrene or mixed plastics. These are rarely accepted at kerbside even if they carry a recycling symbol.
Metal wire hangers
Often found with dry cleaning. These are recyclable as metal but not through household collections.
Wooden hangers
Usually wood with metal hooks and sometimes rubber grips. Mixed materials again make kerbside recycling a no.
How to recycle coat hangers properly
Take them back to a retailer
Some clothing retailers collect hangers for reuse or recycling.
- Marks and Spencer accepts unwanted hangers in store. They are reused or recycled through commercial routes
- John Lewis has hanger take back schemes at selected stores
- Primark trials textile and hanger take back in some locations
Schemes vary by store so it is always worth checking locally.
Use a household waste recycling centre
Your local tip is often the best option.
- Metal hangers can go in the metal skip
- Wooden hangers may go in wood recycling if the hook is removed
- Plastic hangers sometimes go in rigid plastics or hard plastics bays
Ask site staff if unsure. They would rather help than see contamination.
Reuse first
Before recycling think reuse.
- Charity shops are often happy to take good quality hangers
- Schools and theatres use them for costumes
- Garment repairs and resale businesses need them
Reuse keeps them in circulation and avoids processing altogether.
Why councils say no even though hangers are technically recyclable
This is where frustration usually comes in.
Residents hear that plastic and metal are recyclable so assume hangers should be too. Councils are then accused of being inconsistent.
The reality is simple. Kerbside systems are designed for packaging not products.
Hangers are products. They are awkward shapes made of mixed materials and handled better through drop off and retail routes.
That is why council guidance says no even though recycling is technically possible elsewhere.
The bottom line
- Do not put coat hangers in your household recycling bin
- They cause problems at sorting facilities
- Take them back to retailers where possible
- Use your local recycling centre
- Reuse them if they are still in good condition
If you want to reduce waste the best option is simple. Keep using the hangers you already have.