What to do with old shoes

Shoes are awkward to get rid of. They're bulky, they wear unevenly, and we hang onto them long past their prime. Here's a simple way to decide what to do with every pair — including the ones you'd assume are trash.

Still wearable? Pass them on.

Shoes with life left in them are in high demand secondhand. Wipe them down, pair them up (a rubber band or tied laces keeps them together), and they're ready to be rehomed. Gently used sneakers, boots, sandals, and dress shoes are all welcome in a pickup or at a donation center.

Worn out? They're still recyclable.

Blown-out soles and scuffed-past-saving shoes don't have to hit the landfill. Footwear can be broken down into materials used for things like playground and athletic surfaces. The catch is routing them to the right place — which is one more reason a pickup that handles recycling is so convenient.

Down to a single shoe?

Send it anyway. Singles can't be resold, but they can be recycled — and you'd be surprised how often the match turns up in someone else's sorting bin. Don't let "incomplete" become a reason to trash them.

Quick shoe checklist

• Knock off loose dirt and let them dry.
• Pair them with a band or by tying laces.
• Bag them with your clothing — no need to separate.
• Set them out with your scheduled pickup.

Whatever condition they're in, the goal is the same: keep them in use or in the recycling stream, not in the ground.

Get your old shoes picked up free →