Thinking Green: What To Do With Old Signs

Some signs are intended to be permanent, but others are strictly temporary. In either case, you may find yourself faced with figuring out how to dispose of signs you no longer need in the greenest way possible.

Recycling is certainly an option for many types of signs. You may be able to place signs made from aluminum, cardboard and most plastics in your curbside recycling bin…but check your city’s guidelines if you have any question about whether a sign is recyclable. If you don’t have curbside pickup, find the nearest recycling center at Earth911.com.

What about vinyl banners? Once they’ve served their purpose, you really shouldn’t throw them away, since they take a long time to break down in a landfill. As an alternative, think about doing something creative with your old vinyl banners:

• Use them as tarps for lawn maintenance or covering building materials
• Donate them to a school to use as a tarp for arts and crafts
• Repurpose them, with a little sewing work, into reusable and study bags for lawn clippings or laundry, or weatherproof outdoor cushions or ground seats

Think green before you merely toss signs you no longer need in the trash.

Thinking Green: What To Do With Old Signs