Can You Recycle Duct Tape?
If you regularly send packages to clients or seal holes around the house, duct tape is a must-have. However, you can easily end up having more tape than you have or even end up with tons of used tape.
That’s why it’s important to know how to sustainably dispose of used tape. Fortunately, that’s what we’re going to talk about in this post.
What is duct tape made of?
This tape is usually made from rayon, nylon, polyester, fiberglass, or cotton fabric. This fabric is usually laminated to strips of low-density polyethylene (LDPE). Keep in mind that polyethylene resin, an adhesive, is also applied on one side of the resulting strip.
Is duct tape recyclable?
No, it isn’t recyclable. This is because it contains adhesives and other chemicals that can damage recycling machines.
Is duct tape biodegradable?
Unless you specifically buy biodegradable tape made from only natural products, this product doesn’t biodegrade.
Is duct tape environmentally friendly?
Most tapes aren’t environmentally friendly. For one, the fact that it can’t be recycled or composted means that it usually ends up contributing to the waste in landfills.
And to make matters worse, it contains plastics that can stay there for years. They can even find their way to water bodies and harm aquatic life there.
How do you properly dispose of duct tape?
While it’s not ideal, the only way to permanently dispose of duct tape is to throw it in the trash.
Learn How to Properly Recycle Bubble Wrap Here
Is there anything else you can do with duct tape besides recycling it?
Apart from throwing it out, you can reuse it to:
1. Seal cracks
If you have cracks in your home, you can use old duct tape to seal them. However, you need to keep in mind that how well the tape will seal the crack is dependent on the strength of its adhesive coating.
As such, it’s advisable to only use strips that you believe are strong enough.
2. Remove pet fur
No matter what type of pet you have, you can use tape to remove its fur from your furniture and curtains. Just apply the tape on the spot with the fur and then rip it off – it will leave with all the fur.
How can you reduce your duct tape use?
1. Use eco-friendly sealing options
If you usually use this specific tape to seal cardboard boxes that you’re shipping, consider using more eco-friendly options. These include compostable mail bags and self-seal paper mailers.
2. Swap out cardboard boxes
When you’re moving houses and trying to use less duct tape, consider swapping cardboard boxes for other options like tote bags and suitcases.
3. Use tape-free gift wrapping
When wrapping gifts for loved ones, consider tape-free options like reusable bags.
Limit your use of duct tape
While this tape is quite effective, it’s not a good option for anyone who’s trying to live a more sustainable life. So if you must use it, keep amounts to a minimum and start integrating environmentally friendly options as soon as possible.