Recycling at the Dry Cleaners: What Happens to Plastic Covers and Hangers

The dry cleaning industry has a significant role because of the freshness and presentability of garments. Still, it indeed generates a lot of waste, above all in the form of plastic garment covers and wire hangers. Several million are in everyday use, but does one ever think about what happens after picking up one’s clothes?

While Dry Cleaners Recycling is now more available, many consumers have not realized how disposable plastic covers and hangers affect the environment. These plastics contribute to pollution, landfill overflows, and waste if disposed of incorrectly. However, both dry cleaners and customers can employ several sustainable solutions to reduce the negative impact on the environment.

This article examines how plastic covers and hangers are processed, the problem of recycling, and what you can do to ensure these items are disposed of properly.

Why Do Dry Cleaners Use Plastic Covers and Hangers?

Before we get into the subject of recycling, it is first important to know why plastic covers and hangers are used at all.

Plastic Covers

Plastic covers from dry cleaners are commonly used for protecting clothes but are often challenging to recycle through standard curbside programs.

• Plastic garment bags are typically made from low-density polyethylene (LDPE), a material that protects clothing from dirt, moisture, and damage.
• Most dry cleaners rely on LDPE plastic as it is cost-effective, lightweight, and durable.
• Unfortunately, LDPE plastic is not always accepted in regular curbside recycling bins, leading to waste accumulation.

Wire Hangers

Wire hangers are a staple in the dry-cleaning industry due to their affordability and convenience. However, their mixed materials and shape make recycling challenging. 

• Wire hangers are widely used in dry cleaning because they are inexpensive, lightweight, and easy to store.
• Most are coated with plastic or other materials, and this fact makes them hard to be taken by most of the municipal recycling programs.
• Many hangers are sent to landfills, as they may harm recycling equipment, and they can get tangled in sorting machines.

These materials used in the dry cleaning industry are functional but raise several environmental concerns. For that reason, recycling programs and alternatives have been developed.

Are Plastic Covers and Hangers Recyclable?

Plastic Covers: Yes, but it’s partial and has limitations. LDPE plastic bags (recycling code #4) could be recycled, but in the limited drop-off programs available for many grocery chains and a limited number of community recycling facilities; however, for the most part, they will not be allowed in curbside recycling because they can clog the machines.

How to recycle plastic garment bags:

Plastic garment bags can often be recycled, but they require proper handling to avoid landfill waste. Follow these steps to ensure they are disposed of responsibly.

•  Remove receipts, labels, staples, etc. before recycling
•  Check your local supermarkets and dry cleaners with a plastic film recycling program.
•  Reuse plastic covers as trash bags or protective covers for other items before discarding them.

Wire Hangers: Can They Be Recycled?

Wire hangers are made from steel, a recyclable material; however, because they come in a thin, tangled shape, they create problems for recycling facilities. Many recycling centers reject them as they can jam sorting machines, making it essential to return them to dry cleaners or drop them off at metal recycling centers.

What you can do:

Here are things that you can do.

•  Many dry cleaners accept used hangers for reuse—return them on your next visit.
•  A few recycling facilities for scrap metal accept wire hangers. Check with your local facility regarding its policy.
•  Donate unused hangers to thrift stores, shelters, or clothing banks, where they can be reused.

How Dry Cleaners Are Tackling the Recycling Problem

Eco-sensitive dry cleaners are increasingly joining the effort to reduce plastic waste and the discarding of hangers. Following are some greener steps taken by this industry:

1. In-House Recycling Programs

• Some dry cleaners have industry partnerships through which they collect and recycle plastic garment bags.
• Customers can return used hangers which are sanitized and re-used instead of discarded.

2. Reusable Garment Bags

• Some dry cleaners have also introduced cloth or reusable garment bags.
• Multi-use bags reduce the demand for disposable plastic covers.

3. Sustainable Hanger Programs

• Ecological dry cleaners are now using biodegradable hangers made from recycled paperboard or bamboo.
• Some companies produce hangers from 100% recycled plastic that can be curbside recycled.

What Can You Do?

Recycling at dry cleaners is a shared responsibility between businesses and customers. By making small changes, you can help reduce plastic waste and promote sustainability.

If you get items dry-cleaned, you can help reduce the waste. Here’s how:

• Use a dry cleaner that recycles: Many dry cleaners have programs to collect plastic covers and hangers for recycling.
• Return your wire hangers: Return them to your dry cleaner instead for reuse.
• Reusable garment bags: If this is an option from your dry cleaner, invest in them to get rid of plastic waste.
• Be more mindful of your waste: If you do end up with a plastic cover, find ways to reuse it before recycling.
• Raise awareness: Talk to your friends and family about considering green alternatives to dry cleaning.

The Future of Sustainable Dry Cleaning

The times are slowly changing for dry cleaners, and sustainability is the name of the game now. Plastic covers and hangers continue to pose an issue, but a new wave of recycling, alternative materials, and consumer participation has greener times in store.

We can all help by choosing dry cleaners that focus on sustainability, reuse when possible, and properly discard plastic covers and hangers. We can make a difference in reducing environmental impact and take part in keeping the planet clean.

Next time you pick up your newly cleaned clothes, think about where those plastic covers and hangers go—and make a conscious choice to recycle responsibly.

Conclusion

At Dry-Cleaning Junction, we believe in the essence of sustainability when it comes to dry cleaning. We strive to provide quality garment care through waste minimization and the promotion of environmental stewardship.

For the conscious and green cleaner, come down to Dry Cleaning Junction today. Together we can make the process of dry cleaning greener-one garment at a time.

Schedule your appointment now for the next eco-friendly dry cleaning service!