All parts of a running shoe are recycled by the Nike ReUse a Shoe program.
If you're a runner who's also concerned about the environment, recycling your shoes is a good way to reduce your impact on landfills. In Los Angeles, several organizations accept old running shoes and either hand them out to those in need or break down the parts and reuse them. If you plan on donating shoes to be redistributed in one piece, make sure they're in decent condition. Organizations that break apart shoes for their materials will accept shoes in just about any condition.
Instructions
1. Donate your shoes to the Nike ReUse a Shoe program; you can drop them off at the Nike Store in Los Angeles. There are also several drop-off locations located around the city, and you can find the nearest store accepting donations on the Nike website. Nike breaks down donated shoes into three parts, rubber, foam and fabric, all of which are recycled and used for purposes such as basketball and tennis courts. You may donate up to 10 pairs of shoes at one time.
2. Go to RecycledRunners.com to find the address of a running shoe recycling center. The nearest drop-off location to Los Angeles in is Burbank. Donated shoes will either be given to needy people in the community, or their parts will be used to create sporting courts or running tracks.
3. Give your shoes to Soles4Souls, an organization that redistributes used running shoes to the less fortunate in your community. While the organization is based in Nashville, people can donate their shoes across the country. There are three drop-off locations within the Los Angeles city limits, and an additional seven in the surrounding area. In addition to handing out donated shoes in your local community, Soles4Souls often sends shoes to victims of natural disasters around the world.
Tags: your shoes, drop-off locations, Nike ReUse, Nike ReUse Shoe, ReUse Shoe