How to Properly Recycle Old Floor Brushes and Brooms
Keeping your home clean takes effort—and the right tools. From floor brushes to brooms and dustpans, we use many items every day. But what happens when these tools wear out? Tossing them in the bin seems easy, but there's a better way. Let's learn how to recycle old cleaning tools while keeping our homes spotless.
Floor Brushes: Don't Toss—Repurpose First
Before recycling old floor brushes, consider repurposing them. You can use worn-out brushes for outdoor cleaning tasks, such as scrubbing garden tiles or garage floors. If they're too far gone, check your local recycling guidelines for disposal instructions. Many brushes have plastic parts that can be recycled.
Scrubbing Brushes: Separate Materials for Recycling
Old scrubbing brushes are often made of various materials, including plastic, rubber, or wood. First, pull apart the brush. If the handle is plastic, it may be recyclable. The bristles, however, are usually not. Always check with your local recycling centre to be sure. This helps reduce waste and protect the planet.
Cleaning Brush: DIY Cleaning Rags
A used cleaning brush might still be helpful in another form. Try removing the bristles and turning the handle into a DIY tool—like a grip for cleaning rags or sponges. If the whole brush is plastic, wash it and send it to a plastic recycling bin, if accepted in your area.
Dustpan and Brush: Reuse for Messy Outdoor Tasks
An old dustpan and brush set may still have some use left. Use it for outdoor messes, gardening dirt, or pet litter. If they are too cracked or worn out, plastic ones may be suitable for recycling. Metal dustpans can often be taken to a scrap metal collection point.
Long Handle Scrub Brush: Check for Hard Plastic Recycling
A long-handled scrub brush is often made from hard plastic. These can sometimes be accepted in special recycling bins. You may also check local recycling events that collect household tools. If the brush is made of wood, compost the handle if it's untreated.
Long-Handled Dustpan and Brush: Recycle Separately
With a long-handled dustpan and brush, you often have multiple materials—metal, plastic, and rubber grips. To recycle properly, separate each part. Metal handles may be accepted at a recycling centre. The plastic parts need to be cleaned before putting them in a recycling bin.
Scrub Brush with Handle: Creative Crafts
Old scrub brushes with handle tools can be used for craft or painting projects. Kids can use them to make textures with paint. Once you're done with them, break the brush down into separate materials for recycling. It's a fun and earth-friendly way to reuse.
Deck Brush: Compost the Wood
If your deck brush has a wooden handle and natural bristles, you're in luck! The handle may go in your compost pile, and the bristles might as well if they're plant-based. For plastic ones, follow local recycling rules to dispose of them responsibly.
Floor Scrub Brush: Clean and Recycle
A floor scrub brush can often be recycled if made from hard plastic. Be sure to clean off any dirt or chemicals first. If it has metal parts, those may need to be taken to a different recycling centre. Don't forget to remove screws or nails before tossing it in the bin.
Soft Broom: Donate If Still Usable
A gently used broom in decent shape can be donated to a shelter, school, or charity. If it's broken, try removing the head and handle to recycle them separately. Wooden handles can be composted, while plastic heads should be placed in plastic recycling (if allowed locally).
Toilet Cleaner Brush: Disinfect Before Recycling
A toilet cleaner brush should be cleaned and disinfected first. Most aren't recyclable due to hygiene concerns. But if yours has a replaceable head, the handle might still be saved. Consider eco-friendly toilet brushes for more straightforward disposal next time.
Floor Cleaning Brush: Replace the Head, Not the Handle
Some floor cleaning brush models come with replaceable heads. This means you can keep the handle and only toss the used bristles. It's a more innovative and more sustainable way to clean. Check the packaging to see if it supports this feature.
Stiff Bristle Broom: Use for Outdoor Jobs
When your stiff-bristled broom is no longer suitable for indoor cleaning, it may still be effective on the driveway or patio. If the broom is nearing the end of its life, disassemble it to recycle any hard plastic or metal parts.
Dustpan and Brush Set: Choose Recyclable Materials Next Time
After disposing of your old dustpan and brush set, consider switching to eco-friendly options. Look for sets made from bamboo, metal, or recycled plastic. These are not only better for the environment but also often last longer.
Final Tip:
Keep your home spotless with durable cleaning brushes, floor brushes, and scrubbing brushes. Whether you're using a deck brush, toilet cleaner brush, or a soft broom, proper disposal helps protect the environment. Find efficient cleaning tools and brooms for every surface. Get yours today—and recycle smart!