Dear Sam,
Do you know any organizations that offer shoe recycling? I have a few pairs that are no longer functional, but I want to avoid throwing them in the trash and having them end up in a landfill.
Sincerely,
Randy
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Dear Randy,
Thanks for your question! Sam is here to help. Recycling used shoes is important in reducing waste and supporting sustainability. One of the best ways to recycle them is through programs designed to repair and or repurpose footwear. Some shoe manufacturers and retailers offer take-back programs, such as Nike’s “Reuse-A-Shoe” program, which transforms worn-out sneakers into materials for playgrounds, running tracks, and even new shoes. Check with the shoe manufacturer or shoe store where you purchased your shoes to see if they offer a take-back program.
What’s even better than recycling? Repair and reuse! Repairing and reusing old shoes reduces the demand for and manufacturing of new shoes, which has an environmental impact. From sole replacements to leather and fabric repair, you’d be surprised at the life a cobbler can bring back to worn-out shoes. Even if you no longer need them, repairing shoes and donating them helps put a quality pair of shoes on the feet of someone who needs them. A simple Google search for “shoe repair near me” will help you find a service near you. George’s Shoe Repair and Old World Cobbler are two local shoe repair shops that neighbors recommended.
If you have shoes to donate, nonprofits like Soles4Souls and One World Running accept donations of wearable shoes, redistributing them to communities in need. By donating, you extend the life of the shoes, helping reduce the environmental impact of producing new footwear while supporting social good. Be sure to check specific program guidelines to ensure your shoes meet donation or recycling criteria.
Donate Good Stuff is a platform that helps individuals find local organizations needing specific items. It makes it easy to donate clothing, household goods, and more. It simplifies the process by offering a customized search tool that locates nearby nonprofits accepting exactly what you have to give. Unlike broader services, it focuses on reducing environmental impact and saving donors time by connecting them directly to organizations that need their items.
Here are a few places near Tangletown that accept gently used shoes:
Arc’s Value Village Thrift Store & Donation Center
Multiple Locations
Website https://arcsvaluevillage.org/locations/
What they are looking for
Arc’s Value Village accepts shoes, sandals, boots, and all types of footwear. Check out our A-Z Donation list at www.arcsvaluevillage.org to see the wide range of donations accepted.
About the organization
The Arc promotes and protects the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, actively supporting them and their families in a lifetime of full inclusion and participation in their communities.
Dress for Success Twin Cities
1549 University Ave W.
Email info@dressforsuccesstwincities.org
Website dressforsuccess.org/twincities
Phone (651) 646-6000
What they are looking for
Work-appropriate women’s shoes in all sizes especially sizes 9 and larger
About the organization
Goods are directly given to women in the community to wear as they join or return to the workforce. Their goal is to promote the economic independence of women.
Joseph’s Coat
1107 West 7th Street, St. Paul
Email Call for appointment
Website https://www.josephscoatmn.org/
Phone (651) 291-2472
What they are looking for
Clean and in good condition. We respectfully request new/gently used, stain-free, clean, and in good repair. The standard at Joseph’s Coat is that if we would not wear or use an item, we do not ask our guests to do so either.
About the organization
They are a free store providing goods and services to those in need within an environment of dignity and respect.
Ready for Success
815 & 819 E. Franklin Ave., Minneapolis
Email info@readyforsuccessmn.org
Website https://readyforsuccessmn.org
Phone (612) 872-1509
What they are looking for
Donations should be clean, free of pet hair, do not need repairs, and are on hangers. Must be current fashion/purchased within 3 years.
About the organization
Ready for Success is a Project for Pride in Living program that provides low-income women and men with gently used and new professional clothing, accessories, and new/unused personal care items suitable for job interviews and the workplace.
Want to learn more about shoe recycling? Check out this article from Treehugger for more information.
Sustainably,
Sam