Categories: Recycle

Where Can I Recycle Stockings & Pantyhose?

It’s winter, which means it’s time to break out the stockings, tights & pantyhose. But can you recycle them?

Not exactly. Pantyhose can take up to 30-40 years to decompose when placed in a landfill. While they can’t be recycled, there are many different ways to reuse your old stocking, tights, and pantyhose.

How to reuse old stockings & pantyhose

No Nonsense encourages you to gather your old and torn pantyhose and stockings and send them back to their company. From there, No nonsense will send them to a recycling facility where your old garments will be used to manufacture ropes, playground equipment and more.

If packaging up and sending back your hosiery isn’t the most efficient option for you, put your stockings and pantyhose to an alternative use:

Cleaning: You’d be surprised how well your stockings picks up dust. Try putting an old pair over your broom and/or swifter. Additionally, wool tights work well for surfaces and mirrors.
Gardening: Help reduce the damage caused by pesky bugs by throwing a pair of pantyhose over vegetables in your garden.
Sachets: Put some potpourri in your stockings and tie off both ends. You can use this newly create sachet to keep your closet and drawers smelling fresh.
Baking: Place your old pantyhose/stocking over your rolling pin while baking. This will help prevent your dough from sticking.

Julia Knable

Julia Knable was an Editorial Intern in 2014. She studied Marketing and Management Information Systems at the Fox School at Temple University. After a summer internship at Terracycle inspired her to learn about what she could do to help and protect our ever-changing planet, she ended up with a stint at Green Philly. Along with her passion for sustainability, Julia enjoys exploring Philadelphia and trying all the vegetarian hotspots she can get her hands on.