Now that the holiday season is long over, you probably busted out those gift cards for people who have NO idea what to buy you.

(Full disclaimer: my birthday was all gift cards and cash. Captain Unshoppable here. But I loved it.)

What can you do with those gift cards once you’ve disposed of the balance? We address this issue in today’s Where Can I Wednesday column.

Where Can You Recycle Gift Cards? Can you recycle gift cards?

The short answer is no where.

There was a sole company in Solon, Ohio called EarthWorks used to accept gift cards for recycling. I reached out to them and learned that they halted the program. As Rodd Gilbert, President of Earthworks shared,

We are not accepting gift cards for recycling at this time. We are receiving too many contaminated cards (due to) scratch off labels, RFID chips, foil, paper cards and other contaminants).

Gift cards often contain PVC, which is high in toxicity and doesn’t have a market value, so the recycling centers don’t want them. So if you toss them in those single-stream bins, they’re sorted out and disposed on.

But I love Gift Cards. What Can I do?

The next logical question, obviously.

If the gift cards are refillable, try to reload it and regift it.

Otherwise, many retailers are now offering a “direct email” gift card option. Give and ask for these versions instead.

Bonus: your gift card balances will live electronically so you won’t “forget” them at home.

Readers, what other ideas do you have for your old gift cards? Tell us in the comments.

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Julie Hancher is the co-founder and Executive Director of Green Philly, an independent media organization making sustainability accessible, affordable and actionable. Since launching Green Philly in 2008, she has grown it from a passion project into a leading voice for local climate storytelling, pairing impactful journalism with community events and experiences. Julie is a frequent speaker on climate, media innovation and the future of local journalism, and is the creator of SustainPHL and EcoFair. Outside of Green Philly, you can find her hiking, biking, traveling, or exploring Philadelphia. View all posts by Julie Hancher