Eco-Friendly Options for Disposing of Your Old Electric Blanket

We all have that old electric blanket that we’ve been hanging onto for years. You know, the one that is so threadbare it’s practically see-through?

Or maybe it’s just not as effective as it used to be and you’re thinking about upgrading to a newer model.

Either way, you’re probably wondering what to do with your old electric blanket? What’s an eco-friendly person to do?

Can I Recycle Old Electric Blankets?

No. Electric blankets are not recyclable. But if your old electric blanket is still in good condition, consider donating it to your local charity, passing it along to a friend, or selling it online. You can even help the environment by choosing a sustainable solution like reusing or repurposing your electric blanket instead of sending it to the landfill.

Where Can I Get Rid of an Electric Blanket?

Here are some of your options for disposing of electric blankets in the United States:

1. Recycling centers: Many cities and towns have recycling centers where you can bring old electric blankets (and other household items) to be properly disposed of. These centers may also be able to recycle certain components of the electric blanket, such as the metal wiring.
2. Secondhand stores: Some secondhand stores, such as thrift stores or consignment shops, may be willing to accept old electric blankets in good condition.
3. Charitable organizations: Many charitable organizations, such as Goodwill or the Salvation Army, accept donations of gently used household items, including electric blankets.
4. Online marketplaces: You may be able to sell your old electric blanket on an online marketplace, such as eBay, Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace.
5. Landfills: As a last resort, you can dispose of your old electric blanket in a landfill. However, this is not the most environmentally friendly option, as it can contribute to the growing problem of waste and pollution.

It’s worth noting that some local ordinances may have specific requirements for disposing electric blankets, so it’s always a good idea to check with your local authorities before disposing of any household items.

What To Do With An Electric Blanket That Doesn’t Work Anymore?

If you’re wondering what to do with an electric blanket that doesn’t work, and you’re not afraid to get your hands dirty, take a look some of our tips and resources below on how to fix/repurpose it.

Fix Your Electric Blanket (DIY)

Read our blog on: How to fix an electric blanket (6 easy steps)

Recycle your old blankets into new ones (Video tutorial)

Repurpose Your Electric Blanket

We’ve taken some inspiration from Carol Woolcock from the cheapskatesclub on how she would effectively recycle her old electric blanket

Here are the steps summarized:

1. Cut off the mesh skirt and remove the stretchy plastic covered wire. Use the wire as renewable elastic for ocky straps.
2. Cut the nylon mesh into various sizes and use as veggie bags when shopping instead of plastic.
3. Cut slits along the edges of the woollen part, pull out the electric cabling, and use as plant ties.
4. Cut the wool into 30×30 squares and use as weed mats.
5. Dispose of the plastic electric connection in the rubbish bin.