What to Do With Dry Cleaner Hangers: The Ultimate Guide to Repurpose & Recycle
We’ve all been there: you pick up your freshly cleaned clothes, and by the end of the month, a tangled, wiry monster of dry cleaner hangers has taken over your closet. Tossing them in the trash feels wasteful, but keeping them can be impractical. So, what is the right thing to do with dry cleaner hangers?
This guide will walk you through the most sustainable, creative, and efficient ways to handle the inevitable flow of dry cleaning hangers, transforming a common clutter problem into an opportunity for organization and environmental responsibility.
The Golden Rule: The Take-Back Program
The single most effective and eco-friendly solution is also the simplest: take them back.
Most dry cleaners operate on a circular model and are happy to accept their hangers back for reuse. This saves them money on constantly purchasing new inventory and significantly reduces plastic and metal waste.
Industry Insight: “The vast majority of dry cleaners are desperate to get their hangers back,” says Michael McFall, a former dry cleaner and sustainability consultant. “The cost of constantly replacing hangers is substantial, and reusing them is the most sustainable practice in the industry. A returned hanger can be put right back into circulation, often on the same day.”
How to do it right:
- Collect and Return: Keep a dedicated bag or box in your closet for used hangers. On your next dry cleaning run, simply bring the batch back with you.
- Be Considerate: Remove any paper or plastic wrappers from the hangers before returning them.
- Ask First: If you’re unsure about a new cleaner’s policy, just ask. A simple, “Do you accept hanger returns?” is all it takes.
When You Can’t Return Them: Alternative Disposal & Recycling Paths
What if your dry cleaner has closed, or you’ve moved and have a stockpile from a different provider? Don’t despair. Here are your next best options.
1. Local Recycling Centers (Check the Type!)
Not all hangers are created equal, and your curbside bin likely isn’t the right place for them. They can tangle sorting machinery. You need to handle them based on their material.
| Hanger Type | Can it go in Curbside Recycling? | Best Disposal Method | Notes & Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metal/Wire Hangers | ❌ Almost Never | Take to a metal recycler or a scrap yard. Some thrift stores may accept them. | They jam recycling facility machinery. A strong magnet will stick to them. |
| Plastic Hangers | ❌ Rarely | Check with your local recycling center for drop-off. Some accept specific plastics (#5 PP is common). | Call ahead! If not accepted, the next best option is reuse or landfill. |
| Wooden Hangers | ❌ No | Donate! Thrift stores love these. Alternatively, repurpose or compost if untreated/natural. | These are high-value for reuse. Never throw a good wooden hanger away. |
| Cardboard Hangers | ✅ Often Yes | Flatten and place in your paper/cardboard recycling bin. | Remove any metal or plastic clips first. |
Pro Tip: Call your local municipal waste authority or use a resource like Earth911.com to search for “hanger recycling” near you. Be specific about the material.
2. Donation for Reuse
One person’s clutter is another person’s organization. Many organizations will gladly accept clean, undamaged hangers.
- Thrift Stores: Goodwill, The Salvation Army, and local charity shops are often in constant need of hangers for displaying their clothing.
- Shelters & Community Centers: Women’s shelters, homeless shelters, and community clothing closets can almost always use them.
- Schools & Theaters: Drama departments use hangers for costumes, and art teachers can use them for projects.
Community Perspective: “We are always grateful for hanger donations,” says Sarah Jenkins, a manager at a local homeless shelter. “It helps us keep our clothing donation area neat and accessible for our clients, allowing them to browse with dignity. It’s a small thing that makes a big operational difference.”
Get Creative: Clever Repurposing Ideas for Dry Cleaner Hangers
Before you decide to get rid of them, consider giving those hangers a second life with a bit of DIY ingenuity.
- DIY Plant Supports: Straighten out wire hangers to create sturdy stakes for your tomato plants or floppy flowers in the garden.
- Drain Snake: Unwind a wire hanger to create a makeshift tool for clearing clogged drains.
- Marshmallow/Hot Dog Roasting Sticks: Straighten the wire, sand any sharp edges, and you have a perfect roasting stick for your next campfire.
- Craft and Jewelry Organizer: Bend wire hangers into shapes to hang spools of thread, or use multiple plastic hangers to organize necklaces and bracelets, preventing tangles.
- Kid’s Art Projects: The basic shape is perfect for creating mobiles, sculptures, or the framework for a DIY dreamcatcher.
The Proactive Solution: Politely Refuse New Hangers
The best way to manage hanger waste is to stop it at the source. When you drop off your clothes, simply say:
“Hi, I’d like to skip the hangers on my finished garments, please. I’ll just take my clothes on the return.”
Most cleaners are happy to comply. This saves them money and saves you the hassle. Bring your own garment bag to carry your clothes home neatly.
The Bottom Line
The mountain of dry cleaner hangers doesn’t have to be a permanent fixture in your home. By prioritizing returning them to the dry cleaner, you are participating in the most efficient and sustainable cycle. When that’s not possible, donating or responsibly recycling are excellent alternatives. And with a little creativity, you can even turn a simple hanger into a useful household item.
By making a conscious choice, you can declutter your closet and contribute to a less wasteful world, one hanger at a time.
