Suffield offers several options for sneaker recycling, so you needn’t throw them away.
How many pairs of sneakers do you wear out annually or discard because they’ve gone out of style?
A 2023 footwear survey estimated that Americans will own 256 pairs of shoes in their lifetime, with sneakers being the most popular.
The U.S. Department of the Interior estimates that Americans throw away at least 300 million pairs of shoes and sneakers annually, most of which end up in landfills. Some decompose in 30 to 40 years, whereas synthetic components can take centuries. Shock-absorbing midsoles can last up to 1,000 years. And more damaging, while the sneakers slowly decompose, they release toxic chemicals, such as dyes and adhesives, into the soil and groundwater.
So what should you do with your used sneakers?
For new or gently used sneakers
If you have new or gently used sneakers – or any footwear or clothing for that matter – you can donate them to Suffield’s Second Chance Shop in the Dunkin’ Plaza on Mountain Rd. This all-volunteer-run second-hand clothing and accessory store helps fund The Village for Families and Children, a large nonprofit in Hartford.
If your passion is helping the less fortunate worldwide, consider companies like Soles4Souls, GotSneakers, Sneakers4Good, and Sneaker Impact. Depending on their mission, they provide new and gently used sneakers to developing countries, distribute them during disasters, and help build sustainable businesses by selling them at low prices to micro-entrepreneurs in countries like Haiti and Honduras, who, in turn, sell them at a profit. Some companies send prepaid shipping bags and boxes to you and even pay for sneakers, which attracts fund-raisers. Others like Soles4Soles provide drop-off boxes in DSW and Famous Footwear stores.
For worn-out sneakers
If your sneakers are shot and have no second life, Sustainable Suffield is launching a pilot drop-off program at its popular Repair Cafes. The next Cafe is scheduled for March 28 at the Senior Center from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., so you can bring your sneakers then.
Sustainable Suffield will ship the collected sneakers to GotSneakers. They partner with a company that grinds the spent sneakers and separates the pulverized remains. Then the firm manufactures products from the remains, such as athletic mats, carpet padding and playground turf.
Other companies also grind up worn-out sneakers, such as Sneaker Inpact and Nike. Sneaker Impact collects sneakers through drop-off boxes at stores, sporting events, and schools. They’ll also mail you prepaid shipping bags for free, as will GotSneakers. Select Nike stores collect all brands of worn-out sneakers through their Recycling + Donation program. The closest I found were its Factory Stores in Clinton, Conn. and Somerville, Mass.