08/03/2026
Water wings, Beach balls, & Lounge Chairs, Oh My!
Are your beach, lake, or pool outings typically accompanied by water wings, beach balls, inflatable lounge chairs, and floating pool toys? While these items are fun during sunny days, they're made from a type of plastic called PVC, one of the toughest plastics to recycle. In fact, recycling facilities in New York State and many other places usually don’t accept these items because they are difficult to recycle and can jam up facility equipment. So, what happens when your favorite float springs a leak or you no longer need it?
•Keep these items out of your home recycling bin. It helps keep the recycling stream clean.
•Try repair! Use a repair kit, salvage materials from a past damaged float, or seek help at a local repair event.
•If the item is in good condition and can be used safely as originally intended, consider gifting to someone who can use it.
•If it can’t be repaired or reused, properly dispose of the items in the trash. Pick up items so they do not become litter/plastic pollution that can cause negative impacts to the environment, fish, and wildlife.
Have a blast this summer! Just remember to treat your fun gear with care so you can create lasting memories year after year! Let’s reduce waste, keep the recycling stream clean, and keep our waterways free of litter by taking the extra steps to fix or properly dispose of these items!
