Regardless of who you voted for, one thing we can all agree on after an election – those yard signs are everywhere! But what do we do with them now that the election is over? Here are some tips on how to recycle your election signs.
What Are Lawn Signs Made of?
Lawn signs have become a common sight in many areas, used both for political campaigns and advertising purposes.
But what are these signs actually made of?
While they can be constructed from a variety of different materials, the most common material is plastic or some type of heavy-duty paper. Others are made out of corrugated plastic, corrugated cardboard, or coroplast, which is three layers of thin polypropylene plastic substrate.
These materials are weather-resistant and durable, making them sturdy enough to stand up to wind, rain, and other outdoor conditions.
Additionally, most lawn signs are printed using bold colors and eye-catching graphics, allowing them to capture attention from passersby. All in all, the materials and design of lawn signs make them a popular choice for businesses and organizations looking to get their message out there.
But what do you do with them when the election is over? Keep reading to learn more.
Can Lawn Signs Be Recycled?
Most lawn signs are made out of a corrugated plastic material named coroplast, which looks like corrugated cardboard but is plastic. Here’s what you need to know about recycling it.
Can Coroplast Be Recycled?
The short answer to the question of whether or not coroplast can be recycled is yes – with a few important caveats.
Despite the many benefits of this material, coroplast is not currently accepted by most municipal recycling programs. The main reason for this is that coroplast contains multiple layers of plastic that may interfere with the process of making new products from old ones.
That said, there are a growing number of companies and organizations looking for ways to recycle coroplast effectively.
One such initiative involves using photo-catalysts and ultraviolet light to break down the plastic into materials that can easily be repurposed.
While there are still some challenges involved with this method, it holds great potential as an effective way to make the most of our resources and reduce waste over time.
So while it may not be possible to simply throw away your old coroplast at the curb like you might do with other types of trash, you can always check with your local landfill or recycling facility to find out what the best options are for getting rid of your old yard signs in an eco-friendly way.
Other Ways To Recycle Election Signs
If the election sign is not made out of coroplast, then it’s probably paper.
If it’s a paper sign, detach the metal wire from the sign. The steel wire isn’t usually recyclable curbside but can be recycled with other scrap metal. The paper sign can then be recycled curbside.
If it’s made out of sturdy, corrugated plastic, it can be recycled curbside. If it’s a thin, flexible plastic, the sign is probably made out of film plastic #2 or #4, which can be recycled with plastic bags.
How To Reuse And Repurpose Old Election Signs
Although election signs can sometimes be tough to recycle, there are plenty of other ways you can get rid of them. Here are a few options.
Reuse Them
There are many creative ways to reuse old election signs. One option is to repurpose the signs for other purposes, such as marking off areas in your garden or labeling particular plants. You can also take your old signs and create artwork out of them, or use them as inspiration for a new piece of writing.
Of course, you can always save them and reuse them for the next election – or even the next event (like a yard sale) or campaign that needs to be advertised!
Here’s a video with some fun, easy ideas to try:
Donate Them
If you have old election signs gathering dust in your garage, there are a number of great organizations that would love to receive them for reuse.
One option is to donate your signs to local schools, where they can be used as teaching aids or classroom decorations. Another possibility is to donate your old signs to local community centers or non-profit organizations.
Many of these groups often organize rallies or marches, and they would be delighted to have access to these valuable tools.
And if you’d prefer not to pass on your old signs directly, there are several websites that serve as virtual exchange platforms where people can trade and sell old signs online.
Upcycle Them
After an election, there are often dozens, if not hundreds, of election signs left behind. While some people simply throw them away, others see them as an opportunity to be creative and upcycle them into something new. Here are just a few ideas for ways to upcycle election signs:
- Turn them into garden markers. Paint them with funny sayings or the names of different plants.
- Use them as coasters or trivets. Protect your surfaces from hot dishes with a little bit of political flair.
- Make a wind chime. Cut the signs into small pieces and tie them together with string or wire. Hang it up outside and enjoy the gentle tinkling sound it makes in the breeze.
- Create a collage. Arrange the signs into an interesting design and frame them. This is a great way to add a personal touch to your decor.
- Recycle them. Most election signs are made from corrugated plastic, which can be recycled into new products like drainage pipe or packaging material. So even if you don’t want to keep the sign itself, you can still give it new life by recycling it.
Alternatives To Using Election Signs
The most eco-friendly way to get rid of those election signs is, of course, to avoid using them in the first place. Contrary to what most people believe, they really aren’t all that necessary, either.
There are many different ways to get the word out about your candidate during an election. One of the most common methods is to use election signs. However, there are a few alternatives that can be just as effective.
For example, door-to-door canvassing is a great way to connect with voters on a personal level. You can also host forums and meet-and-greet events to give voters the opportunity to learn more about your platform and what you stand for. Social media is also a powerful tool that can reach a wide audience – perhaps a wider audience than those election signs!
By creating engaging content and using targeted advertising, you can ensure that your message reaches the right people. With a little creative thinking, you can find a variety of ways to get your candidate’s name out there without resorting to election signs.
But if you do decide to use election signs, that’s okay, too. Now that the election is over, it’s time to start thinking about how to recycle those campaign signs. Rather than letting them pile up in a corner or stuffing them in the back of a closet, try one of these tips to reuse or repurpose your election signs.
Not only will you be helping the environment, but you can also show your support for the environment after Election Day has come and gone.