You can recycle skateboards, and the process is easier than you think. Skateboards are made of wood and plastic. For plastic skateboard decks, you can recycle them as other plastics are recycled. For wooden skateboard decks, you may repurpose them.
Skateboarding is raging as a trend right now. But, have you thought about where these skateboards go after disposal? You know the answer – to the landfills. Every year millions of skateboards go to landfills. But can you recycle skateboard decks?
Here we will be talking all about recycling and repurposing skateboard decks. So please stick with us as we unveil all the dos and don’ts of recycling skateboard decks.
Why is it Important to Recycle Skateboard Decks?
Skateboarding is a popular sport and pastime around the world, and with that comes a lot of skateboard decks that eventually need to be replaced. While skateboard decks are made of wood, which is a renewable resource, it takes many years for trees to grow. That’s why it’s important to conserve wood whenever possible, and recycling skateboard decks is a great way to do that.
There are several reasons why it’s important to recycle skateboard decks:
To reduce waste and conserve resources.
When you recycle a skateboard deck, you’re helping to reduce the amount of waste that goes into landfills. Skateboard decks are typically made of maple wood, which is a high-quality wood that can be reused for other products. Recycling skateboard decks helps to conserve this valuable resource and prevent it from being wasted.
To keep skateboard decks out of landfills.
Landfills are a major source of methane, a greenhouse gas that is even more harmful to the environment than carbon dioxide. By recycling skateboard decks, you’re helping to keep them out of landfills and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
To create new products from recycled materials.
Recycled skateboard decks can be used to create a variety of new products, including furniture, toys, skate ramps, and even new skateboard decks. This helps to create a more sustainable economy and reduce the need for new raw materials.
To support sustainable businesses.
There are a number of businesses that are dedicated to recycling skateboard decks and creating new products from them. By supporting these businesses, you’re helping to create a more sustainable future for the skateboarding industry.
How to Recycle Skateboard Decks
There are a number of ways to recycle skateboard decks. The best method for you will depend on your location, resources, and preferences.
Taking Your Skateboard Deck to a Local Skate Shop or Recycling Center
Many skate shops have skateboard recycling programs. You can simply drop off your old deck at the shop and they will take care of the rest.
Some recycling centers also accept skateboard decks. However, it is important to check with your local recycling center to see if they accept this type of material.
Step-by-step instructions:
- Call your local skate shop or recycling center to see if they accept skateboard decks.
- If they do, simply drop off your old deck at the shop or center.
- That’s it! You’ve helped to recycle your skateboard deck and reduce waste.
Can You Recycle Skateboard Decks? Recycling Skateboard Decks at Home
If you have the tools and skills, you can recycle skateboard decks at home. This is a great option if you want to have more control over the recycling process.
Step-by-step instructions:
- Remove the grip tape. You can use a heat gun or hair dryer to loosen the grip tape, then peel it off.
- Cut the deck into smaller pieces. This will make it easier to work with the wood.
- Sand the wood. This will remove any remaining grip tape residue and smooth out the surface of the wood.
- Decide what you want to make with the recycled wood. You can make a variety of products from recycled skateboard decks, such as furniture, home decor, and even new skateboards.
- Get creative! There are endless possibilities for what you can make with recycled skateboard decks.
Some additional tips for recycling skateboard decks at home:
- If you are using a heat gun or hair dryer to remove the grip tape, be careful not to overheat the wood. Too much heat can damage the wood and make it difficult to work with.
- When sanding the wood, wear a dust mask to protect yourself from sawdust.
- Use caution when cutting the wood. Skateboard decks are made of hard maple wood, which can be difficult to cut.
- If you are making a new skateboard from recycled wood, be sure to use high-quality hardware.
Recycling skateboard decks is a great way to help the environment and support the skateboarding community. By following the instructions above, you can easily recycle your old skateboard deck and give it a new life.
What Happens to Recycled Skateboard Decks?
Recycled skateboard decks can be used to make a variety of new products, including:
- New skateboard decks
- Furniture
- Flooring
- Musical instruments
- Art
- Other wood products
New Skateboard Decks
Recycled skateboard decks can be used to make new skateboard decks. This is a great way to reduce the amount of new wood that is used to make skateboard decks.
To make a new skateboard deck from recycled decks, the recycled decks are first broken down into smaller pieces. The pieces are then glued together and pressed to form a new deck.
Recycled skateboard decks are just as strong and durable as new decks made from fresh wood. In fact, some recycled decks are even stronger than new decks.
Furniture
Recycled skateboard decks can be used to make a variety of furniture, such as tables, chairs, benches, and shelves.
To make furniture from recycled decks, the recycled decks are first cut into the desired shape and size. The pieces are then sanded and finished to create a smooth and durable surface.
Recycled skateboard furniture is often very colorful and unique. It is also a great way to show your love of skateboarding.
Flooring
Recycled skateboard decks can be used to make flooring for homes, businesses, and other spaces.
To make flooring from recycled decks, the recycled decks are first broken down into smaller pieces. The pieces are then glued together and pressed to form a new sheet of flooring.
Recycled skateboard flooring is very durable and easy to maintain. It is also a great way to add a unique and stylish touch to any space.
Musical Instruments
Recycled skateboard decks can be used to make a variety of musical instruments, such as guitars, drums, and percussion instruments.
To make musical instruments from recycled decks, the recycled decks are first cut into the desired shape and size. The pieces are then sanded and finished to create a smooth and durable surface.
Recycled skateboard musical instruments are often very unique and have a unique sound. They are also a great way to show your love of skateboarding and music.
Art
Recycled skateboard decks can be used to create a variety of art, such as paintings, sculptures, and mosaics.
To create art from recycled decks, the recycled decks are first sanded and finished to create a smooth and durable surface. The decks can then be painted, carved, or otherwise decorated.
Recycled skateboard art is often very colorful and unique. It is also a great way to show your love of skateboarding and art.
Trustworthy Source
Always buy decks from trustworthy sources or skateboard manufacturers. You should also check which skateboard company is providing it.
Water Damage
Look for any water damage on the board. A water-damaged deck will lose the “pop.” Without pops, it will be hard to do the flip tricks.
Grip Tape
Search for any discoloration on the grip tape. Also, check if it is not glued well with the deck.
Bolts and Ball Bearings
Do not buy a deck with rusty and discolored bolts because the wheels and trucks will also get rusty over time for the bolts. Aluminum pieces are a great option here.
Wood Thickness
From 90 mm to a maximum of 100 mm – an average skateboard deck should have this level of thickness.
Buy and Donate Old Skateboards
Reusing includes both buying and donating things. It would be best if you did not dump a good thing but donated it to someone. Again, buying used ones will be better than buying from a skate shop.
Buying Used Ones
We know all the necessary things to buy a used skateboard deck. But you might be asking yourself – where can I buy used skateboard decks?
First, look for the nearest independent skate shops and thrift stores. You should get one or two used skateboards there.
But what if you don’t? Then, go for online stores. Amazon, Alibaba, and other online skateboard shops have a great collection of used skateboards.
Donating For Betterment
It would help if you donated your skateboards to a trusted shop. Skateboards For Hope, Boards For Bros, First Try Foundation, etc., can be good choices for donating your beloved skateboard deck.
Are old Skateboards Worth Anything?
Whether or not old skateboards are worth anything depends on a number of factors, including the brand, condition, and rarity of the board. Some old skateboards can be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars, while others may only be worth a few dollars.
Here are some of the factors that can affect the value of an old skateboard:
- Brand: Some skateboard brands are more popular and desirable than others. For example, old skateboards from brands like Powell Peralta, Santa Cruz, and Thrasher are often worth more than boards from lesser-known brands.
- Condition: The condition of the board is also important. Boards that are in good condition, with minimal wear and tear, are worth more than boards that are in poor condition.
- Rarity: Rare skateboards are worth more than common skateboards. For example, old skateboards with unique graphics or limited-edition releases are often worth more than mass-produced boards.
If you have an old skateboard and you are wondering if it is worth anything, you can do some research to find out more about the board’s brand, condition, and rarity. You can also look for similar boards that have sold online to get an idea of what they are going for.
Conclusion
Reduce, Recycle, Reuse – we all know about the 3Rs. But can you recycle skateboard decks? Following these 3Rs for the skateboard decks is easy. But our willingness will play a significant role. By reusing and recycling skateboard decks, we can minimize the amount of dumping.
So, we have to check the skateboard waste material. Woodworking with old skateboards is easy. Recycled materials from skateboard decks help create more sustainable materials. Now is the time to implement all the ideas and work for the environment. Let’s!
FAQ’s
How many skateboards are thrown away each year?
The exact number of skateboards thrown away each year is difficult to determine. However, with the growing popularity of skateboarding and the constant cycle of new product releases, it is safe to say that a significant number of skateboards end up in the waste stream annually.
Are skateboard decks recyclable?
Skateboard decks can be recycled, but it’s not as straightforward as tossing them in your curbside bin. The good news is, there are programs and initiatives dedicated to giving these ol’ boards new life! ♻️
Here’s the gist:
Material matters: Most decks are made from high-quality maple plywood, which is inherently recyclable.
Challenges arise: Glue, grip tape, and paint can contaminate the wood, making traditional recycling difficult.
Creative solutions: Skate-specific recycling programs collect decks, remove the non-recyclable bits, and repurpose the wood into cool stuff like furniture, skateparks, or even new decks!
What can I do with an old skate deck?
Broken board got you bummed? Don’t ditch it! Old decks can be reborn as:
Art canvas: Paint a masterpiece, carve a wall hanging, unleash your inner artist!
Functional furniture: Make a shelf, a lamp, a shoe rack – deck DIY magic!
Cool accessories: Cut out a wallet, a keychain, a phone stand – get creative!
Donate or recycle: Give it new life at a skate shop or dedicated program!
Repurpose, reimagine, rock on!
How can I reuse my skateboard?
Breathe new life into your board! Turn it into:
Art canvas: Paint a masterpiece, carve a wall hanging, let your creativity shred!
Deck-tastic furniture: Shelf it, lamp it, shoe it up – DIY magic awaits!
Handy accessories: Wallet, keychain, phone stand – cut cool stuff outta your board!
Donate or recycle: Give it a second kick at a skate shop or program!
Reuse, reimagine, roll on!
