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6-2-2019 With summer finally here, many of us are realizing that our garden hoses are cracked, broken or leaky and need to be replaced. Although you might think garden hoses are recyclable because they’re made out of plastic, they actually need to be put in the garbage. Garden hoses are one of the most dangerous items to accidentally toss in your recycling. Why? They are long, unruly and can wrap around sorting machinery. This not only damages the machinery, but it also endangers the workers who have to try to untangle them. Toss them in the trash, or, if you’re feeling creative, check out these ideas in the Recycling Guide for repurposing them. When replacing your garden hose, opt for polyurethane (PU) or natural rubber hoses over PVC hoses. PU hoses can also withstand cold weather and high pressure better than PVC hoses do. Also, they are more eco-friendly because they do not contain chemicals that can leach into the environment. Absolutely Not RecyclableGarden hoses can get tangled in sorting equipment at recycling facilities, damaging the machinery and creating safety hazards for workers. Never put hoses in the recycling — always put them in the garbage. Ways to ReduceLook for Natural HosesPolyurethane or natural rubber hoses are safer materials than PVC hoses, so check the label. They are more eco-friendly because they do not contain chemicals that can leach into the environment. Look for Lead-FreeMany hoses transmit unsafe levels of lead in their water due to their brass fittings. Reduce your hose’s environmental impact by choosing one that’s lead-free. Look for labels such as “Drink Safe,” “Safe for Potable Water,” “Lead-Free,” “Eco-Smart” and “Family-Safe.” Ways to ReuseUse as a Drip Watering SystemOne of the easiest ways to reuse an old garden hose is to poke holes in it and use it as a drip watering or irrigation system. Make a Blade GuardSlit open a piece of garden hose and use it as a blade protector for a saw, ax or even your ice skates.
Home/Recycling Garden Hoses Can I Recycle My Garden Hose?As the weather begins to turn and we find ourselves heading to the shed to pull out last years supplies, we may discover that some of our tools didn’t make it through the winter. Maybe your plastic flower pots have new cracks in them or your garden hose is worn out. You want to get rid of them, but how? Unfortunately, there are not many eco-friendly options for garden hose removal. Although they may look like plastic, they are made up of many non-recyclable materials. Not only are they not recyclable, but hoses, much like plastic bags, cause big problems for sorting facilities across the U.S. When placed in curbside recycle carts and transported to these facilities, hoses often get lodged in trucks, wrapped around gears and get tangled in conveyor belts. This all leads to a decrease in productivity at recycling centers. Instead, garden hoses should be placed inside your regular household garbage carts for safe disposal. Creative Ways to Re-purpose a Garden Hose:
Additional Outdoor Disposal Tip: Plastic Flower PotsPlastic flower pots are easy! While they aren’t part of your curbside recycling program, they can be recycled if you bring them to small, local garden centers! These businesses are always looking for pots to re-use for the next year. If you are unable to bring your pots to be recycled, as long as they are empty, they can be placed in your regular garbage container for removal. Read Up on RecyclingWhat can I do with an old garden hose?10 Ways To Use An Old Garden Hose. Protect Your Car. Our two-car garage is just barely big enough to fit both my SUV and my husband's truck. ... . Make A Soaker Hose. ... . Cover Sharp Blades. ... . Improve Your Grip. ... . Cover Swing Chains. ... . Water Pots Gently. ... . Hang Tools. ... . Trap Earwigs.. Can you throw a garden hose away?Although you might think garden hoses are recyclable because they're made out of plastic, they actually need to be put in the garbage. Garden hoses are one of the most dangerous items to accidentally toss in your recycling. Why? They are long, unruly and can wrap around sorting machinery.
How long do garden hoses last?A good garden hose should last 5 to 10 years. But many homeowners who buy lower quality hoses end up replacing theirs each year due to leaks, cracks or rot. Although some problems can be repaired, it's generally more cost-effective to buy a good quality hose to begin with.
Can hoses be stored outside?Hoses can be stored outside as long as you make sure to drain all of the water from the hose. Hoses can be drained easily by running them over a tall place where gravity forces water to exit the hose. This ensures that the hose won't split when any residual water freezes.
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