Can You Recycle a Hose Reel?

We all love hose reels and use them constantly in our garden. However, after using them for several seasons it comes a time to replace them.
As we are passionate about maintaining a sustainable and eco-friendly garden, today we’re focusing on recycling old garden hose reels. This is an important step towards reducing waste and protecting our environment.
While garden hose reels are a useful tool for any gardener, they can become worn out, damaged, or simply outlive their purpose. Instead of throwing them away and contributing to the growing waste problem, why not give them a new lease on life?
In this blog post, we will provide you with some tips and steps for recycling your old garden hose reels. So, if you’re ready to learn more about how to recycle an old garden hose reel, keep reading!

Yes, a hose reel can usually be recycled. However, the specific recycling instructions may depend on the materials that the hose reel is made of.
Hose reels are typically made of either plastic or metal.

Plastic hose reels are often made of polypropylene, which is a type of plastic that can be recycled.
If your hose reel is made of plastic, you may be able to recycle it with other plastic products in your curbside recycling bin. However, it’s important to note that not all plastic products are recyclable in all areas, so you should check with your local recycling center or waste management department to confirm what types of plastic can be recycled in your area.

Metal hose reels are typically made of steel or aluminum, both of which can be recycled. However, if the hose reel is made of metal, you may need to take it to a scrap metal recycling facility to ensure that it is properly recycled.
If your hose reel is made of metal, it can often be recycled at a scrap metal recycling facility. Some municipalities offer curbside collection of metal items, but you may need to take your hose reel to a recycling facility yourself. It’s a good idea to call ahead to confirm that the facility accepts hose reels and to check if there are any specific preparation or packaging requirements.

Prepare your hose reel for recycling

It’s always a good idea to check with your local recycling center or waste management department to confirm the specific recycling instructions for your area. They can provide you with information about what materials can be recycled, where to take them, and any guidelines you need to follow to ensure that the item is recycled properly.
Before recycling your hose reel, it’s important to prepare it properly to ensure that it can be recycled efficiently.

For plastic hose reels, this may involve removing any metal or other non-recyclable parts and making sure that the plastic is clean and dry.

For metal hose reels, you may need to remove any plastic or rubber components before recycling.

Recycling alternatives:

If your hose reel is still in good condition and can be used, consider donating it to a local community garden or gardening group. They may be able to use it to store hoses or other gardening tools. Alternatively, you could try selling it or giving it away on a community classifieds website. This can be a good way to extend the life of the item and reduce waste.

How to recycle plastic hose reels step by step

Recycling plastic hose reels can help to reduce waste and conserve resources. Here are some steps you can follow to recycle plastic hose reels:

Clean the hose reel: Before recycling the hose reel, it’s important to clean it of any dirt or debris. Use a brush or rag to remove any visible dirt, grass, or other debris from the hose reel. You can also use a hose to rinse off any remaining dirt or debris. Make sure the reel is completely dry before recycling it.

Check with your local recycling programs: Contact your local recycling program to find out if they accept plastic hose reels. You can do this by visiting their website, calling their office, or checking any information they provide on their recycling bins. Not all recycling programs accept plastic hose reels, so it’s important to check first.
Prepare the hose reel for recycling: If your local recycling program accepts plastic hose reels, prepare the reel for recycling by removing any metal parts or pieces that can’t be recycled. This may include the metal crank, axles, or locking mechanisms. Some recycling programs may require that you disassemble the reel and separate the metal and plastic parts. Check with your local program to see what their specific requirements are.
Place the hose reel in the recycling bin: Once the hose reel has been prepared, place it in your recycling bin or take it to a recycling center that accepts plastic items. If you’re placing it in your recycling bin, make sure to follow any guidelines provided by your local recycling program. Some programs may require that you place the reel in a certain way or with other specific items.

Follow local guidelines: Make sure to follow any local guidelines or regulations for recycling plastic items. This may include rules for preparing the item, placing it in the bin, or dropping it off at a recycling center.

Recycling plastic hose reels can help to reduce waste and conserve resources. By following these steps, you can help to ensure that the hose reel is properly recycled and doesn’t end up in a landfill.

Remember to always check with your local recycling program to ensure that they accept the item before attempting to recycle it.

If you are looking for a garden hose reel holder, check our recommendations below: