Foam Rubber: 10 Ways to Recycle It

It is found in various objects that we have at home: how to reuse foam rubber to avoid unnecessary waste and give a new and useful life to this versatile material? Several things come to our aid creative recycling ideas that allow you to recycle foam rubber in an original way. From coat hangers to cushions, take inspiration.

Before we get into the ideas, let's clarify. It's a form of aerated plastic produced in many different variations. But how foam rubber is made? As well as Wikipedia teaches, “Elastic polyurethane foam, as it is also known, is a spongy material derived from the polymerization of toluene diisocyanate, a petroleum derivative.”

It is used in various fields which include the padding of sofas, the packaging of furnishings and even insulation in the building industry. Its production is huge these days, which is why it's likely to be wasted. Some types are recyclable, others are not. If you'd like to give it a second chance instead of throwing it away, here's how.

The first idea that comes to mind in terms of recycling foam rubber is used as a filling for cushions, furniture and much more. But not only that, because it lends itself to completing some commonly used objects, making them more efficient, as well as being used to give life to dolls and to protect delicate accessories. It can be used to make perfect stamps for paint the walls of the houseHere are some solutions.

Pillow to protect the knees

A super useful idea for recycling leftover foam. If you're a gardener or do other hobbies that require prolonged kneeling, you can improvise a cushion to protect them.

• Cut the foam rubber to the desired shape, taking the measurements of the size of your knees.
• Place it inside a waterproof material (a garbage bag can be useful)
• Make it stick perfectly, then close the bag with some tape

Clothes hangers

It may have happened to you too to put a dress on a hanger and, once hung inside thewardrobe, watching it slide down quickly. If you want to avoid this inconvenience, you can cut a couple of small rectangles of foam rubber and glue them to the ends. Or, if you have the patience, use it to completely wrap the plastic or wooden rods that compose it.

Sponge for collecting hair and fur

Another useful use of foam rubber scraps can be to exploit them as hair collecting sponge or hair from your home, car, or any other area frequented by animals. Simply moisten the material with water and wipe it over the surfaces.

Fix the rugs

Again, the small pieces of foam rubber applied to the underside of the carpets, the one that touches the floor, can help keep them from shifting. By gluing it, they'll stay firmly anchored to the ground, eliminating the risk of tripping.

Earplugs

Suitably cut, the foam rubber can give life to the earplugs, very useful when we need to isolate ourselves acoustically for study or work reasons, or for allow us to sleep in environments that are too noisy or busy with people.

Packaging

Whether it's delicate accessories, glass Christmas decorations or other fragile objectsYou can store them in the closet after wrapping them in foam sheets. They'll stay protected even inside traditional moving boxes.

Crafts for children

Over the years you may have put aside several foam rubber waste. Cutouts, maybe even colored ones, which also look more cheerful. Well, give them to the children: they will be useful for the little ones for their odd jobs of creative crafts. They can cut them out further and glue them onto pictures or other creations.

Soap dish

What can you do with a thick piece of foam rubber? You can cut it on one side, and insert the resulting slot into the soap remnants and bars of soapWhen you go to bathe or shower, the water will come into contact with them, releasing abundant foam.

Draft excluders

Foam rubber can act as draft excluders preventing cold air currents from entering the house. And thus ensuring thatthermal insulation which, in addition to keeping the house warm, also helps to avoid waste of electricity or gas.

• Cut long strips from the foam rubber you have available
• Glued on one side of the double-sided tape
• Also remove the other protection from the sticker and proceed by gluing the strip near the opening of the window frames.

Corner protectors

Le ideas on how to reuse foam rubber They're not finished yet. You can use it for child safety at home by using it to create soft toys. corner shooterWho knows how many times the little ones at home have almost hit their foreheads on the corner of the table. This way, you can rest a little more assured.

Where do you throw away foam rubber?

If you decide to throw away your cushion foam, even if it is made of organic material, do not choose the organic waste bin. The foam goes in the recycling bin, after having cut and eliminated any zips and buttons.

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