Question: I recently discovered that there is a crack in my bicycle helmet, so I decided to buy a new one to be safe. My question is: Can I recycle my old helmet? Anna
Answer: The short answer’s no — though upcycling may be possible. Josh Peterson at Planet Green suggests turning the helmet into a planter, while Grist’s Umbra suggests creating some sort of trash sculpture.
My guess is that the resulting planter or sculpture will be eco-fugly — but I haven’t got any better suggestions. Like Umbra, I’ll encourage you not to feel bad about this small bit of waste if you decide to black bin it. Your eco-friendly bicycling habit more than makes up for the little space your former head gear will take up in a landfill. Happy riding!
Photo by knaakle
When I wrote about this subject last year, I received a comment from a cyclist who cited evidence that cycle helmets don’t work. If you are wearing the helmet to stay on the right side of the law rather than to provide your head with some added protection, you might consider wearing your cracked helmet for awhile longer. This is NOT a recommendation, it’s just an idea.
Also, before you send it to the landfill, you might want to take it apart and recycle the expanded polystyrene part.
Comment by Martin — March 1, 2010 @ 4:05 am
Another random thing I could use some suggestions for re/up-cycling: headphones! A pair recently gave out and I’m not sure what to do with them. Any ideas?
P.S. Sorry if this isn’t the appropriate forum for this question.
Comment by Di — March 1, 2010 @ 9:33 am
siel – I often wonder why cork couldn’t replace the EPS and the plastic hardcover seems like it could easily be made from recycled material, not to mention the buckles and straps. Unfortunately the bicycle helmet manufacturers are not up to speed on the whole remanufacturing and/or recycling aspect. As such, the end of life solutions are limited and we can only hope helmet manufacturers will begin to realize they have some responsibility for putting such a linear product on the market.
The debate on whether helmets do or don’t work is tiring. Helmets are proven effective in reducing the risk of minor head injuries such as lacerations and skull fractures incurred during a low speed crash or collision. However, a bicycle helmet probably won’t do much good in a high speed crash or collision. I’ve been in a low speed collision with a motor vehicle and the helmet did its job when I rolled across my head on the pavement. Without the helmet I don’t believe I would have walked away so easily. Just make sure you fit it properly, remember the SmartCycling Class when we covered helmet fit, level on the head with one or two fingers above the brow, chin strap snug, and side straps should form a V under your ear lobe. See you on the streets.
Comment by ron — March 5, 2010 @ 6:16 pm
Wow — scary re: the collision! I definitely always wear my helmet, and have taken a bicycling safety class. Your comment reminds me to recheck the fit of my helmet –
Comment by Siel — April 14, 2010 @ 10:35 pm