Mini blinds are a common and affordable window treatment that can add style and privacy to your home. But what do you do with them when they get old, broken, or outdated? Do you have to throw them away or can you recycle them?
The answer is yes, you can recycle some types of mini blinds
If your mini blinds are made from aluminum, this material is accepted at basically every major recycling plant. Aluminum is one of the most recyclable metals and can be melted down and reused for various products. If your mini blinds are made of PVC or vinyl, you may need to call ahead and see whether or not your local plant will accept them. PVC or vinyl is a type of plastic that can be recycled, but not all recycling centers have the facilities or the demand for it.
How to recycle mini blinds
Before you recycle your mini blinds, you need to prepare them properly. Here are some steps to follow:
- Remove the mini blinds from the window and clean them thoroughly. You can hose them down with water or wipe them with a damp cloth.
- Cut the cords and ladder strings that hold the slats together. You can use scissors or a utility knife for this. Be careful not to cut yourself or damage the slats.
- Separate the slats from the headrail and any other metal or plastic components. You may need to use a screwdriver or pliers for this.
- Sort the slats by material. Aluminum slats go in one pile, PVC or vinyl slats go in another pile. The headrail and other components go in a separate pile as well.
- Take the aluminum slats to any recycling center or scrap metal yard that accepts aluminum. You may get some money for them depending on the weight and the market price of aluminum.
- Take the PVC or vinyl slats to a recycling center that accepts PVC or vinyl. You may need to call ahead and check if they do. If not, you may have to dispose of them in the trash or find another way to reuse them.
- Take the headrail and other components to a recycling center that accepts metal or plastic. Again, you may need to call ahead and check if they do.
How to reuse mini blinds
If you don’t want to recycle your mini blinds, you can also find ways to reuse them for other purposes. Here are some creative ideas:
- Use the slats as garden markers. Cut them into smaller pieces and write the names of your plants on them with a permanent marker. Stick them into the soil next to your plants.
- Use the slats as paint stirrers. Cut them into shorter lengths and use them to stir paint cans or buckets.
- Use the slats as bookmarks. Cut them into strips and decorate them with stickers, ribbons, or beads. Use them to mark your place in books or magazines.
- Use the slats as coasters. Cut them into squares and glue them together with hot glue. Use them to protect your table from hot or cold drinks.
- Use the headrail as a curtain rod. Attach some hooks or brackets to the wall and hang the headrail on them. Use some clips or rings to hang curtains or fabric on the headrail.
FAQs
- How do I stop my mini blinds from making noise? To stop your mini blinds from making noise, you can try adding some felt pads or foam weatherstripping to the bottom of each slat. This will cushion the impact when the blind hits the window frame and reduce the clattering sound.
- How do I stop my mini blinds from hitting my door handle? To stop your mini blinds from hitting your door handle, you can either raise them above the handle level or use a spacer block to create some distance between the blind and the handle. A spacer block is a small piece of wood or plastic that attaches to the window frame and extends it outward.
- How do I clean my mini blinds? To clean your mini blinds, you can use a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment to remove any dust or dirt. You can also wipe them with a damp cloth or sponge with some mild soap and water. For stubborn stains, you can use a mild detergent or a stain remover.
Wrap up
Mini blinds are a convenient and economical window treatment that can last for years with proper care and maintenance. If you need to get rid of your old or broken mini blinds, you don’t have to throw them away. You can recycle some types of mini blinds at recycling centers or scrap metal yards, or you can reuse them for other purposes around your home.
Dale is the colorful mind behind HuetifulHomes.com, where he shows you how to create a home that is as fun and fabulous as you are. He has a passion for color and a knack for DIY, with years of interior design experience he shares his tips and tricks on how to create a home that reflects your personality and style. He believes that color is the key to happiness, and he wants to help you make your home more Huetiful.
