What do you do when it’s time to rid a bean bag that has been in your home for years? Are bean bags recyclable?
Bean Bags are known for their casual comfort and have been popular since the 60s and 70s. Today, they come in many shapes, colours, and styles, adding a relaxed vibe to any room. But what should you do when it’s time to part with a bean bag that’s been in your home for years? Are bean bags recyclable? Whether your bean bag no longer fits your décor or is damaged beyond repair, there are several ways to recycle or repurpose both the beans and the fabric. The recycling process for bean bag beans, especially those made from expanded polystyrene (EPS), can help reduce their environmental impact by keeping non-renewable materials out of landfills.
This article provides answers to common questions about bean bag disposal and recycling, helping you find the best solution for your situation. Here’s how to give your bean bag a second life.
Bean Bag Beans: Are Bean Bags Recyclable?
Most bean bags are filled with small styrofoam balls, which are made from expanded polystyrene (EPS), a type of plastic material. EPS is also used in packaging for fruits, meat trays, appliances, and furniture; however, only clean, white foam from these sources is recyclable. Compared to other materials used for bean bag filling, such as natural beans or different plastics like EPE and EPP, EPS is lightweight and offers unique properties.
While most Styrofoam isn’t recyclable, it can be reused in creative ways. However, EPS can be easily contaminated, making recycling more difficult. It is important to prevent the escape of small EPS balls during handling and recycling, as they can be lost or cause litter.
EPS is valued for its ability to protect fragile items during transport and is commonly used as insulation in construction. If your bean bag is filled with natural materials, such as beans, rice, or buckwheat husks, there are even more options for reuse.
Polystyrene foam should not be placed in your home recycling bin; instead, it should be taken to designated recycling points. EPS occupies a significant amount of space in landfills due to its low density, and recycling centres have limited capacity to process large volumes. Only clean white expanded polystyrene foam is recyclable; contaminated or colored polystyrene cannot be recycled. Here’s how to recycle or repurpose different types of bean bag fillings:
Styrofoam Filling
Styrofoam beans, often referred to as beads or pellets, are great for packaging fragile items, keeping them secure during shipping. EPS can also be used as a protective wrap to shield furniture and electronic goods during transportation. These beads or pellets are popular for crafts, such as mimicking snow for holiday décor, and are widely used in crafting projects to make art pieces or decorative displays. You can use glue to attach the beans to surfaces, creating creative effects or floating wall art. In DIY projects, lids can be used to contain the filling and prevent spills. The filling is also ideal for making floating bath toys or other safe crafts for children. While not recyclable in most curbside programs, reusing them helps reduce waste. Expanded polystyrene (EPS) can be recycled if separated and contained in a clear plastic bag. The majority of polystyrene foam is used in packaging and contains 98% air, making it lightweight and versatile for various applications.
Beans
If your bean bag is filled with dried beans, check for mould or an off smell before considering reuse. If they're still fresh, you can plant them to grow bean plants. However, it's not recommended to eat beans that have been used as filling.
Rice
Like beans, inspect rice for freshness. If it's still good, you can use it for crafts or even try growing your rice. Avoid consuming rice that has been used as a bean bag filling.
Buckwheat Husks
Buckwheat husks are a natural, long-lasting filling. If they're still in good condition, use them to fill pillows or meditation cushions. Buckwheat husks promote good sleep posture and are breathable and hygienic. You can also use them for decorative purposes around the home.
Bean Bag Fabric: Can It Be Recycled?
Once you’ve dealt with the filling, consider how to reuse the fabric cover. Bean bag filling can be reused in garden or planter pots to aid in water drainage. The beans can also be used to insulate a home, improving temperature control.
Recycled bean bag fabric or filling can be transported in containers to recycling facilities. Items can be dropped off at a recycling yard, sometimes for free, but some locations may charge a fee for collection. Some recycling yards offer free drop-off, while others may charge for collection services. Offices can also serve as a convenient place or collection point for recycling bean bag materials. You can contact local organisations or post online to arrange for pickup or donation of bean bag covers or filling. Here are some creative ideas:
Create an Outfit
The fabric from a bean bag can be repurposed into clothing like a jacket or dress, especially if it has a unique pattern or colour. Get creative and design something new! Additionally, bean bag filling can create floating bath toys when placed in a mesh bag.
Make a Blanket or Patchwork
Use the fabric to create a small blanket, a baby blanket, or a patchwork quilt. You can also cut the fabric into shapes for crafts or as decorative patches for other items.
Dispose Responsibly
If the fabric is too worn or damaged, dispose of it in accordance with your local textile recycling guidelines. Avoid sending it to the landfill if possible.
Give It Away or Sell
If your bean bag is still in usable condition, consider giving it away or selling it online. Many people are happy to take a pre-loved bean bag for their home.
Conclusion
Ultimately, how you recycle or reuse your bean bag is up to you. With a little creativity, both the filling and the fabric can be given a new purpose. Bean bags are affordable, comfortable, and easy to maintain, which is why they remain a popular choice for homes everywhere. Whether you repurpose, donate, or recycle, you’re helping reduce waste and giving your bean bag a second life. EPS takes hundreds of years to break down in a landfill, making its improper disposal problematic. Businesses can find commercial recycling services for large quantities of polystyrene foam. Recycling options for bean bag beans and polystyrene are available across Australia—be sure to check your local guidelines for the best way to recycle in your area. For more tips, check out our blog on how to refill your bean bag.
