How to Recycle Lanyards and Name Tags | The ReCollective
ReCo Pick Member Guide

How to Recycle Lanyards and Name Tags

Learn how to recycle or reuse old lanyards, name tags, badge holders, and clips through The ReCollective’s ReCo Pick and mailback programs.

Used lanyards and name tags collected for reuse

Give event and workplace materials another use

Lanyards and badge holders are often made from several materials, which can make them difficult to recycle through regular curbside programs.

The ReCollective collects usable lanyards and name tags so they can be sorted for reuse by local community organizations, schools, and events.

What to include

Accepted Lanyards and Name Tags

Include reusable lanyards, badge holders, and related pieces in good condition.

Accepted

  • Fabric or polyester lanyards
  • Plastic lanyards
  • Plastic name tags
  • Plastic badge holders
  • Lanyards with metal or plastic clips

Please Leave Out

  • Broken lanyards
  • Broken name tags
  • Cracked or unusable badge holders
  • Items with sharp, exposed pieces
  • Loose paper name inserts
How to set them out

Use Your Own Grocery-Sized Bag

During the featured ReCo Pick month, place approved lanyards and name tags in your own grocery-sized bag or smaller. Put that bag inside your black waterproof collection bag on pickup day.

Before your pickup

How to Prepare Lanyards and Name Tags

Check the Condition

Only include lanyards, name tags, and badge holders that are intact and suitable for reuse.

Remove Personal Information

Take out paper inserts and remove or cover names, company details, and other identifying information.

Use Your Own Bag

Place the items in a grocery-sized bag or smaller before putting the bag inside your black waterproof collection bag.

Materials being sorted at The ReCollective warehouse in Durham
After collection

What Happens to Lanyards and Name Tags?

Collected lanyards and name tags return to The ReCollective’s Durham warehouse, where they are sorted by material and condition.

1

Inspect: The team checks each item for condition and reuse potential.

2

Sort: Lanyards, name tags, badge holders, and clips are grouped by type.

3

Reuse: Usable materials are prepared for local community organizations, schools, or events.

Reuse first: Keeping these materials together and in good condition gives them the best chance of being used again.

ReCo Pick Reminders

Standard monthly members Set out lanyards and name tags only during a featured ReCo Pick month, using your own grocery-sized bag or smaller.
Almost Anything Plan members You may set out approved lanyards and name tags during any monthly pickup in your ReCo Pick bag.
Keep Standard ReCo Pick Items Contained During the featured month, place the grocery-sized bag inside your black waterproof collection bag.
Return all canvas bags Return all of your canvas bags each time you set out recycling so the team can provide a complete replacement kit.
Related information

Other Reuse and Recycling Guides

Clothing and textile recycling guide Recycling guide Clothing & Textiles View guide Art and office supplies recycling guide Reuse guide Art & Office Supplies View guide Clothing hanger recycling and reuse guide Reuse guide Clothing Hangers View guide Toy reuse and recycling guide Reuse guide Toys View guide
Service information

Local Pickup & Mailback

City page Durham View local information City page Raleigh View local information City page Cary View local information City page Chapel Hill & Carrboro View local information Mailback Almost Anything Bag Lanyards and name tags accepted