How to recycle your shoes thoughtfully

Australians stockpiling on more than 100 million pairs of unused shoes are being urged to take a small step towards improving the environment.

Australians stockpiling on more than 100 million pairs of unused shoes across the country are being urged to take a small step towards improving the environment by recycling them.

A survey from national recycling initiative TreadLightly found the average Aussie owns about five pairs of shoes they don‘t even wear.

It also found almost a quarter (24 per cent) of the more than 1000 people surveyed keep the shoes for a “rainy day or for sentimental reasons”, while more than half (51 per cent) throw them in the rubbish.

Over 110 million shoes make their way to Australian shores each year. Picture: iStock

“Over 110 million shoes make their way to Australian shores each year of which 25 million are sporting and athletic lifestyle footwear,” executive director of Australian Sporting Goods Association Shaun Bajada said.

“The wider industry, as well as consumers, want to do more to reduce their environmental impact and TreadLightly makes it easy for everyone to do their bit for the planet.”

The research also found women are more likely to keep shoes they don‘t wear, holding onto an average of seven pairs of shoes compared to men, who keep three.

It takes more than 1000 years for shoe components to break down in landfill, but they can be recycled into mats and flooring for use in retail stores, gyms and playgrounds.

Shaun Bajada Executive Director, Australian Sporting Goods Association.

TreadLightly, operated by the Australian Sporting Goods Association with support from the federal government, is calling on Australians to help reach its goal of recycling more than one million pairs of shoes by 2023.

Instead of throwing unused shoes in the bin, the group wants people to drop them off at participating retailers for them to be recycled responsibly.

“All you need to do is look around your home for any unwanted sports or active lifestyle shoes, from sneakers and trainers to golf shoes, and take them into one of our 400-plus participating retailers to be recycled when your state opens up,” Mr Bajada said.