How to Recycle Trophies and Plaques

Finding Recycling Programs

Search online for local or nationwide trophy recycling programs. There are several organizations across the nation that offer trophy recycling options for a small fee. Go online and search for “trophy recycling near me” to browse different recycling centers. Local centers are great since you can drop off your trophies in person, but they are only located in specific places. If there is not a center near you, you can easily mail in your trophies instead.

Read the center’s website to familiarize with the requirements and costs. When you find a center you’d like to use, browse through the online instructions, and look for a frequently asked questions section. Many recycling programs accept gently used trophies. Be aware that shipping is at your expense. You can review the list of non-accepted items, for example.

Call the facility if you have questions or concerns about the process. Look on the website for a phone number, and contact the center if you need assistance. The employees can inform you of particular recyclable materials, restricted items, and any affiliated costs. For example, this is helpful if you are mailing your trophies out of state and want assistance with the mailing process.

Remove any engraved plates if you want to save them. If you want to keep the engraved name plate, be sure to remove it before you send in your trophy or plaque. Most engraved plates are attached with small screws. Use a small screwdriver to unscrew them from the trophy. You can set them in a safe location for later, like a keepsake box or display case.

Drop off your boxed up trophies if you live nearby. If you want to drop off trophies locally, pack them in boxes, bags, or containers that you do not need returned. A cardboard box or plastic shopping bag works great. Then, drop off your trophies and plaques during the center’s operational hours. When you arrive, pay the small recycling fee. Dropping off your trophies is completely free, though recycling fees vary from center to center. They are usually around $1 (£0.74) a trophy. If you are dropping off a large number of trophies, contact the center in advance so they can prepare space.

Mail your trophies if you don’t live near the recycling center. Contact the recycling center to place an order and receive a sales order number. Locate the mailing address on the center’s website. Box up your trophies, and address the package to the recycling center. Be sure to include your sales order number on the outside of the box, as well as your return address. Then, visit a nearby post office and pay for the shipping expenses. If your box does not have a sales order number listed, it will be returned. This ensures your recycled trophies and plaques are paid for before you mail them in.

Reusing Trophies Creatively

Use your trophies as bookends if you want an easy DIY decoration. If you don’t want to pay for shipping and recycling fees, consider reusing them for something else! Place a trophy next to books on your shelf to keep them in place. Trophies are typically heavy enough that they can easily support the weight of your books.

Glue your trophy tops to a plank of wood to make your own coat rack. To separate your trophy topper from the body of the trophy, simply unscrew the nut at the very bottom, and twist the topper in a counter-clockwise direction until it comes off. Then, position a 41.5 in × 4.5 in (105 cm × 11 cm) piece of plywood on its side so you can easily access both the front and the back sides. Hold a topper on the front side of the board about 2–4 in (5.1–10.2 cm) from the edge, and drill the topper into the wood from the backside. Continue adding your toppers to your wood every 2–4 in (5.1–10.2 cm). If you’d like, you can apply a wood stain or glaze over top to finish your coat rack. Use 5-6 trophy toppers, depending on how spread out you want the hooks to be.

Use your trophy toppers to make custom bottle tops. Gather tapered corks, a drill with a small bit, and several trophy toppers. Use a 9/64 drill bit to drill a hole in the center of your corks. Insert the drill bit until you reach about half way into the cork. Line the screw of the trophy topper up with your hole, and screw the cork onto the trophy. Then, insert your cork into your favorite wine or liquor bottles. You can use size 9 or 10 tapered corks, for example.

Turn your trophies into a decorative cupcake stand. Unscrew the nut at the bottom of your trophy, and disassemble the pieces. Turn your topper counter-clockwise to take the top off, then separate the middle column as well. Apply a light, even layer of all-purpose spray paint to your column, base, and topper if you'd like to change the color. You can also spray paint your cake trays so they match. Drill a hole through the center of 2 cake trays, and reassemble your trophy. As you do this, place 1 cake tray in between the main column and the base piece, and place the other cake tray in between the column and the topper. If you want to use doilies, add them as you are stacking your pieces, or cut a slit from the center hole and place them onto your cake trays. If you are applying spray paint, wait 30-60 minutes for the pieces to dry before you assemble them. Once you assemble your trophies, you can easily stack cupcakes, cookies, or other desserts on your stands!

Giving Your Trophies Away

Ask a nearby trophy store about reuse options to recycle them locally. Many trophy manufacturers take back trophies to reuse the materials. Go online and search for “trophy companies near me” to find local establishments. Then, call them and ask about their reuse options. If they accept trophies for reuse, you can drop them off at your convenience. This way, you can easily get rid of your trophies without spending much money. Most stores accept trophies for reuse free of charge.

Donate your trophies to a local creative reuse store. Creative reuse stores are second-hand shops where people donate their unused craft supplies. Go online and look to see if there are any creative reuse stores around you, and contact them regarding trophy drop off. You can usually drop off your trophies during business hours. Other people can get inspired by your trophies and make their own DIY crafts.

Post your trophies on social media. Take a picture of your trophies, and count the number of trophies and plaques you have in total. Then, go on your social media platforms like Facebook and make a post asking if anyone wants them. Write something like, “I am looking to repurpose 15 unwanted trophies and plaques.”

Advertise your trophies on resell websites. You can make a post on resell sites like Craigslist or Freecycle mentioning you have trophies to get rid of. Include a photo and brief description of your trophies. Mention your phone number or email address, as well as a preferred contact method. When someone responds to your ad, arrange a pick up or drop off time and location. You must have an account before you can post your trophies on resell websites.