Gift cards can typically be recycled by returning them to the place of purchase or by donating them to a charitable organization. Some retailers will also accept gift cards from other stores as a form of payment, so you could consider using the card yourself or giving it to someone else.
If the gift card is for a store, you do not frequent or has a minimum balance; you may want to consider donating it to a charitable organization. Some organizations will accept gift cards as donations and use them to purchase items needed by those in need.
Keep in mind that some gift cards, such as those made of paper or with no value left on them, cannot be recycled. In these cases, it is generally best to dispose of the gift card responsibly, such as by recycling it if possible or throwing it away in a trash bin.
How to Recycle Gift Cards
There are a few different ways to recycle gift cards:
- Return the gift card to the place of purchase: Many retailers will accept returned gift cards and either reuse them or recycle them. This is a good option if you have a gift card for a store that you frequent.
- Donate the gift card to a charitable organization: Some organizations will accept gift cards as donations and use them to purchase items needed by those in need. This is a good option if you have a gift card for a store that you do not frequent or if the card has a minimum balance.
- Use the gift card yourself or give it to someone else: If the gift card is for a store you do not frequent, or if the card has a minimum balance, you may want to consider using it yourself or giving it to someone else to use. This can help reduce waste and ensure that the gift card’s value is not wasted.
- Recycle the gift card if possible: Some gift cards, such as paper or cardboard, can be recycled. If the gift card is made of recyclable material and cannot be returned or donated, you can try recycling it through a specialty recycling center or placing it in a recycling bin.
- Dispose of the gift card responsibly: If the gift card is not recyclable or cannot be returned or donated, it is generally best to dispose of it responsibly, such as by throwing it away in a trash bin.
Where to Donate Gift Cards
There are a few options for donating gift cards:
- Charitable organizations: Many charitable organizations accept gift cards as donations and use them to purchase items needed by those in need. Some organizations specifically focus on collecting gift cards, while others will accept gift cards as part of a broader range of donations. Some examples of charitable organizations that accept gift cards include:
- The Salvation Army
- Goodwill
- The American Red Cross
- Habitat for Humanity
- Schools and educational organizations: Schools and educational organizations may also accept gift cards as donations. These organizations may use gift cards to purchase supplies or other items needed to support their programs.
- Local organizations: Local organizations, such as churches, community centers, and non-profits, may also accept gift cards as donations. These organizations may use gift cards to support their programs or to assist those in need within the community.
You can also try contacting a local shelter or charity to see if they would be interested in receiving a donated gift card. It is always a good idea to check with the organization beforehand to see if they can accept gift card donations and to find out their specific guidelines for donating.
Reselling Gift Cards
It is generally possible to resell gift cards, although the process and the amount of money you can get for the card depend on a few factors. Here are a few options for reselling gift cards:
- Sell gift cards online: There are several websites and online marketplaces where you can sell gift cards. Some of these sites specialize in buying and selling gift cards, while others allow you to list gift cards as part of a broader range of items. When selling a gift card online, you will generally need to provide the card number, PIN (if applicable), and information about the remaining balance on the card.
- Sell the gift card to a gift card exchange: Gift card exchanges are companies that specialize in buying and reselling gift cards. You can typically sell your gift card to exchange by entering the card information and receiving an offer for the card. The exchange will then pay you for the card by check or direct deposit.
- Sell the gift card to a local store: Some local stores, such as grocery stores and department stores, may be willing to buy gift cards from you. The amount of money you can get for the card will depend on the store and the remaining balance.
- Use the gift card as a form of payment: If you have a gift card for a store you frequently shop at, you can also consider using the gift card when making purchases. This can help you to get rid of the card while also getting value out of it.
Remember that you may not be able to get the total value of the gift card when reselling it, and you may also have to pay fees to sell the card. It is always a good idea to compare offers from different buyers or exchanges to ensure you get the best price for your gift card.
Can You Throw Away Gift Cards?
In general, it is not recommended to throw away gift cards, as they can often be recycled or reused in some way. However, there may be certain situations where it is appropriate to dispose of a gift card, such as if the card is damaged or no longer has any value.
If the gift card is made of paper or cardboard, it can typically be recycled similarly to other paper or cardboard products. Place the card in a recycling bin or bring it to a recycling center that accepts paper and cardboard products.
If the gift card is made of plastic or has a magnetic strip, it may not be able to be recycled in the same way as paper or cardboard. In these cases, it is generally best to dispose of the gift card responsibly, such as by throwing it away in a trash bin.
Remember that it is generally best to try to recycle or reuse gift cards whenever possible. This can help reduce waste and ensure that the gift card’s value is not wasted.
Conclusion
Gift cards can be recycled or reused in several ways. Some options for recycling gift cards include returning them to the place of purchase, donating them to a charitable organization, using them yourself or giving them to someone else to use, or recycling them if possible.
It is generally best to recycle or reuse gift cards whenever possible, as this can help reduce waste and ensure the card’s value is not wasted. If you cannot recycle or reuse a gift card, it is generally best to dispose of it responsibly, such as by throwing it away in a trash bin.
