Create original objects, donate to an association or even recycle: you have many solutions to give a beautiful end to your pens, felt-tip pens, highlighters and pencils.
Pens, markers and pencils are part of our daily lives, but once used, they become waste that is often neglected, even though they are made of materials that are harmful to the environment. Rather than throwing them in the trash, there are solutions to recycle them or give them a second life. In this article, we explain how to throw away, recycle or donate these supplies to associations that collect them.
Where should you throw your old pens, pencils and highlighters?
How to properly recycle or dispose of end-of-life pens, highlighters and other office supplies? Unfortunately, most pens, whether ballpoint, felt-tip or mechanical pencil, are not easily recyclable due to the mix of plastics and materials they are made of. As a result, these items usually end up in the non-recyclable household waste bin. How can we minimize their environmental impact?
- Ballpoint pens and mechanical pencils are mostly non-recyclable, and often thrown in the regular trash. However, some brands offer collection points in large stores, where used pens are transformed into useful objects such as benches, watering cans or garden tables. For a more ecological option, choose refillable or compostable pens, although the latter remain rare.
- Wooden pencils Natural, once fully used, can be composted, provided that all metal parts are removed. On the other hand, those covered with varnish are more difficult to recycle and often end up in the trash.
- For highlighters and markers, you can check if the manufacturer offers a specific recycling program. If not, take them apart to separate the plastic parts, which are often recyclable with other rigid plastics.
Finally, for other non-recyclable school or office supplies, throw them in the non-recyclable household waste bin.
Which associations collect pens and markers?
Several associations and programs in France collect used pens, markers, and other office supplies to recycle or recover them. Here are some examples:
Ademe also recommends looking at recycling centers, garage sales or book exchanges. You can also donate your pens, markers and pencils on sites like donnons.org, or even resell them on general platforms such as Le Bon Coin. These initiatives help reduce the environmental impact of office supplies and encourage responsible recycling. If you want to participate, it is advisable to check the collection points available near you.
How to give a second life to pencils and pens?
There are plenty of creative and fun ways to give your old pens and pencils a new lease on life. If you can’t recycle or replace your ballpoint pen refills, consider repurposing them for DIY projects. For example, you can transform your used pens into:
- in stick dolls,
- in cat toys,
- in styluses for touch screens,
- or even decorative objects such as plastic flowers, chandeliers or lampshades.
As for colored pencils at the end of their life, don’t throw them away! They can be reused to create decorative or storage objects. For example, you can:
- glue old colored pencils onto a shoe box to make a colorful and stylish box.
- saw off pencil ends to make original coasters.
- personalize a damaged picture frame, by gluing them tightly to cover the surface.
- assemble them to create jewelry, barrettes
- or customize a pen holder.
The internet is full of tutorials and creative ideas to inspire and guide you in making these projects. These activities are not only fun, they also reduce waste while giving new use to your used supplies.
Recycling or reusing your pens, markers and pencils is a simple but essential gesture to reduce your environmental impact. By sorting these supplies correctly, donating them to associations or transforming them into creative objects, you are participating in the preservation of the planet. To go further, consider choosing products labeled NF Environnement for your future purchases. This label guarantees a reduced ecological impact, allowing you to consume more responsibly while continuing to write the future with environmentally friendly tools.
