Businesses Score With Trophy Recycling Programs
A new program by Lamb Awards & Engraving is now allowing consumers to mail in old medals, plaques and trophies, providing a landfill alternative for these products when you’re cleaning out the garage or a child’s room. This program is just one of many throughout the country.
Running out of room on your trophy shelf? Recycling your awards is a good alternative to throwing them in the trash. Photo: Flickr/Sheree_K
The challenge with recycling trophies is that most of the modern awards are made of molded plastic that is dyed to look like precious metals.
This also includes the base, although it may appear to be marble or wood. The components are easy to break down but not as valuable for recycling as metals.
However, these manufacturers are able to reuse the parts or even the entire award. Total Awards & Promotions re-engraves awards and donates them to non-profits, with unusable parts being recycled. The company also manufactures its own awards made of recycled glass and newsprint.
The demand for award recycling may come as a surprise. Awardex launched its trophy recycling program in November and has already received more than 2,000 pounds from across the U.S.
“Previously we’ve had phone calls asking what could be done with old trophies and plaques,” said Lamb Awards’ Jared Lamb, who pioneered the recycling program. “After enough of these phone calls, we decided to provide a free recycling and donation program.”
Consumers interested in these program do not have to make any new award purchases, but they are responsible for shipping fees. Lamb requests an email ahead of time with “Recycling” in the subject line.
You can also use Earth911.com to find a trophy recycling location near you.
