Kauai Recycling and Athletic Shoes

Kauai recycles athletic shoes by participating in the Nike Reuse-A-Shoe program where old athletic shoes are given a new life. “I encourage everyone who has old athletic shoes to take part in this worthwhile program,” said Mayor Bernard Carvalho, Jr. “Instead of your old shoes ending up in the landfill, why not recycle them so they can be used to make new products.”

Kauai residents are encouraged to drop off their worn-out athletic shoes for recycling at these locations: The Kaua’i Resource Center on Ahukini Rd. near the airport, Moikeha and Piikoi County Buildings, Work It Out sports store in Kapaa, Famous Footwear, Déjà Vu Surf in Kukui Grove Shopping Center.

All brands of athletic shoes that are not wet or damp are accepted. No dress shoes, slipper, or shoes containing metal (such as cleats and steel-toed shoes). Work It Out sports store in Kapaa is offering $10.00 off any pair of running shoes when you turn in your old athletic shoes to be recycled. Call 822-2292 for more information.

All shoes that are collected will be sent to Nike’s Recycling Facility in Oregon. There the shoes are split into three types of Nike Grind materials. Rubber from the outsole are used in track surfaces, interlocking gym flooring tiles, buttons, and zipper pulls.  Foam from the midsole is used as a cushion for outdoor basketball courts, tennis courts, volleyball courts, and equestrian surfaces.

For more information, visit the county’s Kauai recycling website.