How to Responsibly Dispose of Glow Sticks

A lit candle in a dark room.

Glow sticks are a fun and popular item for parties, concerts, and other festive occasions. However, when they run out of glow, it's important to dispose of them responsibly to avoid harming the environment.

Glow sticks are made of plastic, with a glass vial inside containing a mixture of chemicals. The chemicals inside the vial are not hazardous, but the broken glass can be a safety risk. Therefore, it's important to handle glow sticks carefully to avoid any accidents.

The best way to dispose of used glow sticks is to take them to a recycling center that accepts plastic. Most glow sticks are made of polyethylene plastic, which can be recycled into new plastic products. Check with your local recycling facility to see if they accept small plastic items like glow sticks.

If the glow stick is still intact and has some life left in it, you can consider donating it to a local theater, school, or community center. They can use the glow sticks for their events or activities. Just make sure to inform them that the glow sticks are used and may not have a long glow time remaining.