How can I reuse or recycle an old PVC airbed?
We’ve had an email from Heather:
I have a former airbed — the pump has failed mechanically and is built in so it can’t be replaced — so I could cut the material away from it if I had an idea what to do with it. the bottom is just pvc sheet, the top is the same but with a fabricy surface.
I suspect some of the suggestions for old inflatables and (from a plastic sheeting point of view) old shower curtains may be relevant – but has anyone got any specific suggestions for Heather?
(UPDATE: Sorry for the downtime this evening – unexpected and unplanned. Grrr, computers suck sometimes.)
How about a groundsheet protector for a tent?
If you’re replacing it, hang on to it. You can use the material to patch any leaks you may get in the new one.
this is so relevant! we have two…lying in a heap…
i have no idea what to do with them!
Fill it up with dirt. Cut holes out the top and grow some tomatoes.
Blue screen for your new video project? :)
I read that someone had used one as a “flat rain barrell” for unerneath a deck
Use it as a tarp or to shade an area for a dog run.
Put lots of Velcro on onside, strap it to a wall, put on a suit that sticks to Velcro and JUMP! I have not tried it but it always looks fun!
use it as a floaty toy in the pool or lake.
Not sure how flexible this material is, but could you cut away one of the narrow ends and attach a (blanket, old comforter, etc.) to the inside, and use this as a sleeping bag?
Or cut into long strips, weave (over/under) the strips to make an outdoor area rug, say for the patio?
Sew it into grocery bags.
eat it..
Cut the plastic top off and use for BBQ cover
Make cushion covers for outdoor furniture.
have you not thaught of turning the air bed into a rather fetching skirt as the places that the air springs are placed will make a plesent pattern on the skirt, though it might be sweaty you could have the fabric side against your skin but it would mean that you could sit down on a wet park bench or a wet seat whithout a care in the world but would need a matching top to compleate the outfit.
I have one too, an air bed the cat got a hold of, and now all I have is a big question on how to keep all this plastic from just ending up in the ground (taken to the dump). That’s what these other folks are wondering too I imagine. Is there no way to RE-cycle this stuff back into the “re-cyclying plastic system” and re-made into “other stuff”.
Like “sort it” into it’s proper place in the Re-cycling plastic system?!
I mean, if in case you don’t have a BBQ, Or have a dog (to make a dog-run cover for) or dig the idea of sewing up a bunch of plastic skirts (all GOOD suggestions——-but…..)
Jodie unaforest@yahoo.com