How can I reuse or recycle old plastic patio furniture?

white-plastic-patio-furnitureWe’ve had an email from Charlotte:

We’ve been tidying the garden for winter and want to get rid of the nasty white plastic garden furniture which has been in the garden for years. How can we recycle it?

If they’re still structurally sound, it would be better to let someone else continue using them – offer them on your local Freecycle/Freegle group. Even if they’ve been out in the elements for a while, they’ll probably clean up with a scrubbing brush and a bit of elbow grease.

In terms of actually recycling them, garden furniture is often made from PVC (plastic code 3) which can be recycled but isn’t widely collected post-consumer.

Any reuses?

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16 Responses to “How can I reuse or recycle old plastic patio furniture?”


  1. Franzi says:

    You could by chair covers (there are some extra for these plastic chairs) or sew some and use the chairs indoor.

  2. una idea says:

    Hello,

    Maybe an idea would be to use a long rope or a kind or colored ruban or some wool and to customize the chair. (by rolling up over all the chair the wool for example)

    After you could use it to put a plant on it ?

    Sorry if my english is not perfect !

    ;)

  3. peggy says:

    paint them they will look brand new

  4. shelly says:

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  5. Tony says:

    I’m definitely a fan of reuse – you have to get the most out of your patio sets. If nothing else, find a place that will recycle them by giving them to people who need a good patio set chair or table.

  6. Jamie says:

    We’re looking for somewhere to recycle this type of chair also. We can recycle typical school stacking plastic chairs easily enough – we send them to schools in Africa! We’d be keen to know where to recycle patio furniture.

  7. MARTINA says:

    i was brought to this site by looking for patio chair covers. I can’t seem to come up with the right terminology to find them. Anyway for what its worth – I painted mine early sping last year (when I found a good day) with Plasticote. You can get them in a range of colours and spray can makes it very easy on your back. And they looked quite nice. The only problem is where the little hole is, where the water is supposed to drain. All the water (our dear weather!) has caused it all to crack and wear away just around this spot.

  8. Uluska says:

    Using wood or plywood, bottom part of plastic chair can be covered and turned into dog or cat house.

  9. Olia says:

    Cut large hall in a seat area, and plastic chair can serve as trellis for the plants.

  10. Uluska says:

    Tie the ropes and hang as a swing.

    • Susan jassim says:

      Plastic chairs are not strong enough for this Especially if they’ve been outside in the elements. Please do not attempt, it’s not safe

  11. Uluska says:

    Connect two chairs facing each other with a wide plank or plywood, add cusion and pillows. Makes cozy place to seat or lay down.

  12. Annette Matwiejew says:

    They may not look of much, but they are extremely comfortable to sit in, as they support the back well. I am planning to paint mine lime green – a colour which is all the rage here in Denmark this year. Right now the chairs have a mottled grayish look after many years in the sun. This is no disadvantage as it should make the paint adhere better.

    • Susan jassim says:

      This is a fantastic idea. I have 15 chairs plus a wider 2seater chair and to have the council take these away for recycling will cost me £80! So I’m gonna spend a fraction of that spray painting them! I’m so happy! Thank you Annette

  13. When choosing pack of cards or garden space at the cost of the garden.



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