Last updated on November 6th, 2023 at 02:38 am
Who doesn’t love puzzles? Jigsaw puzzles, I mean. Puzzles have been a popular pastime for ages, and with the pandemic, they’re gotten more popular than ever before. It’s a great way to pass the time and challenge your brain. But what happens when you’ve completed a puzzle? Do you frame it and hang it on your wall? Or do you dismantle it, like I do, and give it to your friends or family members to try their hand at it? Can you recycle puzzles? Or does it end up in the landfill? In this post, we’ll look into whether jigsaw puzzles can be recycled or not.
Toys, which puzzles do fall under, are dicey to recycle. Gaming consoles can be recycled as old electronics. Check out our post on recycling nerf guns. These recycling tips won’t go amiss.
Types of Puzzles
There are many types of puzzles, including jigsaw puzzles, crossword puzzles, and Sudoku puzzles. While each type of puzzle is different, they all have one thing in common: they are made up of materials that may or may not be recyclable.
Are Jigsaw Puzzles Recyclable?
Jigsaw puzzles are made up of cardboard and paper, which are both recyclable materials. But, many jigsaw puzzles have a glossy finish, which may make them more difficult to recycle. And then there are puzzles with glitter and other embellishments, which cannot be recycled.
So, if you want to recycle your jigsaw puzzle, make sure it is free of any non-recyclable materials.
Are Puzzle Boxes Recyclable?
Puzzle boxes are usually made of cardboard and can be recycled. However, some puzzle boxes have a plastic window, which (sigh!) cannot be recycled. If your puzzle box has a plastic window, just remove it and recycle the cardboard portion separately.
What to Do With Used Puzzles
If you’ve completed a puzzle and don’t want to keep it as an example of your grand talent for pattern recognition, ahem, there are several options for disposal. You can donate the puzzle to a local charity or thrift store, or give it away to a friend or family member. If the puzzle is in good condition, you can also sell it online or at a garage sale.
Are Old Jigsaw Puzzles Worth Anything?
Well, they could be! Valuable vintage puzzles are always in demand by collectors, particularly those with all the pieces intact. If you happen to have an iconic limited edition set, then you’re (possibly) in luck, and could, at the very least, make a collector very happy. Head to eBay and try your luck.
Upcycling Puzzle Pieces
If you don’t want to get rid of your puzzle pieces, there are many ways to upcycle them. You can use puzzle pieces to make jewelry, create art, or decorate a picture frame. Additionally, puzzle pieces can be used as a substitute for cardboard in craft projects.
Frequently Asked Questions About Recycling Jigsaw Puzzles
1 / Can I recycle puzzles with glitter or other embellishments?
No, puzzles with glitter or other embellishments cannot be recycled.
2 / Can I recycle puzzle boxes with a plastic window?
Remove the plastic window and recycle the cardboard portion separately.
3 / What should I do with used puzzles?
You can donate, sell, or upcycle them.
4 / Can I recycle crossword or Sudoku puzzles?
These puzzles are typically made of paper and can be recycled.
5 / Can puzzle pieces be used in craft projects?
Yes, puzzle pieces can be used as a substitute for cardboard in craft projects.
This post was about recycling puzzles
Not all puzzles can be recycled, but many can be. Jigsaw puzzles and puzzle boxes made of cardboard can be recycled, but those with non-recyclable materials cannot. If you don’t want to throw away your used puzzles, consider donating, selling, or upcycling them.
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