Creative Ways to Recycle Mylar Balloons

 Mylar is a trademarked material, consisting of metallized plastic and nylon. It is essentially aluminum and nylon, although there are some variations. There are Mylar balloons, but also Mylar food packaging and wrappers. Mylar balloons are the glimmering, metallic helium balloons, usually decorated with some type of festive artwork. They are popular at birthday parties, holidays, and really any festivity.

Unlike regular latex balloons, they are not biodegradable. In fact, they are hazardous to the waste stream because of their long life, and danger to curious animals. Are there ways to recycle Mylar balloons instead of immediately throwing them into the garbage?

As Mylar is highly synthetic, the majority of waste management companies are unable to do anything with it. Unlike papers, glass, and many plastics, it cannot be mixed in with curbside recyclables. It is possible to contact your local waste management to find out if they do have a Mylar recycling program, or even environmentally friendly suggestions for reusing this unique material.

Just because Mylar balloons are not generally picked up on the curb, does not mean there are not progressive programs that may have a use for them. For example, SCRAP (Scroungers Center for Reusable Art Parts) does accept clean, used Mylar balloons. This San Francisco, California based organization has found a way to help the environment, and support the arts by collecting and distributing scrap materials to artists, community groups, and local arts education. From buttons to shiny Mylar, creative kids and adults can find endless ways to make constructive, even inspiring use of materials. Contact SCRAP to see about sending in old balloons, or even your local school or arts program to see if they have any use for metallic, decorative, used balloons.

While it may be difficult to find an outlet to recycle Mylar balloons, it is possible to creatively reuse them yourself.

• Mylar balloons can be re-inflated with helium multiple times. Keep a used balloon clean and undamaged, and then save for the next occasion, or ask friends or neighbors if they would like to reuse them. Mylar balloons can be expensive; so many people may appreciate a free balloon to use at their next party.
• For kids' art projects, cut the balloons into different shapes, shiny silver stars and moons, animals, or even simple circles, and then glue to construction paper or even used cardboard. Integrate some eco-friendly paints into the project and let children's imaginations do the rest.
• Cut the tip of used Mylar balloons, flip them inside out, and use as shiny, festive wrapping for gifts, or as lining for gift bags.
• Shred old balloons and use for packaging material.
• Use the metallic strips as a deterrent for birds and animals. Hang on large windows to alarm birds, or on the house if woodpeckers are a problem. They can be put on fence posts to scare off deer.

Any time the shiny material is used, another product is not used, which would likely be thrown away as well, eliminating the need for wrapping paper, packaging material, and some new craft products. Mylar balloons are not eco-friendly, but with creativity, they can have purpose beyond a brief celebration.

"How can I reuse or recycle deflated balloons?" (How Can I Recycle This) http://www.recyclethis.co.uk/20070629/how-can-i-reuse-or-recycle-deflated-balloons

Recycling Wizard (StopWaste.org) http://www.stopwaste.org/home/index.asp?page=78&actionview=Go2&actionstep=2&Go2DropDown=0&Mat=mylar

The Balloon Council http://www.balloonhq.com/BalloonCouncil/facts.html

photo by: Spixey (CC/flickr) http://www.flickr.com/photos/banyan_tree/2120819035/