Are Pool Noodles Biodegradable? Here's How To Dispose Of Them Properly

Flexible, colorful, and infinitely useful pool noodles are, alas, not the planet's best friend. Made from polyethylene foam, they're technically recyclable and coded as a number 4 recyclable. However, most curbside recycling companies can't process pool noodles, and even companies that specialize in hard-to-recycle items don't often accept these materials. Pool noodles do technically biodegrade, but not in the way that we want them to. They are a source of microplastics that build up in the environment. So, what should you do with old pool noodles?

You may be tempted to "wishcycle" your noodles; this is the practice of tossing things we hope will be recycled into our bins, and we've probably all been guilty of this at some point. Don't do it! It decreases efficiency, damages machinery, and can even harm workers. Though some waste management services recommend throwing them away, it may not be the best thing to do.

Pool noodles can be used for crafts and home hacks rather than for actual floating. AUSMAP, the Australian Microplastic Assessment Project, states that pool noodles shed flakes of polyethylene that contribute to plastic pollution. They urge swimmers to use pool noodles only in pools that filter water rather than in lakes or oceans. Reducing our use of these multifaceted tubes is a start, but that doesn't solve the problem of the worn-out noodles we already have. The key is to reuse them in as many ways as possible.

You don't need to have a surplus of free time to upcycle pool noodles. They make fantastic decor items, especially seasonal wreaths. With an old pool noodle as a wreath form, it doesn't matter if the noodle is faded or pock-marked since you'll be covering it with a decorative material. Ring in any season or holiday with a festive patriotic wreath for the 4th of July, a candy corn wreath for Halloween, a beautiful Christmas wreath, or a pretty floral wreath to welcome spring.

Check out some of House Digest staff's favorite unexpected pool noodle DIYs that range from artsy to functional. Try ingenious pool noodle hacks you never thought to use around the house, like crafting a door draft stopper, storage for cords, tool storage, and protecting car doors. Social platforms are a goldmine of ideas for reusing these versatile products. TikTokers share scores of DIYs to add a splash of style to your home decor.

If you can't fit even the simplest DIY into your schedule, many schools and youth organizations are willing recipients of old noodles. Check if your area has a program that redistributes upcyclable items to those who want them. If not, give your neighborhood schools a call. Staff at schools often eagerly take free items to reuse. Your worn pool noodles could become art or science projects, be used for storage or athletics, parts of theater sets, or anything else creative minds can come up with.