Can Glow Sticks be Recycled?

Question

I don't buy Glow Sticks, but when I go to festivals I pick them up off the ground and was wondering if there is any way to recycle them instead of just throwing them in the trash.

Answer 1

I don't think they can be recycled, they may even be classified as hazardous waste. They are filled with chemicals.

Answer 2

Good question! I don't believe so. Most single-use glow sticks contain semi-toxic byproducts mixing hydrogen peroxide and phenyloxalate ester to give off the glow effect. They mix when you either bend the stick or shake it. While the plastic is probably recyclable, the material inside of them would pose a problem for recyclers to separate out and dispose of properly. Of course, putting them in landfills is not much of an option either.

Answer 3

It may be simpler to just not buy them.

Answer 4

No.  The chemicals they contain after use, while perhaps not classified as hazardous waste, are chlorinated aromatic hydrocarbons, and likely harmful.

http://chemistry.about.com/library/weekl...

Best just throw them in the regular trash.

DK