For pen lovers, it can be easy to collect more pens than we need. Whether you’re a fountain pen lover or a ballpoint pen fan, chances are you have more pens than you know what to do with. Then there are pens that no longer work, but we may not be sure how to part ways with them. Many pens today are made of such high-quality materials that it would seem like a shame to just get rid of them; it would be much better if we could recycle our pens. But can you actually recycle ballpoint pens?
Recycling ballpoint pens
Ballpoint pens may seem like an easy thing to recycle. Unfortunately, the reality is that it is much more difficult to recycle pens than other materials such as paper. In order for your pens to be accepted at your typical recycling centers, they first need to be separated into different parts. This can be difficult to do without a specialist. It is best to contact your local recycler first to see if they will accept your pens before sending them over.
Affordable pens are usually made using two different types of plastic: polypropylene and polystyrene. But luxury pens are made of more expensive materials that may be difficult to recycle, such as stainless steel or aluminum.
Using refills
If you are unable to recycle pens, then what are your other options? Checking to see if your pen can take refills is a great way to keep using them. There are several reasons why using refills can be beneficial.
Environmentally friendly
Ink refills allow you to keep using one pen without constantly disposing of older pens that no longer work. By buying refills instead of brand-new ballpoint pens, you can do your part in decreasing the amount of non-biodegradable materials in landfills.
Cost-effective
When you buy refills instead of brand-new ballpoint pens, you get to save a significant amount of money, especially when you look at it over the long term. You can also experiment with different types of refills as long as they are compatible with your pen.
Saves time
Writers who use their pens on a regular basis are always at risk of running out of ink. Refills make it easy to keep using your pen without worrying about running out of ink. Simply empty your ballpoint pen, insert the refill, and keep on writing.
What to do with old ballpoint pens
Another option you have if you can’t recycle or replace the refills in your old ballpoint pens is to repurpose them. There are a lot of fun projects you can try with a few craft supplies. Old ballpoint pens can be repurposed into stick dolls, cat toys, styluses, plastic flowers, toy tents, and even chandeliers or lampshades. You can use them for your child’s art projects at school as well.
The Bottom Line
Ballpoint pens are made of sturdy and reliable materials, but that doesn’t always equate to being easily recyclable. Fortunately, there are other ways we can continue to use and repurpose our older ballpoint pens. Whether you choose ballpoint pen refills or opt to use your writing tools in other ways, the possibilities are endless if you can get creative.
Written by EndlessPens Blogger Ramona Kabigting
