When election season finally comes to an end, the last thing most people are thinking about is how to properly dispose of their political yard signs, but it's an important aspect you should be considering! Let us help you navigate practical uses for those signs once you're done with them.

Follow the bylaws

Every election cycle, a plethora of plastic signs pop up all around our cities, towns, and neighborhoods. When putting these signs up, you often need to consider municipal bylaws and regulations regarding where to post them and what can be posted. Did you realize many municipalities also have requirements for how long you can keep these signs posted in your lawn too? Each city and town has its own requirements to remove election signs, but it's likely within a few days after the election.

Are they recyclable?

The big question is: are they recyclable? Yes and no. The typical election sign is made of corrugated plastic, or Coroplast, with a metal H-shaped piece to stake into the ground. While it seems like both items should be recyclable, they are not accepted for the vast majority of curbside collection programs. However, some municipalities may offer recycling drop-off options for these items, as well as some campaign offices.

Upcycle ideas

If there is no special collection or recycling program that accepts these in your area, it's a good idea to find other ways to keep them out of the landfill. These are essentially durable posters that could be reused in other ways. Here are some easy reuse ideas to try:

• Paint over it to make a decorative sign. This could be an easy way to even just make a yard sale sign. If paint is too messy, you can just tape your printed sign on top.
• Cut out holes in a grid pattern to turn them into garden trellises for your tomatoes, beans, etc.
• Use chalkboard paint and put it in a frame to make a DIY chalkboard for your home.
• Cut and trim strips to fit inside your drawers, then duct tape together to create easy drawer dividers.
• Fold and tape the signs to make your own storage bins for organization.
• Cut them to fit a reusable bag to make a sturdy bottom.

This versatile material is durable and easy to cut, making it an ideal item for reuse. You can cut it and tape it to any type of container or decoration you need. Get creative and reduce your waste at the same time!

Useful reuse

Another way to keep these items from the landfill is to donate them to organizations that may be able to reuse them. Schools may be able to use them for craft materials, or community centers may be able to reuse them to advertise local events and programs. Even artists may be interested in using the materials for something. You can post on social media or neighborhood groups that you have election signs to give away.

Check locally

As always, you should check with your local program to see if there are any special programs or specific instructions for recycling or disposal of election signs before tossing them, or find a good way to reuse or upcycle these items whenever there is no collection possible.