Key Recycling
Recycling keys used by businesses and households across the UK is the best way to get rid of them when they’re no longer needed. It’s a sustainable way to dispose of old keys that don’t unlock anything. This could be if the locks have been changed or damaged, or a set of keys have sat in lost and found for ages.
Most businesses use keys but those with many doors (like hotels and large office buildings) can have lots to dispose of at once. Recycling makes sure the keys and materials used to create them are recovered and reused. This also prevents them from going to landfill, where they can take years to degrade.
Learn what to do with old keys and how to recycle them from your business in this guide. We can also help organisations anywhere in the UK dispose of keys responsibly. Speak to one of our friendly team and get a free quote today – call 0800 211 8390 or contact us online.
Can you recycle keys?
You can recycle keys with other waste metal recycling. Most keys are made from brass, nickel, steel, aluminium, copper, or silver. These are all recyclable metals. Remove any keyrings, plastic tags, or other attachments (made from non-metal materials) and then place them in a scrap metal bin to be recycled.
Old keys cannot be disposed of with dry mixed recycling – as this is only for metal packaging (such as aluminium drink cans and food tins). Toy plastic keys and those made of any other materials should be separated and recycled with the same waste stream. Plastic keys might be recyclable depending on the type of plastic.
How are keys recycled?
Keys are recycled like other types of metal waste. This is the general process for recycling metal keys:
- Sorting – the keys are checked and sorted based on the type of metal they’re made from before the recycling process starts. Any contaminants such as plastic are removed.
- Shredding – they’re cut and shredded into smaller pieces alongside other types of the same metal.
- Melting – these small metal bits are put into a large furnace and heated up to high temperatures that reach melting point (depending on the type of metal).
- Purifying – electrolysis may occur to check the quality of the new metal.
- Solidifying – the molten metal is left to cool.
- Recycling – finally, the new metal parts are used to create fresh products (including keys) to complete the cycle.
Who needs to recycle old keys?
All businesses that have any type and number of old keys should recycle them where possible. Old keys are a type of commercial waste when they’ve been used by a business or organisation. The easiest way to get rid of them responsibly is to dispose of them with your metal recycling.
Pretty much every company uses keys and generates such waste, but organisations that may need to recycle more keys include:
- Hotels – old keys from guest rooms where the locks have been changed.
- Landlords – keys from previous tenants if the locks were changed or damaged.
- Garages – car keys from vehicles that have been scrapped.
- Charities – donations of any keys that you can’t sell.
- Properties – old keys from commercial, industrial, and residential properties.
- Offices – office keys from previous employees if the locks were changed.
Arrange old key collections
Book commercial waste collections of any metal your organisation needs to dispose of – including old keys. We provide free bins to store metal waste together with no delivery or rental fees, you only pay for collection. All the UK is covered so you can find a solution wherever you’re based.
Licensed waste carriers will remove your bins on a daily, weekly, or fortnightly basis to suit your schedule. All metal is recycled where possible and disposed of responsibly away from landfill. Call 0800 211 8390 or contact us online today for a free quote and to discuss your needs.
Key recycling FAQs
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What can you do with old keys?
Recycling old keys with metal waste is a good way to get rid of them. A few other ideas of what to do with old keys are:
- Tie them to the bottom of the string on a bathroom light or ceiling fan
- Put them in the hem of curtains to help the curtains hang straight
- Offer them to local artists and designers for use in projects
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Can you throw keys in the bin?
You cannot throw keys in your general waste or recycling bin at home. This type of metal waste isn’t accepted in household recycling bins, and it shouldn’t go in a general waste bin as it may go to landfill or an incineration plant.
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Where can you get rid of old keys?
You can get rid of old keys at most household waste recycling centres (HWRCs) in the metal recycling skip. Remove any keyrings or plastic covers before disposal. Some key-cutting shops and charity shops may accept old keys as well.
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Do any charities take old keys?
Certain charities take old keys as donations. They may sell them on to scrap metal merchants who melt them down and recycle them. The charity makes money selling the old keys and uses the profits towards their cause.
Learn about more
types of waste
Find out about all sorts of different waste types and how to dispose of and recycle them responsibly in our expert guides.
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