How to Recycle a Vinyl Ring Binder

For the last couple of weeks I have been working on developing a line of branded green binders. (We can already produce green binders, truthfully nearly any bindery could, but I want to make more of an effort to market and publicize these binders.)

As a part of this project I have been researching green binders online and keep running into a common query: how do you recycle a three-ring vinyl binder? Contrary to what you may have read online, vinyl binders can be recycled. It just takes some knowledge and effort.

Turned edge covers

Which kind of binders should you buy?

This is a tricky question. The most recyclable option is a cloth and foam board turned edge binder. Turned edge binders are made by gluing cloth directly onto the board and then riveting the metal ring mechanism to the board. These are easily recyclable and the glues are all-natural. Unfortunately turned edge binders can be expensive (we make ours by hand!) unless ordered in bulk. Also, you will be hard pressed to find a turned edge binder in a big box store.    

Excluding turned edge, an ordinary vinyl binder is the easiest to recycle, and most green websites recommend that if you cannot buy a fully green binder you should purchase vinyl over stiffer polyethylene binders.

While it is true that polyethylene is difficult to recycle, polyethylene binders can last longer than many vinyl binders. Case in point, my dad Paul Jagielski who has worked with binders for over 22 years, always gave me polyethylene binders for school. I can tell you anecdotally that the 1˝ polyethylene binder he gave me eight years ago for American history class is still going strong.   

How to recycle a vinyl binder

First, you must break the binder down into its various components.

Carefully use a razorblade or shop knife to remove the spine of the binder from the two covers. Then remove the vinyl from the two covers by carefully making a cut along one of the sides. If the rivets on the binder’s spine are weak then you may be able to simply pull the binder apart. If that does not work, use an electric power drill to manually remove the rings. Be aware that drilling into the rivets will make the metal hot; I have given myself minor burns while handling a hot ring metal.  

Now comes the really tricky part:

Most county recycling programs will not take vinyl with their normal plastics. If that is the case I would recommend checking Google or your local phone book for binderies in your area. Binderies routinely recycle their scrap vinyl and will be more than happy to add yours to the pile.

If you do not have a bindery in your area many binderies will be willing to recycle your binders if you can ship your old binders to them. Just call ahead and ask.

The metal mechanisms are easier to dispose of and can usually be dropped off at recycling centers.

Hopefully this has answered any questions you may have while trying to recycle a binder. If not, give me a call at 1.800. 533. 2463. 

Rachel Jagielski