--- title: Can Medals Be Recycled? description: Regardless of how well you planned your event, you might have a few medals leftover—can they be recycled or repurposed? The answer may surprise you... image: https://www.maxmedals.com/hubfs/Maxwell-2020/Images/Blog%20Images/Featured_Images/can%20custom%20medals%20be%20recycled.png --- [![Maxwell Medals & Awards Logo](https://www.maxmedals.com/hubfs/Maxwell-2020/Images/Maxwell-logo.svg "Maxwell Medals & Awards Logo")](https://www.maxmedals.com) [![Contact Us](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/6485493/34645ccb-4bf3-4cf6-b349-ea1b7ad070f0.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/6485493/34645ccb-4bf3-4cf6-b349-ea1b7ad070f0) # Can Medals Be Recycled or Repurposed? ![](https://www.maxmedals.com/hubfs/Maxwell-2020/Images/Blog%20Images/Featured_Images/can%20custom%20medals%20be%20recycled.png) [Medals](https://www.maxmedals.com/blog/tag/medals) | 1 min read - [![mail-icon](https://www.maxmedals.com/hubfs/brand-update/blog/mail.svg)](mailto:?subject=Can%20Medals%20Be%20Recycled?&body=https://www.maxmedals.com/blog/can-medals-be-recycled-or-repurposed) - [![twitter-icon](https://www.maxmedals.com/hubfs/brand-update/blog/maxwell-x-icon-small.svg)](https://twitter.com/share?source=https://www.maxmedals.com/blog/can-medals-be-recycled-or-repurposed&text=Can%20Medals%20Be%20Recycled?%20-%20https://www.maxmedals.com/blog/can-medals-be-recycled-or-repurposed) - [![facebook-icon](https://www.maxmedals.com/hubfs/brand-update/blog/facebook-icon.svg)](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://www.maxmedals.com/blog/can-medals-be-recycled-or-repurposed&title=Can%20Medals%20Be%20Recycled?&picture=https://f.hubspotusercontent40.net/hubfs/6485493/Maxwell-2020/Images/Blog%20Images/Featured_Images/can%20custom%20medals%20be%20recycled.png&description=Regardless%20of%20how%20well%20you%20planned%20your%20event,%20you%20might%20have%20a%20few%20medals%20leftover—can%20they%20be%20recycled%20or%20repurposed?%20The%20answer%20may%20surprise%20you...) - [![linkedin-icon](https://www.maxmedals.com/hubfs/brand-update/blog/linkedin%20(1).svg)](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://www.maxmedals.com/blog/can-medals-be-recycled-or-repurposed&title=Can%20Medals%20Be%20Recycled?&summary=Regardless%20of%20how%20well%20you%20planned%20your%20event,%20you%20might%20have%20a%20few%20medals%20leftover—can%20they%20be%20recycled%20or%20repurposed?%20The%20answer%20may%20surprise%20you...) Regardless of how well you planned your event, for various reasons you might have medals leftover. You may be wondering what to do with these extras, but you’re unsure where to start... Can they be recycled or repurposed? Generally speaking, the answer is yes, medals can be recycled. However, it may vary depending on what material your medal is made of. Here are some solutions and ideas on how you can recycle or repurpose leftover medals. ## Check With Your Local Recycler While some medal vendors will take back your medals and recycle them for you, they will not recycle them into new medals. Unfortunately, recycling into another medal is not practical. This is because recycled metal does not produce material suitable to make another quality medal. In this case, the most efficient and environmentally friendly option may be to contact a local recycler. Not only will this help decrease your carbon footprint, but it will save you the cost of shipping your medals to a recycling company. In addition, your local recycler may pick up your medals, or you can drop them off...they may even pay you a per pound rate! Alternatively, there are some organizations like [Sports Medal Recycling](http://sportsmedalrecycling.com/about/) that recycle medals and donate the proceeds to charity. ## Repurposing: Breathe New Life Into Your Medals Your medals can possibly be reused (depending on your design) for your next event. Perhaps you add a new neck ribbon with the current design or use an [engraved plate](https://www.maxmedals.com/ribbons-and-accessories/engraving-options) that has updated event dates, info, and other important details. If you’re looking to repurpose medals you’ve earned, [Medals4Mettle](https://www.medals4mettle.org/) will give your medals to encourage courageous children and adults fighting serious illnesses like cancer. ## Go Green: Recycle or Repurpose Most event directors deal with the question, “*what do I do with these leftover medals?*” once their event is over. By recycling or repurposing medals you can feel good knowing you’ve done your part to help protect the environment and create less waste. Do you still have questions about recycling or reusing your medals? [Contact us ](https://www.maxmedals.com/contact)and we’ll help you figure out the best option forward.   ![blog-mobile-cta-image](https://www.maxmedals.com/hubfs/brand-update/blog/blog-mobile-cta-image.png) ## 5 Tips For Designing an Amazing Custom Medal ### Download the Guide ### Let’s Begin the Conversation Talk to our experienced staff today ### Top Products [![MDC350-flying-pig-25th-marathon-2023-front-back-medal-876x972](https://www.maxmedals.com/hubfs/MDC350-flying-pig-25th-marathon-2023-front-back-medal-876x972.png) ### Custom Medals ![arrow](https://www.maxmedals.com/hubfs/brand-update/homepage/arrow-hubdb-boxes.svg) ](https://www.maxmedals.com/custom-medals) [![PLPF9x12RW-UVprint-san-francisco-marathon-rosewood-876x972](https://www.maxmedals.com/hubfs/PLPF9x12RW-UVprint-san-francisco-marathon-rosewood-876x972.png) ### Plaques ![arrow](https://www.maxmedals.com/hubfs/brand-update/homepage/arrow-hubdb-boxes.svg) ](https://www.maxmedals.com/plaques) [![A-PW30-superhero-run-age-group-award-2023-876x972](https://www.maxmedals.com/hubfs/A-PW30-superhero-run-age-group-award-2023-876x972.png) ### Acrylic Awards ![arrow](https://www.maxmedals.com/hubfs/brand-update/homepage/arrow-hubdb-boxes.svg) ](https://www.maxmedals.com/acrylic-awards) [![PIN100-wolfpack-dominate-the-valley-2023-876x972](https://www.maxmedals.com/hubfs/PIN100-wolfpack-dominate-the-valley-2023-876x972.png) ### Lapel Pins ![arrow](https://www.maxmedals.com/hubfs/brand-update/homepage/arrow-hubdb-boxes.svg) ](https://www.maxmedals.com/lapel-pins) [See All Products](https://www.maxmedals.com/maxwell-products) ![close-btn](https://www.maxmedals.com/hubfs/brand-update/blog/x-circle.svg) ### Let’s Begin the Conversation Talk to our experienced staff today [Get Started](https://www.maxmedals.com/contact) ## Related Articles [![custom half marathon medals for runners](https://www.maxmedals.com/hubfs/half%20marathon%20medals.jpg) ](https://www.maxmedals.com/blog/how-to-design-half-marathon-medals-that-stand-out) ## [How to Design Half Marathon Medals That Stand Out](https://www.maxmedals.com/blog/how-to-design-half-marathon-medals-that-stand-out) [Read More...](https://www.maxmedals.com/blog/how-to-design-half-marathon-medals-that-stand-out) [![youth soccer players ](https://www.maxmedals.com/hubfs/kids-soccer-football-children-players-exercising-before-match-soccer-field.jpg) ](https://www.maxmedals.com/blog/soccer-medals-for-kids-custom-awards-players-will-love) ## [Soccer Medals for Kids: Custom Awards Players Will Love](https://www.maxmedals.com/blog/soccer-medals-for-kids-custom-awards-players-will-love) [Read More...](https://www.maxmedals.com/blog/soccer-medals-for-kids-custom-awards-players-will-love) [![flying pig marathon custom running medal 5K medal with ribbon](https://www.maxmedals.com/hubfs/flying%20pig%205K%202024-1.jpg) ](https://www.maxmedals.com/blog/crafting-a-remarkable-first-place-medal-design-tips-ideas) ## [Crafting A Remarkable First Place Medal: Design Tips & Ideas](https://www.maxmedals.com/blog/crafting-a-remarkable-first-place-medal-design-tips-ideas) [Read More...](https://www.maxmedals.com/blog/crafting-a-remarkable-first-place-medal-design-tips-ideas) [See More](https://www.maxmedals.com/blog) [Back to Top](https://www.maxmedals.com/blog/can-medals-be-recycled-or-repurposed#top) [![Maxwell Medals & Awards Footer Logo](https://www.maxmedals.com/hubfs/Maxwell-2020/Images/Maxwell-logo%20(2).svg "Maxwell Medals & Awards Footer Logo")](https://www.maxmedals.com) [![Contact Us](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/6485493/34645ccb-4bf3-4cf6-b349-ea1b7ad070f0.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/6485493/34645ccb-4bf3-4cf6-b349-ea1b7ad070f0) - [800-331-1383](tel:8003311383) - [231-941-1685](tel:2319411685) 1296 Business Park Drive, Traverse City, MI 49686 Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm EST [Request a Quote](https://www.maxmedals.com/contact#id2) | [Request a Catalog](https://www.maxmedals.com/request-a-catalog) | [800-331-1383](tel:8003311383) - [![facebook-icon](https://www.maxmedals.com/hubfs/brand-update/homepage/facebook-dark-blu.svg)](https://www.facebook.com/maxwellmedals/) - [**](https://www.instagram.com/maxwellmedals/) - [Privacy Policy](https://www.maxmedals.com/privacy-policy) - © 2026 Maxwell Medals & Awards ```json { "@context" : "http://schema.org", "@type" : "Article", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Maxwell Medals & Awards", "url" : "https://www.maxmedals.com/blog/author/maxwell-medals-awards" }, "dateModified" : "November 10, 2025, 9:22:22 PM", "datePublished" : "Mar 11, 2022 11:01:00 AM", "description" : "Regardless of how well you planned your event, you might have a few medals leftover—can they be recycled or repurposed? 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