Where can I take my wine corks for recycling?
Hello there! I'm Dr. Vinifera, but you can call me Vinny. Ask me your toughest wine questions, from the fine points of etiquette to the science of winemaking. And don't worry, I'm no wine snob—you can also ask me those "dumb questions" you're too embarrased to ask your wine geek friends! I hope you find my answers educational, empowering and even amusing. And don't forget to check out my most asked questions and my full archives for all my Q&A classics.
Dear Dr. Vinny,
Where can I take my wine corks for recycling?
—Le Roy, Riverside, Calif.
Dear Le Roy,
I’m glad you asked. Luckily for wine lovers, there are several good options for getting rid of used wine corks in an environmentally friendly way.
It’s always best to check with your local recycler to make sure you are in compliance with their rules. Most synthetic corks and screwcaps are recyclable, but whether they are accepted depends on your location. Natural corks are biodegradable, so I put them in the compost bin.
There is also a big market for upcycling corks—many people use them for crafts, DIY projects and even home decor. You might want to check with neighbors, local schools or community groups to see if there’s interest before tossing them.
Finally, there are some amazing companies that collect corks for upcycling. You can check at ReCork to see if there’s a drop-off location near you, or check out the options to mail in your corks to Cork Club.
I should also mention Sole, a Canadian company that upcycles corks collected by ReCork into stylish footwear. If you’d like to recycle your corks and wear them too, you’re in luck!
—Dr. Vinny
