Sustainable Surfboards Still Need to be Recycled
At SOLID, we pride ourselves on making sustainable surfboards. That means we’re doing everything we can to reduce our environmental impact. Our BIOFlex boards are constantly being improved with new technologies to make them stronger, greener, and less plastic-based.
We even go so far as to hand deliver the boards to most of our customers. This drastically reduces the amount of bubble wrap and packaging used to transport the boards.
But, even sustainable surfboards become another piece of trash in a landfill unless properly recycled. We highly encourage our customers to recycle their surfboards whenever possible, so we put together some ideas for how you can do this.
Donate, Trade, or Resell Your Sustainable Surfboards
Just because you’ve outgrown or outperformed an old surfboard, it doesn’t mean that no one else wants it. One person’s trash is another person’s treasure.
You can always donate your board to a program that helps kids who don’t otherwise have the opportunity to surf. Or, ask a friend if they want to swap. Maybe they want to try your board and they have one you want. There are also plenty of used board dealers and local surf shops that will accept a board for store credit.
Repurpose Your Sustainable Surfboards
Surfboards are generally beautiful. If your board is snapped or otherwise out of commission for good, it can still be transformed into a piece of art for your wall.Â
If you have some carpentry skills you can add legs and turn it into a table or other piece of furniture. And if you’re looking to do some home improvements, we’ve seen surfboards be used to make cool outdoor showers. If you’re not the crafty type, there are plenty of organizations that will take donations and give them to artists.
Recycle EPS Foams
EPS foam, mainly used in epoxy constructions, can be recycled at industrial treatment centers. You can peel the glass off the top and bring the core to a foam densifier in your area. Recycled EPS foam is used in surfboards and packaging. But it is also an incredible insulator that can be used when building houses.
Turn Your Old Soft Top Into a New Surfboard
Even if you don’t have a sustainable surfboard, you can still recycle parts of it! If you peel the top layer off your soft top, the core can be reused. If you bring the core of your soft top into our shop in San Diego we can re-shape it into a new surfboard. Or, if you’re doing a DIY construction project, like a van conversion, slap it on the walls as insulation.
