Shoe Reuse and Recycling Project

Since 1999, SWANCC has collected over 92,000 pairs of old shoes for Nike’s Reuse-A-Shoe program, and thousands more that were donated to charity for reuse. Due to changes in this program, community groups can now become collection partners directly with Nike.

Normally, old sneakers are thrown away in the garbage and end up in a landfill. Through Nike’s RAS program, old athletic shoes collected will be shredded at Nike’s Tennessee facility. The shoes are then turn into Nike Grind, a material that goes into making new sports surfaces and fields, such as basketball and tennis courts, soccer and football fields and running tracks.

How can I participate?
If you are part of a nonprofit group, school or sports team, you can apply to host your own Nike Reuse-a-Shoe drive as a Community Activist. Visit nikereuseashoe.com/get-involved to learn more.

What type of shoes does Nike want for recycling?
Nike will take any brand of athletic shoes for recycling, but wants only court-type athletic shoes such as basketball, tennis, cross-training, running or aerobic shoes. Larger sizes preferred – baby/toddler-sized shoes rarely meet Nike’s criteria.

Unacceptable Shoes
Include hard-soled dress shoes, sandals, soccer or baseball cleats, boots, flip flops, pool shoes, shoes with batteries and walkers (more of a street shoe than a court shoe), children’s Velcro, slip-ons, Sketchers, Vans, clogs or Crocs, etc.  If you are not sure about a shoe type, please ask SWANCC staff.

Do shoe laces need to be removed?
No, laces can stay in the shoes, however do not tie the laces together or put rubber bands around the pairs.

Can shoes have mud on them?
No, shoes cannot be muddy or wet.  Please knock-off dried mud from a shoe prior to adding it to your bag. Throw away any shoe that is excessively muddy or wet – they will cause the whole load to stink.

Can athletic shoes be recycled if they have metal eyelets or zippers?
Only if the metal eyelets or zippers on athletic shoes are cut-off prior to being brought to SWANCC’s collection.

Where can I mail shoes?
Nike Grind Processing
3552 Avenue of Commerce
Memphis, TN  38125
Print a mailing label.

Will Nike stores take my shoes?
If you live near a Nike retail or outlet store, you can drop-off up to 10 pairs of qualifying shoes at one time.