Creative Ways to Reuse Recycled Crayon Pieces
Ever wondered what happens to broken crayons? Recycled crayons give these discarded pieces a new life.
This was a question and a challenge I had almost 20 years ago as an art teacher, when I started my recycled crayon journey, and founded the first company to create and sell a handmade crayon online, Art 2 the Extreme®.
Explore the fascinating journey of recycled crayons from collection to their transformation into colorful art supplies.
There are so many environmental benefits and creative projects that make using recycled crayons so rewarding!
Think Outside of the "Crayon" Box When It Comes to Recycling
- Programs such as The Crayon Initiative and the National Crayon Recycle Program transforms broken crayons into new ones, reducing landfill waste and conserving resources.
- Using recycled crayons fosters creativity for all ages, while also teaching about sustainability and environmental responsibility.
- Community involvement is key to crayon recycling; schools and restaurants can significantly boost collection efforts and spread awareness.
- Handmade crayon companies such as Art 2 the Extreme® specialize in turning recycled crayons into new, fun, "crazy" crayons in colorful shapes.
The Journey of Recycled Crayons
The journey of recycled crayons begins collecting and transforms broken crayons into new ones, reducing the amount of waste that ends up in landfills and conserving natural resources.
This process not only minimizes the need for new materials but also requires less energy compared to producing new crayons from raw materials.
With the dedication of creative hands and communities, unwanted crayons can begin a new life cycle, adding joy and color to countless artistic projects. Art 2 the Extreme®, specializes in turning the recycled crayon pieces into new and colorful crazy crayons that are fun and functional.
An organization like the National Crayon Recycle Program or Crayon Collection will extend the life of old crayons, giving them a new home across the country and purpose as well.
The fun part about recycling crayons is that there are so many options to keep crayons out of landfills no matter what the age of the crayon!
The journey involves several key steps: collecting unwanted crayons, sorting and cleaning them, and finally, melting and molding them into new shapes. Each step ensures that these once-discarded items are given a second chance to shine.
Collecting Unwanted Crayons
Collecting unwanted crayons is the first step in the recycling process. These crayons can be gathered from various sources, such as schools, restaurants, and households.
When I first started teaching elementary art, I ran a recycling program at the end of the year where I would exchange old crayons in classrooms for sets of new Crayola crayons to prepare teachers for the next year.
Educational institutions across the country often have a surplus of broken and unused crayons that can be repurposed, while dining establishments that provide crayons with kids’ meals can also contribute significantly.
Crayola used to have a program to recycle crayons and markers, but this no longer exists. Collecting these unwanted crayons initiates the recycling process and helps minimize waste.
Engaging local communities in the collection effort can make a significant impact. Schools can set up collection boxes, restaurants can encourage guests to donate unused crayons, and families can gather old crayons from home.
This collective effort ensures that these colorful tools don’t end up in landfills but instead find new life in creative hands.
Sorting and Cleaning
Once the crayons are collected, the next step is sorting and cleaning. Crayon pieces are typically sorted by color for a more organized recycling process.
At Art 2 the Extreme® we sort crayons by color families such a red, orange, and yellow crayons together along with blue, violet, and green crayons together.
Wrappers need to be removed before the cleaning process can begin, as they can contaminate the melted wax. This step readies the crayon pieces for the next phase of recycling.
In the Art 2 the Extreme® crayon studio, we cut paper wrappers by hand using an Xacto knife.
Many years ago, my brother-in-law even invented a crayon cutter to slice the paper wrappers off mechanically (If only we could have figure out how to cut the physical crayons into small pieces at the same time, more joy would have come from that machine!).
Cleaning the crayon pieces involves removing any dirt or debris that may have accumulated, including small pieces.
Thorough cleaning ensures the recycled crayons are free from contaminants and ready for melting and molding. I wish there was a crayon recycling machine, but the closest Art 2 the Extreme® got was the engineered crayon cutter.
Keeping thousands of crayons out of landfills contributes to a cleaner and more sustainable environment.
Melting and Molding
The final step in the journey of recycled crayons is melting and molding. Crayon pieces are heated in silicone molds at a controlled temperature to prevent the separation of wax and pigment.
Once the crayon wax reaches the desired temperature, it is poured into molds to create new crayon shapes.
Sometimes in the Art 2 the Extreme® studio, pieces are melted directly into the custom silicone molds we create! This process allows for the creation of various shapes and colors, enhancing the artistic appeal of the new crayons.
Melting down broken crayons and reshaping them into new ones eliminates waste and creates unique, vibrant art supplies like our Original Rainbow Crayons.
These new crayons can then be used in a variety of creative projects, bringing joy and inspiration to children, parents, and artists of all ages.
Benefits of Using Recycled Crayons
Using recycled crayons offers numerous benefits, both for the environment and for fostering creativity. Repurposing discarded crayons prevents thousands of pounds from ending up in landfills each year.
Partnerships like the Crayon Collection + Art 2 the Extreme®play a crucial role in these efforts, donating recycled crayons to Title One Schools and underserved communities, along with art education lessons to promote creativity and learning.
Projects with recycled crayons promote recycling while fostering creativity and environmental responsibility.
Recycled crayons can be transformed into unique projects, from colorful shapes to stunning art pieces. Integrating crayon recycling into school curricula teaches students about sustainability and encourages artistic expression.
Environmental Impact
Crayon recycling significantly reduces landfill waste by transforming broken and rejected crayons into new ones.
Each year, over 150 million non-decomposable crayons are thrown away by restaurants alone.
By participating in crayon recycling, we give new life to used crayons and alleviate the more than 500,000 pounds of crayons discarded annually in the U.S.
Schools can play a vital role in this effort by integrating educational programs that highlight the importance of sustainability and by receiving donated crayons collected from restaurants.
Repurposing crayons keeps them from taking up valuable space in landfills and contributes to greater environmental responsibility and community involvement.
Supporting Creativity
Recycled crayons inspire new craft projects and creative expressions for children and artists.
They bring joy to the creative hands of all ages, encouraging everyone, not just kids, to explore their artistic talents.
Crafting with recycled crayons can include making custom shapes or art pieces that reflect personal interests, adding a unique and thoughtful touch to special occasions.
Nicole Lewis has developed adaptive art supplies that cater to children with different abilities, enhancing their creative expression and making art accessible to all.
Participating in crayon recycling promotes environmental responsibility and creativity, ensuring these vibrant tools continue to inspire and bring joy.
Creative Projects with Recycled Crayons
Recycled crayons offer endless possibilities for creative projects. Parents looking for fun activities for their kids, and artists seeking unique materials, can find exciting and sustainable options in recycled crayons.
From DIY rainbow crayons to stunning art pieces and personalized gifts, there are countless ways to repurpose these colorful tools.
These projects promote creativity and encourage sustainability. By using recycled crayons, you’re not just creating art; you’re also making a positive impact on the environment.
DIY Rainbow Crayons
One of the most popular projects with recycled crayons is making DIY rainbow crayons. almost 20 years ago, art educator and crayon designer Nicole Lewis, was the first to create and sell a handmade rainbow crayon online (well-before the era of social media and Pinterest).
Together, parents and kids can create these colorful art supplies by separating broken crayons by color and melting them in silicone molds using a microwave or oven at a low temperature.
The result is a vibrant mix of colors that can be used for various artistic projects.
If you want an easier, less messy solution, you can order uniquely shaped and personalized crayons from Art 2 the Extreme® or work one-on-one with crayon designer Nicole Lewis herself to create a custom crayon of your own!
Crayon Art Pieces
Creating crayon art pieces is another exciting way to use recycled crayons. Melted crayon wax can be used to create vibrant abstract art by pouring it onto canvas or paper.
Using a hairdryer to melt crayons on a canvas can result in unique, colorful designs that are both fun and eye-catching.
I have personally used the hairdryer and Crayola crayon canvas project with my middle school art club and it brought so much joy to use crayons in a different way.
Hanging the canvas vertically and letting the melted crayon drips run down creates stunning, vibrant effects for unique art pieces. This project is perfect for artists looking to experiment with new techniques and materials.
Personalized Gifts
Recycled crayons can also be used to create personalized gifts that are both thoughtful and sustainable. Oversized letter crayons serve as fun and colorful gifts, encouraging creativity and sustainability.
These custom shapes add a unique touch to any special occasion and make excellent photo props.
Creating personalized gifts with recycled crayons can involve custom shapes or artwork tailored to the recipient’s preferences. These thoughtful and creative gifts are perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any special event.
How to Start Your Own Crayon Recycling Program
Starting your own crayon recycling program can be a rewarding and impactful way to contribute to sustainability and creativity in your community.
There is no Crayola crayon recycling program (there used to be a Crayola marker recycling program), but plenty of organizations that can help recycle old crayons and donate crayons!
The National Crayon Recycle Program has partnered with schools and community organizations to promote crayon recycling, making it easier to establish a local initiative. This process involves forming a clear plan that outlines goals and methods for collecting and processing old crayons.
If you are not wanting to process old crayons, The Crayon Collection is my most favorite organization to work with!
Gathering community support and establishing a collection system for unwanted crayons is essential. Collaborating with local restaurants and finding a sponsor to cover shipping costs can also simplify the process.
Engaging Local Schools
Engaging local schools is a great way to enhance crayon collection efforts. Schools and youth groups can organize crayon collection drives, encouraging students to donate used crayons during school events.
Collection boxes can be placed in schools, restaurants, and local organizations to gather donations effectively.
Involving students in sorting crayons by color before shipping can make the recycling process more interactive and educational. Volunteers can also assist in sorting and packaging donated crayons for distribution to schools and hospitals.
Consider planning a volunteer day or crayon donation activity for Earth Day (April 22nd) or on National Crayon Day (May 31st) with kids in your classroom. Every donation helps and organizing around a holiday or special day that involves recycling is smart planning!
Partnering with Restaurants
Partnering with restaurants can significantly boost crayon recycling efforts. Restaurants can facilitate crayon recycling by providing designated collection containers for guests to drop off unused crayons after their meals.
Even the smallest donations helps keep crayons out of landfills! These collected crayons can then be donated to local schools that support art education and community programs.
Spreading Awareness
Spreading awareness about crayon recycling is essential for its success. Social media campaigns can significantly raise community awareness and inspire others to participate in recycling efforts. Individuals can promote their crayon recycling activities on social media using specific hashtags and sharing their progress.
Hosting community events can also facilitate discussions and actions around crayon recycling initiatives. Spreading awareness encourages more people to join the cause and make a positive impact on the environment.
Success Stories in Crayon Recycling
There are many inspiring success stories in crayon recycling that showcase the positive impact of these initiatives. Nicole Lewis created an entire sales category from her recycled crayon endeavors, becoming the top-selling handmade crayon company on Etsy and placing among the Top 10 in the Etsy Design Awards Kids Category in 2020.
Crayon Collection recycles crayons to spread joy to children and communities in vulnerable situations, but even expanded beyond their recycling efforts with a sister organization, Habits of Waste. These stories highlight the importance of recycling efforts and the difference they can make in communities.
Nicole Lewis and Art 2 the Extreme®
Nicole Lewis, the founder of Art 2 the Extreme®, has made significant contributions to crayon recycling. With over 15 years of experience in art education and 20 years in the crayon design and crayon arts business, Nicole has developed innovative crayon designs that have been recognized as one of the top 10 children’s gifts in the Etsy Design Awards. Her Original Rainbow Crayons® provide a unique gift for any occasion and take a creative approach to traditional crayons.
Nicole’s work has been featured in major publications, and she has created projects for The Oprah Winfrey Network, Sephora, and The Ellen Show. Her adaptive art supplies cater to children with disabilities, enhancing their creative expression and making art accessible to all.
Crayon Collection Initiative
The Crayon Collection is another remarkable success story in the world of crayon recycling. This Los Angeles-based non-profit has successfully collected and redistributed millions of crayons, preventing them from ending up in landfills. Art 2 the Extreme® contributes over 100,000 crayons annually to the Crayon Collection, supporting underserved communities and promoting art education.
By partnering with organizations like Crayon Collection, Nicole Lewis and her team help shift the mindset of waste in our culture, encouraging people to see the value in recycling and repurposing. This collaboration not only saves millions of crayons from landfills but also brings joy and creativity to children who receive these vibrant art supplies.
How You Can Help
Want to get involved in the crayon recycling movement? There are several ways you can contribute, from donating unwanted crayons to volunteering your time and spreading awareness. Your efforts can make a significant impact on the environment and support creative programs for children.
Donating crayons, volunteering, and sharing your impact helps keep thousands of crayons out of landfills and promotes sustainability and creativity in your community.
Donating Crayons
Donating unwanted crayons is a simple yet powerful way to contribute to crayon recycling efforts. You can drop off unwanted crayons at any Staples store, where they will be shipped to nonprofit organizations focused on crayon recycling. Local schools, art programs, and charitable organizations also welcome donations of used crayons, which support creative hands and environmental sustainability.
Where can I donate used crayons in Indiana?
If you are in the greater Indianapolis area, you can also donate broken crayons at the Art 2 the Extreme® studio located in Noblesville, IN.
Your donation helps keep crayons out of landfills and provides valuable art supplies to children in need.
Volunteering Opportunities
Volunteering is another excellent way to support crayon recycling programs. Many organizations seek volunteers to assist with tasks like sorting and packing crayons. Throughout the year, Crayon Collection holds Color Kindness Program days where corporations can come together for a community service project to organize and pack recycled crayons to send to undeserved communities. Organizing crayon collection drives in your community helps gather a substantial number of crayons that would otherwise be discarded.
Volunteers play a vital role in the success and community impact of crayon recycling programs. Interested individuals are encouraged to contact local crayon recycling organizations to learn how they can contribute. Your time and effort can make a significant difference in promoting sustainability and creativity.
Sharing Your Impact
Sharing your crayon recycling efforts on social media can inspire others to get involved. Participants are encouraged to take photos or videos of their crayon donation and post their progress using the hashtag #CRAYONCOLLECTION and #COLORKINDESS. This helps raise awareness and motivates others to join the cause.
Participants should fill out a form to share their impact with the organization, which helps track the success of recycling initiatives and encourages community involvement. Sharing your impact contributes to a larger movement that promotes sustainability and creativity.
Get Recycling or Support Small Businesses with Sustainable Practices
Recycling crayons is a simple yet impactful way to reduce waste, conserve natural resources, and support creativity. From collecting unwanted crayons to transforming them into new art supplies, each step in the recycling process plays a crucial role in promoting sustainability and bringing joy to creative hands. Programs like the Crayon Collection, National Crayon Recycle Program, and initiatives by individuals like Nicole Lewis of Art 2 the Extreme® showcase the positive impact of crayon recycling efforts.
By donating crayons, volunteering, and spreading awareness, you can join this colorful cause and make a difference in your community. Let’s continue to support crayon recycling initiatives and inspire others to see the value in turning something old into something new and vibrant. Together, we can create a brighter, more sustainable future.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I donate unwanted crayons?
You can easily donate your unwanted crayons directly to Art 2 the Extreme® in Noblesville, Indiana or at Staples, where they'll be recycled for a good cause. Local schools and art programs also gladly accept them, so check around your neighborhood!
What are the environmental benefits of crayon recycling?
Recycling crayons is a game-changer for the environment since it cuts down on landfill waste and conserves natural resources. Plus, it helps tackle the huge amount of crayons—over 500,000 pounds—that end up in trash each year.
How can I start a crayon recycling program in my community?
Start by creating a solid plan with your goals and how you’ll collect and process those old crayons. Get local schools and restaurants involved, and spread the word through social media and community events to rally support!
What creative projects can I do with recycled crayons?
You can make DIY rainbow crayons, fun crayon art, or even oversized letter crayons. It's a cool way to get creative while being eco-friendly!
How can I share my crayon recycling efforts?
Sharing your crayon recycling efforts is easy—just snap some pics or videos of your donations and post them on social media with #CRAYONCOLLECTION. Don’t forget to fill out a form to let the organization know your impact and help spread awareness!
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