How to Recycle Dry Erase Markers

Dry erase markers, or marker board markers, are not recyclable as of January 2011 because they are made from a type of plastic that is not recyclable. Also, the ink insert will burn up during the recycling process. Even though you cannot recycle your old, dried-up markers, you can still reuse them to create new things. There are varieties of ways to reuse your old dry erase markers to prevent them from ending up in a landfill.

Use the old marker as a watercolor paintbrush. Saturate the marker’s tip with water. Once the tip of the marker is wet, the dried ink will be moist enough to use as a watercolor paint. Once the ink runs out, you can dip the marker into your own paint and you can continue to use it as a paintbrush.

Create a picture frame for an art project using the markers. Put a dab of glue on the tip of each marker and on the cap and snap them together. Depending on the size of the frame you want, place a few markers to outline the artwork and then glue them together. Once the glue is dry, you may either glue them directly to your artwork or glue them onto an old picture frame. You can also apply this method using only the caps.

Make a jump rope with the old markers. Remove the cap and the end of the marker and then remove the ink insert. You will now have a hollow tube. Slide a piece of rope through several markers and then tie off the ends. You can even drill holes through the tips of the marker caps and add those to the jump rope to provide color.

Create a necklace with the old caps. Drill a hole through the tip of the cap and slide a thin piece of rope or string between several caps to create a colorful, beaded necklace.

Glue the markers together to create words such as your name. Lay the markers out to create the letters of your name and then glue them together. You can then glue the markers to a piece of cardboard or poster board and hang it in your room or classroom.