If you want to get rid of your old motorcycle helmet, let me show you a brief guide on how to dispose of old motorcycle helmet properly.
A motorcycle helmet is a protective headgear worn by motorcycle riders.
Helmets are made of light, strong materials such as thermoplastic or carbon fiber. They are not heavy and often weigh below 1kg.
According to motorcycle power sports news, there are more than 2 million motorcycle helmets sold every year.
The motorcycle helmet has many uses. It can be used for long travels, it is easy to store when not in use, and can also protect you from many accidents on the road.
However, it is essential that motorcycle helmets be disposed of properly when they become old and damaged, as they can be dangerous for other people when used in an accident or collision.
Contents
Why do you need to dispose of old motorcycle helmets properly
1. The old motorcycle helmet can harm the user
When a helmet is no longer in use, it may appear that it is still in good condition. Helmet materials, on the other hand, are prone to deterioration over time.
Helmets that are beyond five years old are considered broken and should be disposed of properly.
The materials degrade and become brittle over time, making them prone to cracking and breaking when someone wears them or otherwise attempts to use them.
Instead of protecting the rider, these aged helmets can actually cause injury or death. An old motorcycle helmet is not durable enough and can be dangerous to our safety.
2. Old motorcycle helmet is uncomfortable to use
An old motorcycle helmet is uncomfortable to use.
This is because, after all these years, the padding inside has compressed and the helmet doesn’t fit snugly on your head. It feels like it’s slipping off.
Also, It might be dirty and has a bad smell.
How to dispose of old motorcycle helmet
1. Take it to the recycling center
The first way to get rid of your old motorcycle helmets is to take them to the nearest recycling center.
Recycling centers have special processes to ensure that all parts are removed from a helmet without damaging them and then correctly disposed of.
There are many motorcycle helmet recycling centers throughout the country which accept your old gear.
You can also dispose of a treadmill at this place.
2. Sell it
If you want to get rid of your old motorcycle helmet, it’s best to sell it.
You can ask your friends if they want to buy your helmet or you can post an ad on social media, Craigslist, or eBay.
As long as you keep the helmet in good shape, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t get good money for it.
In addition, don’t forget to clean your old motorcycle helmet before selling it. If possible, wipe off the dirt and remove the oil stains with some rubbing alcohol or soap so that it could be better in its appearance.
3. Donate it
Many people are not aware that another option to dispose of old motorcycle helmets is by donating them.
There are many organizations, clubs, and individuals who will welcome a donation.
Before donating your old motorcycle helmets to charity organizations, you need to contact them first.
Each charity organization has its own criteria on what it will accept and how it will go about disposing of items it received.
Some charities will only accept helmets that are in good condition while others allow old motorcycle helmets even if they are damaged.
4. Reuse the helmet
Reusing old motorcycle helmets is one way to keep your environment clean, and you can get extra use out of these.
Your old motorcycle helmet can be used for various purposes, like as a pot for planting or even as a dog bowl.
Turning an old motorbike helmet into a vase or other decorating piece is another alternative that takes no money out of pocket.
Simply spray paint your helmet with shiny color after removing any vents, visors, or straps. You can use it as a vase or an object holder after it dries, or just display it in your home or garage.
5. Rebuild the helmet
If you’re looking for another way to dispose of old motorcycle helmets, then you should consider rebuilding the helmet. It can save you money and it also gives you a chance to make the helmet look better than ever.
To rebuild a motorcycle helmet, start with taking the lining off the helmet. You can discard the old lining but if it’s not torn or damaged, you can keep it for other uses.
Next, remove the foam from the inside of your helmet. If your helmet has an EPS liner, throw it away. If not, just wash it and set it aside so that you can use it later on when you are installing a new liner in your rebuilt helmet.
Finally, take out your old chin strap and replace it with a new one.
After you’ve completed all of these steps, wash everything that came out of the old motorcycle helmet to remove any dust or debris. It will make your reconstructed helmet seem brand new.
6. Call your local waste management office
Consider calling your local waste management office to dispose of old motorcycle helmets properly.
Many cities have waste management offices that will take old helmets for recycling, or they may even have a special section of their facility where they store the helmets until they’re loaded onto trucks bound for recyclers around the country.
Check with your city government to know what services they provide and how to access the disposal service.
Before arranging an appointment to drop off motorcycle helmets, be sure your local waste management office can accept them.
You never know when rules and regulations will change, or whether specific products will no longer be accepted.
7. Give it to the motorcycle store
You can give your helmet to the nearest motorcycle store. You can give it for free or they will reward you with cash or store credit.
The store can use it to make a new one or they can sell it as secondhand motorbike helmets.
8. Take it to the manufacturer
If the helmet was built by a reputable company, it certainly has a recycling or repurposing scheme in place.
In exchange for your old one, they may even offer you a discount on a new one.
Some helmet manufacturers have said that they will accept returned helmets for recycling.
What you should not do to dispose of old motorcycle helmet
1. Do not burn it
Burning isn’t a good idea for disposing of an old motorcycle helmet.
While burning old helmets produces ash and smoke, it also releases all sorts of chemicals known as carcinogens.
This chemical material has been associated with an increased risk of cancer in humans as well as breathing problems.
In addition to these health risks, burning an old helmet contributes to air pollution, which can cause respiratory illnesses in humans as well as harm wildlife in the area
2. Do not throw it into the landfill
You should never throw your old motorcycle helmet into the trash or landfill
When you do that, it’s going to sit there for years and years, slowly decomposing.
It also makes more waste in landfills.
FAQ
According to the standard warranty, always replace your helmet every five years or so. After five years, the helmets begin to degrade from exposure to UV light and sweat, making them less effective at protecting you if you have an accident
When you found your helmet’s vision seems not good anymore or the strap is broken, please change your helmet immediately.
An old used motorcycle helmet is not safe to use anymore because it cannot protect your head in a crash. If you have one of these helmets, take it to the nearest recycling center.
Conclusion
A lot of people keep their old motorcycle helmets for years and even decades. In most cases, this is a bad idea.
Allow me to summarize how to dispose of old motorcycle helmet in the right way!
- Take it to the nearest recycling center
- Sell it
- Donate it
- Reuse the helmet
- Rebuild the helmet
- Call your local waste management office
- Give it to the motorcycle store
- Take it to the manufacturer
You can also read my tips to dispose of old fiberglass boat here!
