Flip-Flops for Charity is a First

An international recycling company is collecting used flip-flop sandals at all Old Navy clothing stores starting today, Earth Day, for the next month until May 21.

The miracle of recycling means the flip-flops will come out on the other end as public playgrounds—those rubber-like ground surfaces that save teeth, knees and possibly broken arms when children take a fall.

TerraCycle, Inc. has partnered with Old Navy for the flip-flop drive. They say it's the first time a retail chain has agreed to a large-scale collection for recycle inside the store.

"Our flip-flops are popular," according to Betsy King, Old Navy district manager. "We thought this would connect with our customers." 

Look for a big, blue self-contained box where you donate the worn plastic footwear, or the pair of flip-flops that always hurt your toe or foot, so let's face it, you'll probably never wear them again.

King suggested customers might also buy a pair of flip-flops at the store to donate for recycle.

Earlier in the week and through Saturday, Office Depot collects used-up ink pens, markers and mechanical pencils, to be re-fashioned into waste baskets and desk organizers, according to TerraCycle, Inc.

Both Office Depot and  stores are found in shopping centers near the intersection of Lindbergh Boulevard and Watson Road.

The Old Navy program has a lyrical slogan: ReFlip, ReFlop, ReCycle. King said four playgrounds will be built and filled with the recycled flip-flops, but didn't know where.

Here's what a TerraCycle spokesperson had to say about their company's work.

"By bringing in these hard-to-recycle products to their local stores, consumers help keep waste out of their community landfills. TerraCycle is an international upcycling and recycling company that encourages consumers to rethink waste. 

"Schools and community groups in Sunset Hills can also get involved in TerraCycle's free upcycling fundraisers, which pay two cents for every piece of used packaging returned. Interested parties can learn more or sign up today at www.terracycle.net"

TerraCycle, Inc. was founded in 2001.

Rachel Heaton contributed to this article.