Have you ever thought about what happens after you throw out an old pair of tennis shoes?

I, for one, didn’t start thinking about it until recently. And I’m sure many others will never think twice about tossing out an old pair of sneakers. Because unlike clothes, shoes are something that get worn down, dirty, and not to mention smelly after long periods of use, so they’re not something that can be easily passed down.

But, when shoes are thrown out, they go straight to a landfill. According to planetaid.org, a material called Ethylene Vinyl Acetate that is commonly found in the midsoles of running shoes can take up to 1,000 years to decompose. Decomposing organic shoe materials like leather and wood also release methane, a harmful greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change, which is one of the most pressing issues in the world today.

What’s worse is that almost 100% of household textiles and clothing can be recycled, regardless of quality of condition. Recycling clothing and textiles can benefit charities, reduce solid waste and free up valuable landfill space. After recycling, a new good can be made that can be used for many years, then be recycled again.

Luckily, there is a place at the University of Illinois that is willing to take your old shoes and recycle and repurpose them. Illini Hillel at 503 E. John Street, is partnering with the World Wear Project to recycle your old shoes. Bring your gently worn shoes and boots to the donation box at Hillel and say goodbye. The World Wear Project will then reuse, re-purpose and recycle your shoes. They will make them available to who might otherwise be unable to afford or will recycle the shoes so they don’t end up in the landfill.

As the end of the semester approaches and you are cleaning out your closet, instead of tossing out your old shoes, drop them off at Hillel and make a small difference in the world.