What to Do With Face Shield: Recycle, Donate, Repurpose

It looks like we *finally* graduated from using face shields after almost two years. For now, at least. Last November 15, the Philippine government lifted the requirement for areas under Alert Levels 1, 2, and 3. In areas under Alert Level 4, it’s up to the LGU’s discretion. However, face shields are still required in hospitals, high-risk areas, and under Alert Level 5. So you’re celebrating and throwing your face shield in the air to signify this momentous occasion, but what now? Reports say an estimated 65 million face shields are being used per day in 21.8 million households nationwide. Where do you throw your collection? Here are some ideas on where how you can recycle your face shield or where to donate them.

The Plastic Flamingo (The Plaf)

Make sure you’ve cleaned and sanitized your face shields for at least two weeks before dropping them off at The Plaf. They’ve got drop-off points in Muntinlupa, Taguig, Ortigas, Pasig, Alabang, Quezon City plus more spots in and outside the metro. However, they only accept the standard plastic face shield seen on the picture so you have to hold on to your acrylic ones a little longer.

Face shields? MINE PLS! pic.twitter.com/8RXp8xzcWU

— The Plaf (@zeplaf) November 16, 2021

To hit many (plastic) birds with one stone, you can also drop off other plastic wastes such as plastic bottles, hangers, PVC tubes, plastic cups, utensils, all cleaned and dried. Your plastic waste will be transformed into planks and posts to help build buildings, furniture, and more.

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Consider donating it to vets and clinics

Via Source

Call your local pet clinic and inquire if they’re accepting donations of used but clean face shields. Some clinics repurpose plastic face shields for DIY pets in their care. They even use them as safe collars for exotic pets.

Use it to hold your vaccine cards

Via Source

Recycle your face shield and use it as a vaccine cardholder. Vaccination cards act like primary IDs these days. You have to carry it with you at all times so you can dine in at restaurants, board a plane, enter a resort, get a haircut, and many other activities open only for fully-vaccinated individuals. Since our vaccination cards easily wear out or worse, get folded and smudged, you can use your face shield’s acetate to keep them looking brand new until your booster shot.

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Protective gear for cooking

😩😩😩 pic.twitter.com/kBh0ZvknDc

— Maris Racal (@MissMarisRacal) August 12, 2021

Many Pinoys suggest keeping face shields to protect yourself from oil splashes when cooking. Unless you’ve got thick skin, everyone’s a little bit scared of frying fish and all the hot oil it involves. Face shields are useful in shielding your face from the hot oil spray. You can also wear them when chopping onions to avoid tearing up.

Got stocks? Healthcare workers might need them

Via Source

You can always donate your new and unused face shields to those who are still required to wear them. Hospital workers aren’t exempt from face shield freedom. Call up your health worker friends or contact local hospitals to inquire about donating your stocks.

Check with your barangay

Employees of Barangay Holy Spirit in Quezon City are required to recycle face shields into torotot (horn), decor, and other useful products. Your barangay might have an initiative.

Christmas decor and costumes

Since the holidays are coming up, instead of buying new parol or Christmas tree ornaments, take your face shields and be creative with them. The government of Teresa, Rizal recently unveiled their Christmas tree made from recycled materials like face shield acetate, straw, and coconut husks. All you need are scissors, paint, and your creativity.

Consider keeping it for the future

The past few months were filled with wishy-washy decisions from the government on keeping face shields or ditching them. Who knows what they’ll decide tomorrow? Besides, the Alert Level could rise, especially since the holidays are approaching. It’s better if you hold on to your face shield for now until we’re out of the woods.

Got more ideas on how to recycle your face shield? Share it with us in the comments!

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