Can School Lockers Be Recycled? A Guide to Sustainable Storage

sales67174
Apr 11
3 min read

Updated: Apr 22

With schools across the UK under increasing pressure to meet sustainability goals, every purchasing decision counts—including how and where we source school lockers. As schools replace or upgrade existing storage, one important question comes up more and more often:

Can school lockers be recycled?

The answer is yes—many lockers can be recycled, depending on the material, construction, and end-of-life planning. In this guide, we’ll explain how locker recycling works, what materials are most sustainable, and how schools can make smarter storage decisions for the planet and their budget.

Why Sustainability Matters in School Storage

Schools generate a significant amount of waste each year, from packaging and furniture to classroom fixtures and outdated tech. With environmental education at the forefront of the curriculum, it makes sense for schools to lead by example—and that includes choosing sustainable storage solutions.

Locker replacement may only happen every 10–15 years, but when it does, it's a great opportunity to reduce landfill waste and invest in recyclable, long-lasting alternatives.

Which School Lockers Are Recyclable?

Let’s break it down by material type:

1. Steel Lockers

Steel is highly recyclable and one of the most sustainable materials in the education sector. Old steel lockers can be collected and processed at local recycling facilities, where they are melted down and reused in new products—including future lockers.

Key sustainability benefits:

100% recyclable
Long lifespan (10–15+ years)
Can be repainted, repaired, or reconfigured to extend use

Choosing UK-manufactured steel school lockers also reduces transport emissions and supports local production.

2. Plastic Lockers

Most plastic lockers are made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE), which is also recyclable—though slightly more complex than steel. HDPE can be reprocessed into a wide range of new products, and many manufacturers use a blend of recycled and virgin plastic to reduce environmental impact.

What to look for:

Lockers made from recyclable HDPE
UK manufacturers offering end-of-life recycling schemes
Options with a high recycled content

It’s also worth noting that plastic lockers have an incredibly long lifespan—often up to 20 years—which reduces the need for frequent replacements.

3. Laminate or MFC Lockers

Laminate and MFC (melamine-faced chipboard) lockers are less easily recycled, due to their mixed material composition. While some components may be recyclable (like metal frames), the chipboard panels usually go to general waste unless your local authority has specialist processing.

These are better suited to indoor, low-use environments where they’ll last longer and avoid early disposal.

Tips for Choosing Sustainable School Lockers

Choose UK-made products to lower transport emissions and support the circular economy
Ask about recycled content in steel or plastic components
Check if the supplier offers take-back or recycling schemes
Opt for modular systems that can be reconfigured rather than replaced
Maintain lockers well with regular inspections and spare parts to extend lifespan

At Lockers for Schools, we’re committed to offering eco-conscious school storage options that reduce waste and deliver long-term value.

What to Do With Old Lockers

If you're replacing existing lockers, don't let them go to landfill:

Contact your local metal recycler (for steel units)
Ask your supplier if they offer a removal and recycling service
Repurpose old lockers for storage in staff areas or back-of-house spaces
Donate lightly used lockers to community groups or charities

Sustainable Lockers = Smarter Investment

Sustainable storage isn't just good for the environment—it's good for your school budget too. Long-lasting, recyclable lockers reduce replacement costs, lower maintenance needs, and support your school’s eco-policy.

And with the Department for Education encouraging greener procurement through its Sustainability and Climate Change Strategy, schools that invest in sustainable school lockers are also future-proofing for policy and funding shifts.

Looking for Recyclable Lockers for Your School?

At Lockers for Schools, we offer a wide range of recyclable school lockers made from long-lasting steel or HDPE plastic. Our products are designed and manufactured in the UK, built to last, and made with sustainability in mind.