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What to Do with Old Keys

If you have moved a handful of times in your life, if it possible you have some old keys lying around that you no longer use. Over the years, keys from past homes and apartments can pile up in our junk drawers and in other places in our homes. Just simply throwing out these old keys may not be the best option. In fact, there are several ways you can reuse or recycle your old keys. You can even save them for various arts and crafts projects or practical uses around your home. Find out more about what you can and should do with your old keys and consider the following ideas about how you can best reuse or recycle them.

Recycle Them

Depending on where you live, there are several organizations nationwide that recycle keys. These specialized organizations are helpful since most scrap metal is not recyclable when put in traditional, roadside bins. The actual location of your local recycling center may have a designated spot where you can drop off old keys and other scrap metal, but this will depend on the location. Call the recycling center nearest to your home to see if they have a way for residents to recycle old keys. Some cities and states have specific organizations though that only take care of key recycling in order to raise money for various causes or other means. There are even programs directed at students that work to provide scholarships through their key and scrap metal recycling initiatives. Other key recycling programs even provide assistance for individuals with disabilities in terms of job placement. Depending on your area, you may have some luck finding an organization that will take your old keys and also help those in need at the same time.

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Reuse Them in Creative Ways

You can search through hundreds of arts and crafts projects online that utilize old keys. There are plenty of ways to use keys after their original purpose has expired. For adults and kids alike, there are plenty of fun and creative ways to use old keys. Try some of the following projects and suggestions for your old keys:

  • Use them as anchors for helium balloons at parties. Keys are perfect for this purpose since they are small, but also heavy enough to keep a balloon positioned on a table or elsewhere during a party.
  • Clean the bottom of your shoes. Using an old key is a great way to get in between the crevices on the bottom of one’s work boots or sneakers. Mud and dirt can become caked on the bottom of shoes and seem nearly impossible to get out. By maneuvering an old key in between the grooves on the bottom of one’s shoes, dirt and mud are easily scraped away. Keys can also be used to clean or scrape other surfaces that are difficult to reach, such as in between tire treads on a bike.
  • Place an old key at the bottom of curtains. This can help weigh down lighter fabrics and help them stay in place. You may even be able to just slip a key into the folded seam or hem at the bottom of the curtains without having to do any sewing.
  • Use old keys to create jewelry. You can make a simple necklace using an old key. If you are up for an arts and crafts project that is really easy, you can paint an old key and then use a chain to turn it into a necklace. This can actually make a great gift, especially if you use an old house or apartment key that means something to the recipient.
  • Turn old keys into artwork. Get creative and use old keys to add some dimension to paintings, drawings, or picture frames. Depending on the tools at your disposal, you can reshape keys and transform them into different designs.
  • Make a windchime. If you have enough keys, you can make a windchime by stringing the keys together around a ring. This can be a fun project for kids of any age and is a great way to reuse your old keys in a creative and fun way.

Do not limit your imagination to only the suggestions listed above. There are countless project ideas out there that use old keys. Depending on the age of your children, some creative uses may be more appropriate than others. Regardless, keeping an extra key or two around for cleaning and other purposes is a great idea.

Ask a Local Locksmith about Recycling!

Know that you can always contact a local locksmith to ask about any programs in your area that accept old key donations. Locksmiths themselves may even be able to accept donations and recycle them for you. Discuss the excess keys that you have lying around with a locksmith in your area to receive personalized recommendations about how you can reuse or recycle them locally. You can also talk to local recycling centers in your area about metal donation and recycling. Always be sure to either reuse your old keys in some way or recycle them responsibly. It is always better to put the material to new or different use, rather than let the key go to waste.

For any locksmithing requests you have in the Missouri City, TX area, the only locksmith to contact is Missouri City Locksmith. Our locksmiths are insured, professionally trained, certified, and trustworthy. You can count on any of the locksmiths on our staff to offer superior customer service, as well as skilled installations and repairs for all of your home, vehicle, and commercial buildings locksmithing needs. Our exceptionally low prices and emergency services have earned us our superior reputation in the area. We are always here to help when it comes to lockouts, lock installations, and repairs of any kind. Call our certified staff members today! We can set you up with a same-day or next day appointment for any requests you may have.

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