How to Recycle Used Aluminum Arrow Shafts

Just because you're done with your aluminum arrows does not mean you have to throw them away. Aluminum is one of the easiest metals to recycle because it can simply be melted down and transformed into new material. There are two options for recycling old aluminum arrows. Aluminum arrows that are in relatively good shape can be recycled at your local archery shop to give other archers the opportunity to reuse them. Damaged arrows can be placed in your curbside recycling once all of the non-aluminum parts have been removed.

Things You'll Need

  • Knife
  • Hack saw
  • Flat-head screwdriver
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Instructions

  1. Curbside Arrow Recycling

    • 1

      Hold the arrow vertically so the nock is on top. Strip the fletching and fletching glue from the arrow shaft using a knife. Whittle away the fletching and glue in long, downward motions.

    • 2

      Place the arrow horizontally on a table so the arrowhead is over the edge of the table. Set the blade of a hack saw directly below the area where the arrow head is glued to the shaft. Holding the arrow securely, saw the arrowhead off.

    • 3

      Place the arrow horizontally on the table so that the nock is over the table edge. Set a hack saw blade directly below the area where the nock is glued to the shaft. Saw through the aluminum shaft to remove the arrow nock.

    • 4

      Place the aluminum shafts of the arrows in your curbside recycling bin or take them to a recycling station.

    Reuse Arrows

    • 5

      Call your local archery store. Ask if the store has a donation bin where you can recycle aluminum arrow shafts for reuse or refurbishment.

    • 6

      Remove any damaged fletching and fletching glue from the arrows. Use the blade of a knife to whittle the fletching and glue away until the shaft is clean.

    • 7

      Clean the arrow shaft with alcohol and an old rag to remove any remaining fletching glue. Twist the base of the arrow shaft in the rag until the glue is removed.

    • 8

      Remove a broken or loose nock from the arrow shaft, if possible. Wedge the tip of a flat-head screwdriver between the nock and the edge of the arrow shaft. Pry the nock away from the arrow shaft.

    • 9

      Drive to your local archery range or store and place them in the recycled arrow bin.