License Plates Put in Recycling Cart/Bin Hardware can be recycled as scrap metal. Plastic frames should go in the garbage cart. Remove Hardware Remove all mounting hardware — bolts, washers, mounting brackets — before recycling license plate. If mounting hardware is in usable condition it can be reused to mount new license plates on the vehicle. Plastic Frames are Not Recyclable Oftentimes, license plates have rigid plastic frames around them. When these frames are past usable condition, they must be placed in the trash as the type of plastic they are made out of is a non-standard type of plastic. Ways to Reuse Decorate Your Garage Old license plates can represent a time in history, as their designs change over time, or show an array of places a person has lived. Consider hanging a collection of old plates in your garage or shed, using existing holes for mounting. Save for Arts and Crafts There are craft projects using license plates for all skill levels, some even requiring no metal cutting. Check out these ideas on upcycling license plates. Sell Rare Plates Some license plates that are old or rare enough are worth money and can be sold to an antique store or through an online marketplace. Did You Know? The First Plate In 1903, Massachusetts was the first to have state-issued plates. The first license plate simply read “1” and is still registered to the original owner’s family today, over a century later.
