SleeveCycle Materials Stewardship Policy

SleeveCycle is committed to managing all collected materials according to a responsible environmental hierarchy that prioritizes reuse and recycling while minimizing landfill waste. Every item received through the SleeveCycle program is evaluated and processed using the following principles.

1. Reuse First

Whenever possible, SleeveCycle prioritizes extending the life of collectible supplies through reuse.

Many hobby materials such as penny sleeves, top loaders, semi-rigid holders, and team bags remain perfectly functional even after their original use. Rather than sending these items directly to recycling, SleeveCycle sorts and redistributes suitable materials so they can continue serving collectors and hobby communities.

Reusable items may be:

• Donated to youth hobby clubs, libraries, and community organizations
• Distributed to new collectors and educational programs
• Provided to schools or after-school programs that use trading cards as learning tools
• Made available to collectors who can continue using the supplies

By prioritizing reuse, SleeveCycle helps reduce the need for new plastic production and keeps functional materials in circulation longer.

2. Responsible Recycling

Materials that are no longer suitable for reuse are directed toward responsible recycling pathways whenever possible.

SleeveCycle works to identify and partner with recycling processors that can accept plastics commonly used in the trading card hobby, including polypropylene sleeves and other rigid plastic components. These materials are aggregated, sorted, and prepared for recycling so they can be converted into raw material for new products.

Because many hobby plastics are not accepted in curbside recycling programs, SleeveCycle helps create a specialized collection stream that allows these materials to be responsibly processed rather than discarded.

Through recycling partnerships and material aggregation, SleeveCycle helps support the development of more sustainable materials systems for the collectibles community.

3. Responsible Disposal When Necessary

While SleeveCycle strives to reuse or recycle as much material as possible, some items cannot currently be processed through existing recycling systems due to contamination, mixed materials, or limitations in recycling infrastructure.

In these cases, SleeveCycle ensures that materials are disposed of in the most responsible manner available, following local waste management guidelines and prioritizing environmentally sound handling practices.

At the same time, SleeveCycle continues to advocate for improved recycling solutions and actively seeks new recycling partnerships that may allow additional materials to be diverted from landfill in the future.

Our Commitment

SleeveCycle’s goal is to continually increase the percentage of materials that can be reused or recycled while educating collectors about sustainable practices within the hobby.

By combining reuse, recycling, and education, SleeveCycle aims to reduce landfill waste and promote a more circular and environmentally responsible future for the collectibles community.