Do you have an old motorcycle helmet lying around? Are you wondering what to do with it?
Don’t throw it away – there are plenty of uses for old helmets.
From crafting to being used as a planter or a way to organize your stuff, an old helmet can be just what you need to bring some creativity into your life or provide clever solutions to everyday problems.
Read on to learn how you can repurpose your motorcycle helmet.
Contents
- 1 Benefits of keeping your old motorcycle helmet
- 2 Why do you need to dispose of old motorcycle helmets properly?
- 3 Repurpose your helmet into a planter
- 4 Turn your helmet into a wall display or art piece
- 5 Teach children about the components of a helmet
- 6 Using a motorcycle helmet for self-defense
- 7 Other uses for an old motorcycle helmet
- 8 Disposal options for expired helmets
- 9 Conclusion
- 10 FAQ
Benefits of keeping your old motorcycle helmet
Motorcycle helmets can last a long time if they’re well-maintained. But even with the best of care, eventually, you’ll need to replace it. But that doesn’t mean you have to throw it away — there are plenty of ways to repurpose old motorcycle helmets.
First and foremost, recycling your old motorcycle helmets is a great way to keep them out of landfills where it can take hundreds of years to decompose.
Reusing your old motorcycle helmets can also help save the resources and energy needed for producing new ones.
Old helmets can also be used for home projects or even turned into decorative pieces — think of an artsy wall hanging basket or unique planter. It’s a fun and creative way to give your old helmet a second life!
Plus, by giving an old helmet a new purpose, you’ll be able to keep your memories with you for longer!
Why do you need to dispose of old motorcycle helmets properly?
When motorcycle helmets have been discarded, they may remain good. The helmet material does, however, deteriorate.
Helmets older than 5 years old should be properly removed if deemed broken. The material degrades in elasticity & becomes brittle in time, resulting in cracks and breaks as a person wears or otherwise uses the item.
For instance, a motorcycle helmet that has been in use for more than five years starts to feel unpleasant. As well as such an old helmet can cause serious injuries or death.
Repurpose your helmet into a planter
You don’t have to just throw away your old helmet. With a bit of creativity, it can be repurposed into something useful. One great option is to turn your old helmet into a planter.
This is a great way to add style and personality to your garden or patio. Repurpose it into a planter. Add a coat of paint and a few plants, and your old helmet can become the perfect addition to your garden.
Here’s what you need to do:
Select an appropriate pot for the size of the helmet. If it’s too large, fill it with Styrofoam or crumpled newspaper for stability.
Clean out the pot and the inside of the helmet carefully with soap and water. Clean off any excess dirt or dust with a damp cloth before planting the greenery of your choice.
Add soil and plants to both the pot and helmet, making sure there are holes at the bottom of both for drainage.
Finally, secure the pot within the helmet’s lining with screws or glue, depending on its construction material.
There are few things as eye-catching as a unique planter made of an old motorcycle helmet, so don’t be afraid to get creative when repurposing yours!
Turn your helmet into a wall display or art piece
Did you know that you can turn your old motorcycle helmet into an awesome wall display or art piece? It’s true! Many people are starting to repurpose their helmets into a home décor hanging basket and art projects, instead of throwing them out. You can practice your painting skills on the helmet’s shell.
Here are some fun ideas:
Spray paint it and create an artistic display on your wall.
You can use stencils to make shapes, words, or designs on the helmet – let your creativity go wild!
Make it into a lamp by adding string lights and decorations inside the helmet, or by attaching a lamp shade for mood lighting.
Create an exciting memory box for those special items that are important to you. Line it with fabric, add padding for protection, and glue on any decorative pieces you want.
Repurposing an old motorcycle helmet is easy, cheap, stylish, and fun – plus, it helps keep trash out of landfills!
So get creative, have fun crafting with your helmet, and come up with something brand new – you might just surprise yourself!
Teach children about the components of a helmet
Tell your child the importance of helmets in their life and how a motorcycle helmet works. Children are curious and often attempt to take off their helmets without explanation.
Tell them that helmets are safety devices, and they will learn to wear them properly if they get older. When preparing this lesson, make sure that your little students know what to do.
Various parts help you prevent head injuries.
The helmet’s outer shell contains a protective layer made of plastic foam and metal.
The soft foam padding provides an easy fit, while the metal protects you from impact.
Using a motorcycle helmet for self-defense
You may never have considered this before, but your motorcycle helmet isn’t just for riding—it can be used for self-defense as well!
That’s right, a motorcycle helmet is a great defense against an assailant.
Here’s how it works: when you put on that helmet and buckle it up, you’ve got an extra layer of protection built in.
The hard helmet shell and face guard provide two layers of coverage that won’t break down the way fabric or other materials might. And the helmet straps will keep it on your head, so you don’t risk losing it in a struggle.
Plus, a motorcycle helmet is designed to fit snugly around your head without slipping off when you move—unlike other helmets that might be too big or too small for your head and end up not being secure enough.
The weight of the helmet itself serves as an added deterrent to attackers. The heavier the helmet, the harder it will be to swing at someone with full force.
In short, motorcycle helmets serve as excellent self-defense tools by adding an extra layer of protection and cushioning that you don’t get with other types of helmets!
Other uses for an old motorcycle helmet
If you have an old motorcycle helmet that you just don’t want to use anymore, don’t throw it away—repurpose it!
There are plenty of creative and innovative ways to recycle an old helmet that won’t take much time or effort.
Art projects
You can do quite a lot with an old helmet if you’re willing to get a little artistic. Think about decorating it with paint, fabric, or even some beads or sequins.
You can also turn it into a sculpture or even a planter for your garden. Just use your imagination, and you might be surprised by what you can come up with!
DIY projects
Old motorcycle helmets are surprisingly sturdy, and they make great materials for all kinds of handy DIY projects.
You could convert yours into an outdoor storage container, perfect for keeping garden tools like rakes and shovels out of sight.
Or transform it into a funky light fixture with the help of some LEDs – the choice is yours!
Replenishing your motorcycle wardrobe doesn’t mean making new purchases – why not repurpose your old helmet instead?
With just a bit of creativity, you can give it a new life, anything from art to DIY projects. And who knows – maybe you’ll discover something even cooler to do with yours!
Disposal options for expired helmets
If you’re wondering what to do with your old helmet, you should know that the best way to get rid of an old or expired helmet is by properly disposing of it.
Disposing of an old helmet is important for safety reasons, and because you don’t want it to end up being sold as a serviceable product and putting someone else at risk.
Proper disposal options
Most safety experts recommend a recycling center as the best disposal option for an expired helmet. Helmets can be recycled in many ways, and the options vary depending on your location.
Some programs may take helmets without their liners to reuse their outer plastic shell and internal shock-absorbent material.
Many motorcycle shops also accept old helmets for recycling. Some motorcycle shops offer a discount on a new helmet if you trade in your old one.
Donate your helmet
Donating an old motorcycle helmet is another disposal option, but make sure to only donate one that is still in good condition since it doesn’t have an expiration date.
If you are unsure about whether your helmet can be donated, check with a donation organization first to see if they accept them and what their criteria are for donated helmets.
You can contact the fire or police departments and training schools that accept helmet donations to train new bikers.
You can contact any local foundations and see if they accept helmets for training use, much like the local emergency services.
If you’re going this route, leave the chin strap intact before donating.
When disposing of an expired motorcycle helmet, make sure to properly prepare it for disposal so that it won’t end up being used again by someone else.
This means removing all parts such as the liner, chin strap, and any other detachable parts before recycling or donating it to ensure its safety in its next life.
Conclusion
A motorcycle helmet is a life-saving device and part of a motorcycle riders safety kit.
Keeping your helmet in good shape is critical for safety and for the longevity of your investment. If you’ve had a helmet for a few years, it is important to check for signs of degradation.
An old motorcycle helmet doesn’t have to be thrown out or left to gather dust in a dark corner. With a bit of creativity, you can add a special touch of functional art to your home or garden.
Whether you choose to turn it into a planter, a display piece, or a neat way to organize your things, your old helmet can provide you with a unique and useful experience.
So give your old helmet a second chance and find ways to bring out its best!
FAQ
What should I do with an old bike helmet?
Often, the recycling center has no mix of materials. Your best solution might be to remove the helmet and the EPS foam and throw it into the trash. While it has a low carbon footprint, it’s often difficult for a recycling center to process.
How do you dispose of helmets?
Helmet donations are accepted unless in good condition. They can sometimes be taken to emergency services for education and can be used in schools as props.
Is a 10-year-old motorcycle helmet still good?
Helmet manufacturers say riders are required to change helmets at least twice a year. The number of times you travel may be quite hefty.
This rule generally affects cyclists who travel daily. Riding for long periods only increases helmet degradation.
Do unused motorcycle helmets expire?
Yes. Motorcycle helmets have certain expirations and are less effective when involved in a car crash.
If you need to read about things you can do with an old motorcycle helmet, please read our article.