Even in today’s digital-focused world, payment cards remain one of the most popular methods of payment, with an estimated 26 billion in circulation as of the end of 2022. End-of-life recycling of payment cards can be a vital part of any bank’s sustainable strategy, but the process is not straightforward. If payment cards are not recycled, they could be discarded as litter or sent to landfill, so moving to dispose of them more eco-consciously can only benefit the planet and our communities. 
However, payment cards require specific, dedicated recycling programs. The reason for this is the mix of materials that make up a card—the bodies can be made of different plastic types, and they contain metal and other non-plastic materials to make the card functional. This makes recycling a payment card more complex than discarding it into a “green” bin at the end of its lifespan.

Payment cards, as one of the most convenient and widely adopted payment methods, contain very complex electronics beyond the card body materials themselves. Effective recycling demands specialized methods to safely and efficiently separate and process each material. Thus, G+D must work together with banks and their end-customers to recollect expired payment cards and launch delegated workflows to minimize their impact on the environment and create a lasting positive impact. Banks can also take this as an opportunity to reproduce community-friendly furniture and items that can strengthen their bonds with the local community.