About
GotSneakers is a mission-driven sneaker recycling and reuse company tackling the staggering problem of 300 million pairs of shoes ending up in U.S. landfills each year. The platform offers a completely free, simple, and impactful process for individuals, fundraisers, gyms and fitness centers, enterprise organizations, nonprofits, and retailers who want to responsibly dispose of unwanted footwear while earning money in return. The process is straightforward: users create a free account, choose their partner type, and receive collection bags within 3–5 days. Once bags are filled with qualifying footwear, they are returned to any FedEx location at no charge. GotSneakers then processes the sneakers — routing them toward reuse or responsible recycling — and issues participants an eCheck along with an impact summary detailing CO2 emissions averted and landfill diversion achieved. To date, GotSneakers has diverted over 5.35 million pairs of shoes from landfills, averted 192.6 million pounds of CO2 equivalent, raised $3.76 million for individuals and nonprofits, and saved consumers an equivalent amount through secondhand purchasing. Whether you're a school running a fundraiser, a gym looking for a sustainability initiative, or an enterprise brand seeking responsible footwear disposal, GotSneakers provides a scalable, zero-cost solution with measurable environmental impact.
Key Features
- Free Recycling Kits: Users receive free collection bags by mail within 3–5 days — no upfront cost required to participate.
- Free FedEx Return Shipping: Filled bags are returned to any FedEx location at absolutely no cost, making the entire process expense-free for participants.
- Earn Cash via eCheck: After processing, participants receive earnings via eCheck along with a personalized impact summary showing CO2 averted and shoes diverted.
- Multiple Partner Types: Supports individuals, fundraisers, gyms & fitness centers, enterprise & nonprofits, and retailers & brands with tailored programs.
- Verified Environmental Impact Tracking: Each submission generates a measurable impact report covering pounds of CO2e averted and pairs of shoes kept out of landfills.
Use Cases
- Individuals clearing out old sneakers from their closet while earning cash and reducing their environmental footprint.
- Schools and community groups running sneaker fundraisers to raise money for programs or events.
- Gyms and fitness studios collecting members' worn athletic shoes as part of a sustainability or community initiative.
- Nonprofits and enterprises seeking scalable, zero-cost footwear recycling programs with measurable ESG impact reporting.
- Retailers and brands responsibly managing end-of-life footwear inventory or offering customers a take-back recycling option.
Pros
- Completely Free to Use: There are no fees for the bags, shipping, or account — participants actually earn money rather than spending it.
- Meaningful Environmental Impact: Over 5.35 million pairs diverted and 192.6 million lbs of CO2e averted demonstrates real, measurable sustainability outcomes.
- Flexible for Many Audiences: Programs exist for individuals, schools, gyms, nonprofits, and large enterprises, making it broadly accessible.
Cons
- Limited to Qualifying Footwear: Not all sneakers or shoe types may qualify, which could limit how much participants can send in per collection.
- U.S.-Centric Operation: The FedEx free shipping model and program structure appear focused on U.S. participants, limiting international accessibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does GotSneakers work?
You create a free account, receive collection bags in the mail, fill them with qualifying sneakers, and drop them off at any FedEx location for free. After processing, you receive an eCheck with earnings and an impact summary.
Is there any cost to participate?
No — the collection bags and return shipping via FedEx are completely free. GotSneakers actually pays you for the sneakers you send in.
What happens to the sneakers after they're sent in?
Sneakers are sorted and either responsibly reused through secondhand channels or recycled, keeping them out of landfills and reducing waste.
Who can use GotSneakers?
GotSneakers serves individuals, fundraisers (e.g., schools and sports teams), gyms and fitness centers, enterprise organizations, nonprofits, and retailers or brands looking for responsible footwear disposal.
What types of footwear are accepted?
GotSneakers accepts qualifying footwear — primarily sneakers and athletic shoes. Their Earnings Guidelines outline exactly which types are accepted for payment.
