Latex Gloves Alternative ways to recycle Put in Garbage Throw Away Nitrile Gloves Do not recycle or compost nitrile gloves because they are synthetic. Nitrile gloves are often used by medical professionals and come in blue or black. The dark color will help the wearer tell if the gloves have been punctured. Toss used nitrile gloves in the garbage. Throw Away Vinyl Gloves Vinyl gloves have a looser fit than latex gloves. Toss used vinyl gloves in the garbage because they are synthetic and are not biodegradable. Alternative Ways to Recycle RightCycle by Kimberly-Clark Professional Kimberly-Clark Professional runs the RightCycle program, which collects hard-to-recycle laboratory items including nitrile gloves. These items are then upcycled into eco-friendly plastic products such as Adirondack Chairs. Ways to Reduce The Eco-Friendly Option If You Care Household Gloves are naturally biodegradable and dipped in FSC-certified (Forest Stewardship Council) latex. They also come in eco-friendly packaging. Ways to Reuse Donate Unused Latex Gloves Latex gloves that are still in an unopened box can be donated to a secondhand store such as Goodwill or a medical facility. If your gloves are thicker kitchen gloves and lightly used, Goodwill will resell them.