Pool Covers Put in Garbage Pool Covers are Usually Plastic Plastic pool covers cannot be recycled and should be placed in your garbage. Ways to Reduce Invest in a Durable Pool Cover Do some research on the type of pool cover you’re buying as well as the specific model. Try to find one that will last 10 or 20 years instead of one that will break down after only a couple of years. Ways to Reuse Repurpose as Wood Pile Cover If your pool cover begins to wear out or tear, use the scraps to cover a wood pile. Did You Know? Environmental Benefits of Pool Covers While not recyclable, pool covers do have some environmental benefits: they can save on energy costs, help conserve water and reduce the chemicals needed to maintain the pool. More information and facts on pool covers can be found here.