Fort Worth families and shoppers have a new way to give back to the community. Tanger Outlets Fort Worth is teaming with the sustainable footwear recycler Sneaker Impact for a shoe‑recycling drive that runs from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 26. The event will take place at Center Court near the Polo Ralph Lauren store, and anyone can drop off shoes of any kind, size or condition.
How the drive works
Sneaker Impact collects the donated footwear and transforms it into granules that can be repurposed for a variety of uses. According to the company’s website, the material is especially suited for creating soft‑play surfaces—safe, cushioned flooring used in playgrounds, indoor activity centers and other community spaces. The granules produced from the Fort Worth collection will be used to build new soft‑play areas both at Tanger Outlets and throughout the surrounding neighborhoods.
Extended collection options
For those who cannot make it to the Saturday event, Tanger Outlets will keep collection bins open through Sept. 30. The bins are located inside the Skechers and Clarks stores on the outlet’s main concourse, providing a convenient drop‑off point for busy shoppers.
Why shoe recycling matters
Every year, millions of shoes end up in landfills, where they take decades to decompose. By diverting footwear from the waste stream, Sneaker Impact helps reduce landfill pressure and creates a valuable raw material for community projects. The partnership with Tanger Outlets reflects a growing trend among retailers to incorporate environmentally responsible practices into their operations.
Previous success at Tanger Outlets
In April, the outlet hosted an Earth Day sneaker‑recycling drive that collected 3,800 shoes. That effort demonstrated strong community support for sustainable initiatives and set a high bar for the upcoming September event.
Get involved
Residents are encouraged to gather any unused or worn shoes from their closets, garages or basements and bring them to the designated locations. No special preparation is needed—shoes can be donated as‑is, whether they are athletic sneakers, dress shoes, boots or sandals. By participating, Fort Worth citizens help turn discarded footwear into safe play spaces for children and families.
For more information about the drive, including exact bin locations and hours, visit the Tanger Outlets Fort Worth website or contact the outlet’s customer service desk.
Original reporting: Dallas TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
