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 black or blue color will help the wearer tell if the gloves have been punctured. Throw Away Vinyl Gloves Vinyl gloves have a looser fit than latex gloves. Place in the trash 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 like nitrile gloves. These items are then up-cycled into eco-friendly plastic products like Adirondack Chairs. Ways to Reduce The Eco-Friendly Option If You Care Household Gloves are gloves that are naturally biodegradable and are dipped in FSC-certified (Forest Stewardship Council) latex. They also come in an eco-friendly packaging. Ways to Reuse Donate Unused Latex Gloves Latex gloves that are still in an unopened box can be donated to Goodwill or a medical facility. If your gloves are thicker kitchen gloves and lightly used, Goodwill will re-sell them.