Why Wetsuit Recycling Matters

Most wetsuits are made from neoprene, a synthetic rubber. While durable in the water, neoprene is slow to degrade and historically difficult to recycle at scale — which is why many old wetsuits end up in landfill.

• ❌ Slow to degrade
• ❌ Difficult to recycle at scale
• ❌ Too often sent to landfill once worn out

Rather than accept this as inevitable, we chose to act.

A Leading UK Surf Industry Initiative

Circle One was one of the first British surf brands to champion wetsuit recycling and, as far as we are aware, remains the only UK surf brand running an in-house, brand-led recycling programme at its own cost.

Our impact so far

• ✅ Thousands of wetsuits and neoprene accessories successfully repurposed
• ✅ Recycling open to any brand, not just Circle One wetsuits
• ✅ No cost passed on to customers
• ✅ A long-term commitment — not a short-term campaign

This programme exists because we believe surf brands should take real responsibility for the products they make.

How Our Wetsuit Recycling Programme Works

In 2020, we partnered with Barefoot.Tech, a specialist recycling company in Wales that focuses on up-cycling neoprene waste.

1. Collected through our recycling network
2. Sorted and prepared for reuse
3. Transformed into durable, functional products such as:
   • ✅ Bum bags
   • ✅ Pencil cases
   • ✅ Utility accessories

This approach keeps neoprene in use for longer and reduces waste by giving materials a meaningful second life.

How to Recycle Your Old Wetsuit

1) Send Your Wetsuit Directly to Us (Any Brand)

If your wetsuit has reached the end of its useful life, send it directly to our recycling department and we’ll take care of the rest.

Please ensure wetsuits are clean and dry before sending.

2) North Devon Wetsuit Recycling Drop-Off Point

We also operate a physical wetsuit recycling drop-off location in North Devon, making it easy for local surfers to take part.

The Board Barn
8–10 Caen Field Shopping Centre
Braunton
Devon
EX33 1EE

✅ More UK drop-off points are planned.

Expanding the Programme

Circle One is committed to scaling this initiative, including:

• ✅ Additional UK wetsuit recycling drop-off locations
• ✅ Increased recycling capacity
• ✅ Continued investment in practical, measurable solutions

This expansion is being undertaken at our own expense, because we believe sustainable change requires action — not just intention.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I recycle wetsuits from other brands?

✅ Yes. We accept any brand of wetsuit or neoprene accessory.

Why not biodegradable wetsuits?

Some alternatives are promising, but they’re not yet widely available, affordable, or durable enough for real-world UK conditions. Recycling and reuse currently offer one of the most practical solutions.

What happens if my wetsuit is beyond repair?

✅ If it can’t be repaired, it can be up-cycled into new products using the remaining 'good' sections of the suit (usually the flatter torso panels).

Is this programme carbon-neutral?

We focus on waste reduction and material reuse rather than carbon-offset claims. We prioritise practical impact over labels.

A Commitment Beyond Products

Surfing connects us directly to the ocean. Protecting it means taking responsibility — even when it costs more.

Circle One’s Wetsuit Recycling Programme exists because doing the right thing matters, even when it’s not the easiest option.