Credit Cards and Gift Cards Alternative ways to recycle Trash Please place credit cards and gift cards in your trash container. Credit cards and gift cards are usually made from plastic #3, PVC. Learn more about plastic #3. Cut Up Credit Cards Before Disposing Before tossing a credit card in the garbage, prevent fraud by using scissors to cut up your card (including through the chip). You can also demagnetize the strip by running a magnet over it. Send Back Metal Cards Metal credit cards should be returned to the issuer. Call the company’s number to find out where to send your metal credit card. Alternative Ways to Recycle Return Gift Cards to the Store Some stores will accept used gift cards to be resold and reused. Ways to Reduce Choose eGift Cards Gift cards can be given electronically (by text or email) instead of physically. The next time you’re giving someone a gift card, consider a virtual version instead.