How can I reuse or recycle an broken dance mat?
We’ve had an email from Joanna, asking:
My (soft) X-box dance mat is slightly broken – I think the connection from one of the pads is busted. Any ideas how I can reuse or recycle it?
I’ve only ever seen the solid ones so I don’t know how thick/malleable the soft ones are but if it’s reasonably thin and not as wrinkled like the one in the picture, it might make a cool “rug” for a dance fan’s bedroom or could be used as a fun surface protector on a desk. Anyone with more knowledge of them got any better ideas?
I’d also be interested in hearing if anyone has any suggestions for the solid ones too – I suspect that there will be a lot dumped on the scrap heap (literally) when either the dancer goes off the game or when the console is upgraded and the new pad doesn’t work with the old machine (like happens with joysticks and game pads). Any suggestions?
(Photo by PiaCarrot)
My first suggestion would be to have it repaired if you’re still using it — that’ll save you the trouble of having to buy a new one.
Some collector might be willing to buy it even if it’s not working. That might be worth a shot.
They make awesome green shopping bags, very cool designs etc. They cut easily and sew with a bit of cooking thread (from the kitchen section of the supermarket – very strong, cheep cotton thread). You can use almost any bag as a cutting pattern.
when you find a use for the rest of it, cut off the cord. if it is copper, it is worth (a small amount) of money at a scrap works.
i’ve seen alot of people use broken dance pads as costumes at comicbook conventions and halloween parties. all you have to do is cut open the bottom, remove the busted parts and then make head and arm holes. it’s kinda cute in a weird way
You can still dance on it, only without the rewards.
Make up your own dance and show off.
Play game with toddlers. Draw arrows on a pieces of paper, show to the children, and they have to jump accordingly. Or simply tell them in which direction to jump. Sing something they know as you do it.
Teach toddlers directions.
Makes nice waterproof baby carpet. Just throw a sheet or a blanket on top.( Remove the cord in advance!)
Arrange family photographs under clear plastic and display on a wall.
Hang at the end of hallway, and write on each arrow which room it leads to.
The circuitry inside is probably quite simple and cheap. You probably only need a person with some… skills in electronics to fix it.