Reuters tracked 11 pairs of donated shoes to test a recycling program launched by Dow and Singapore. Most landed in markets or remote areas in Indonesia, which banned used-apparel imports in 2015.

A Reuters investigation found some shoes meant for recycling in Singapore ended up in shops in Indonesia, where it is illegal to import second-hand clothing.

In Lake Zurich, shoes and Styrofoam are no-nos for deposit into curbside recycling bins, but those items can be brought to drop-off locations in the village. “It’s important that we all work ...