Used Dentures Raise Charitable Dollars in Japan

Old, stained dentures are being used to raise money for charity in Japan, reports the Associated Press.

The Japan Denture Recycle Association, in Tokyo, has recycled 30,000 dentures, generating $176,500 for charity, since the organization was established in 2006.

“Dentures use parts made of gold, silver, palladium, and other precious metals,” Mr. Miyoshi said, calling the recycled dentures “a treasure mountain” for the money they can raise for charity.

Mr. Miyoshi said his group donates half of the money raised to Unicef for needy children around the world, and the rest it gives to local government offices for welfare projects.