Everyday Items You Didn’t Know Could Be Recycled

by Core Mini Bins Services

While your local garbage disposal company will gladly recycle your paper, plastics, glass, and metal cans, you may be throwing out a few items that can be recycled. While you may need to put more effort into recycling the items below, it is minimal effort, well worth the environmental benefits.

Ink and Toner Cartridges:-

Many ink and toner cartridges can be recycled at the store they are purchased from or at a facility that refills used cartridges. Some manufacturers even offer free shipping for the return of used cartridges.

Athletic Shoes:-

Yes, your old, smelly athletic shoes can be recycled. Look to see if your local Nike retailer or athletic stores will accept your shoes and use them to build school tracks, playground flooring, shoe soles, and more. Your old Crocs can be recycled, too!

Cosmetic Containers:-

Many cosmetic containers are not labeled as recyclable or have a “number” that is too high to place in your standard recycling. Check with your local cosmetics counters to see if they offer specialty recycling of their used cosmetics containers.

All Phones, TVs, Computers, Gadgets, and Accessories:-

Not only can your old smartphone, iPad, laptop, keyboard, and other electronics be recycled, but are not accepted by most garbage disposal companies. Google local electronics recyclers and even look on Craigslist for recyclers, who will often come directly to you.

Crayons:-

As silly as it might sound, crayons are hard to use once they get down to less than half. Instead of throwing out the stubs, find a local crayon recycler or follow Martha Stewart’s suggestions for melting down your crayons and giving them a second life.

Carpeting:-

Not all carpeting that is replaced is in poor condition, and even if it is, your local carpet stores may have a reclamation program.

Brita Water Filter Cartridges:-

Brita recycles their water filter cartridges and repurposes the plastic and the activated charcoal.

Pantyhose:-

No Nonsense recycles your old pantyhose and turns them into carpet, anchor rope, and even park benches.

Wine Corks:-

Wine corks might be small, but they can really add up. Search for local artists, who use wine corks as part of their art work. Also, check to see if local businesses recycle cork.

Pet Waste:-

Almost every community has a program for recycling your pet’s waste. You will likely have to drop it off, but it is better than letting this toxic waste decompose in your local landfills.

Dryer Lint:-

Dryer lint can be added to your compost or mulch or saved to use as a fire starter or packing material.

This list is far from everything you could recycle in your home or office. Pay attention to the items you dispose of and search for alternatives to tossing it in the trash.