There are a lot of everyday items that you can easily recycle without having to go out of your way. In fact, you may already be recycling some of these items without even realizing it! Here are a few examples of everyday items you can easily recycle.
Eyeglasses
You may not realize it, but your eyeglasses are made from recyclable material. Recycling eyeglasses are a great way to help reduce waste and preserve resources. Unfortunately, every year, millions of used eyeglasses end up in landfills.
But recycling your eyeglasses can help keep these valuable resources out of the waste stream. And it’s not just the frames that can be recycled – the lenses can also be reused.
Batteries
Most of us have batteries around our homes—flashlights, smoke detectors, and remote controls. And, when those batteries need to be replaced, it’s tempting to toss them in the trash. However, batteries are one of the easiest items to recycle.
There are a few different types of batteries, but the most common are lead-acid, nickel-cadmium, nickel-metal-hydride, and lithium-ion. These battery types can be recycled, and many cities have battery recycling programs in place.
To find out how to recycle batteries in your area, do a quick internet search or contact your local waste management department.
By recycling your batteries, you’ll do your part to help reduce environmental pollution and conserve resources.
Toilets
Toilets are one of the most common items in our homes and can also be one of the easiest to recycle. Most toilets are made of porcelain, which can be recycled into new toilets or other ceramic products.
In addition, many toilets have a water-saving flushed feature that can save thousands of gallons of water per year. If you’re considering upgrading your toilet, consider recycling your old one.
Contact your local recycling center to see if they accept toilets and ask about any special instructions for recycling them.
Foam Packing
You probably don’t give much thought to the packaging that comes with your online orders or takeout food. But those foam-packing peanuts and styrofoam to-go containers can be recycled!
Most cities have special recycling centers where you can drop off foam packing material. You can also check with local shipping stores – they may be able to reuse the foam packing peanuts.
And if you have your own business, some companies will come and pick up your Styrofoam for recycling.
Crayons
Most of us have fond memories of coloring with crayons as children. But what happens to all those wax sticks once we’re done with them? Surprisingly, there are a lot of different ways to recycle crayons.
One popular method is to melt them down and use the wax to make new crayons in fun shapes or colors. You can also use crayon shavings to add a pop of color to homemade candles.
Or, if you’re feeling creative, you can even use melted crayons to make works of art.
Ink/Toner Cartridges
Most people don’t think twice about tossing an empty ink or toner cartridge in the trash. But did you know that these cartridges are made of plastic, metal, and other materials that can be recycled?
And it’s not just the environment that benefits from recycling cartridges – it’s also your wallet. Many office supply stores offer discounts on new cartridges when recycling old ones.
Razors and Toothbrushes
Toothbrushes and razors are two of the most commonly used hygiene products. Unfortunately, many people use them every day without giving much thought to what happens to them after they’ve been used.
However, toothbrushes and razors are made of plastic, meaning they can take centuries to decompose in landfill sites. Luckily, both toothbrushes and razors can be easily recycled.
There are a number of ways to recycle toothbrushes, including using them as plant markers or donating them to art projects.
Razors can be recycled similarly, or they can be used to make shavers for animals.
Electronics
Did you know that you can recycle your electronics? Unfortunately, many people don’t realize that their old phones, laptops, and other devices can be recycled and reused. Recycling electronics is one of the easiest ways to reduce your impact on the environment.
When you recycle your electronics, you are helping to conserve energy and resources. Recycling your electronics also reduces the number of harmful toxins and chemicals that are released into the environment.
Most importantly, recycling helps to reduce the amount of waste in landfills.
Cars
Cars are one of the most recycled products in the world. Over 95% of a car can be recycled, and much of that recycled material can be used to make new cars. The steel industry is the biggest user of recycled car parts, as steel is one of the most important materials used in car manufacturing.
Almost 70% of the steel used in new cars comes from recycled materials. Recycling cars also conserves energy and reduces pollution.
It takes less energy to recycle steel than it does to create new steel, and recycling cars helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by reducing the need for mining and manufacturing.
As a result, recycling cars is not only good for the environment but also benefits the economy.
Clothing
Many items can be recycled on a daily basis, but one of the easiest things to recycle is clothing. Clothing can be donated to charity, sold at consignment shops, or even turned into something new.
For example, old t-shirts can be cut and made into a quilt or hand towels. Jeans can be repurposed into shorts or skirts. The options are endless!
Not only is recycling clothing good for the environment, but it’s also a great way to save money.