Household Items You Should Recycle Instead of Throw Away

You’ll be happy to learn that many common home products are recyclable. Throwing certain recyclables out with the rest of the week’s trash is easy, but sorting out the remainder may take more time and work. However, we assure you that it’s worthwhile. Consider recycling these household items instead of throwing them away.

Old Electronics

Every home has dated electronics that they no longer use. Recycling outdated electronics in the same weekly recycling bin is impossible. However, this doesn’t rule out the possibility of recycling them altogether.

Try to take them to a recycling facility that accepts such items. Old electronic devices include chemicals and heavy metals that are harmful to the environment, so think twice before tossing them in the garbage instead of taking them to a recycling facility.

Dead Batteries

Once batteries lose their purpose, there’s no reason to keep them around, leading to many folks tossing them in their trash receptacle. However, it’s possible to recycle both rechargeable and disposable batteries. Some communities collect used batteries at public locations like libraries and post offices. If that’s not the case where you live, there are various mail-in programs worth exploring.

Clothes

Recycling clothing can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and keep clothes out of landfills. Repurposing old garments can reduce the money and resources needed to produce new fiber for clothing. Used clothes in good condition might find a second life in nations where the demand is greater and more appreciated.

Light Bulbs

Some lightbulbs, like compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs), contain traces of mercury. While one broken light bulb wouldn’t be hazardous, thousands of broken light bulbs in a landfill can be. As they decompose in the landfill, the mercury they contain may pollute the leachate that ultimately makes it into our water system. You must know how to dispose of old bulbs properly and always go the recycling route if possible.

Books

Books need more effort to recycle than other types of paper you’ll receive in the mail. Donating books that are still in usable shape is preferable to recycling them. You may donate the stacks of books collecting dust to a good cause, a library, a school, or a secondhand shop.

Check your local recycling restrictions if you need to dispose of any paperbacks that have seen better days. Some communities provide book drop-off centers where you may bring your used books, while others need you to remove the hardcover books’ spines before recycling them since the glue that holds them together won’t degrade.

Learning which household items you should recycle instead of throw away may have you think twice before discarding something. Even if recycling requires a little extra effort, it’s worth it because you’re helping yourself and everyone around you.

PIN IT ON PINTEREST