You probably already have a recycling routine at home. Paper goes in one bin, plastic containers go in another, and everything else heads to the trash. The tricky part is figuring out what to do with the items that don’t fit neatly into those categories.
Some household items can be recycled, but they may need to be taken to a special drop-off location or prepared before recycling. Others have dedicated programs that make the process easier than you might expect.
Before tossing these things in the garbage, check to see if there is another option. Here are 10 common household items that may have a second life.
Old Athletic Shoes
Worn-out athletic shoes may seem like garbage once they’re too beat up to donate, but some recycling programs accept them.
Nike’s Reuse-A-Shoe program, for example, accepts athletic shoes from various brands at participating locations. The shoes are processed and used in materials for sports surfaces, playgrounds, and other products.
Check the program’s current guidelines and participating drop-off locations before making the trip.
Coffee Pods
Coffee pods can be tricky because they’re often made from several different materials. Depending on the brand and your local recycling program, you may need to separate the plastic or aluminum pod from the coffee grounds and other parts before recycling.
Some coffee companies also have mail-back or dedicated recycling programs, so check the packaging or manufacturer’s website for instructions.
And don’t forget about those leftover grounds. There are plenty of useful ways to put them to work around the house and garden. Here are 14 Incredible Ways to Repurpose Used Coffee Grounds.
Batteries
Batteries shouldn’t go into your regular recycling bin or household trash in many communities. They can contain materials that require special handling and can pose a fire risk if they’re damaged or disposed of incorrectly.
Look for a local battery collection site or mail-in program. Earth911 has a search tool that can help you find nearby recycling options, while Call2Recycle offers collection locations for many common household batteries.
Check the requirements for your particular battery before dropping it off.
Books
Books can be tricky to part with, especially if you’ve had them for years. Before putting unwanted books in the trash, see if someone else could use them.
Libraries, schools, thrift stores, charities, and community organizations may accept books in good condition. You can also sell used books online if you’d rather make a little money from your old collection.
Books that are too damaged to donate may be accepted through local paper recycling programs, though you should check your local rules first.
Plastic Bags
Plastic grocery bags usually don’t belong in your curbside recycling bin. They can get caught in sorting equipment and cause problems at recycling facilities.
If you have a small number of bags, find ways to reuse them around the house. They can serve as small trash-can liners, help with pet cleanup, or cushion items in a package.
Have a large pile of bags taking over a cabinet? Many grocery stores and retailers have collection bins for plastic film and shopping bags. Check the Plastic Film Recycling directory or How2Recycle to find a participating drop-off location.
Toothbrushes
An old toothbrush doesn’t have to go straight into the garbage. Before recycling it, check whether the manufacturer has a take-back program available in your area.
Colgate has partnered with TerraCycle on a recycling program for oral care products. Accepted items and drop-off options can change, so check the current program details before sending anything in.
Of course, you can also give an old toothbrush a second job around the house. It works well for scrubbing grout, cleaning small crevices, or shining shoes. Here’s a helpful guide for cleaning grout.
Crayons
If you’ve got a box full of broken crayons that your kids have outgrown, don’t automatically throw them away.
Programs such as Crazy Crayon collect unwanted crayons and turn them into new crayons instead of sending them to the landfill. Check the program’s current mailing instructions before sending your crayons.
You can also melt down old crayons at home and turn them into new shapes if you’re looking for a simple craft project.
Ink Cartridges
Empty printer cartridges are another item that often gets tossed into the trash even though recycling options are available.
Many office supply stores have cartridge recycling programs, though the rules can vary. Some programs may have limits on the number of cartridges you can return or offer rewards only for qualifying cartridges.
Before making a trip, check with your local office supply store to see what they accept.
Fluorescent Light Bulbs
Fluorescent bulbs need special handling because they contain a small amount of mercury. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommends checking with local waste programs to find out how to dispose of them safely.
Don’t assume that fluorescent bulbs belong in your regular recycling bin. Many communities have special collection sites for these bulbs, where the glass, metal, and other materials can be handled properly.
Keep old bulbs intact until you can take them to an appropriate collection site.
Old Clothes
Clothing doesn’t always belong in the trash just because you no longer want it.
If your clothes are clean and still wearable, donating or selling them gives someone else a chance to use them. You can also look for textile recycling programs that accept clothing, including pieces that are too worn or damaged for donation.
Before putting old clothes in a garbage bag, check your local options. That shirt with a ripped sleeve or pair of jeans with a stubborn stain may still have another use.
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