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You probably already separate your paper, bottles, cans, and other everyday recyclables from the rest of your trash. The tricky part is figuring out what to do with the things that don’t belong in the regular recycling bin.
Some household items need a little extra effort before they can be recycled. Others have dedicated collection programs that many people don’t know about. Before tossing something unusual in the garbage, check whether there’s another option.
Here are 10 common items that may have a better destination than your trash can.
Old Athletic Shoes
Worn-out athletic shoes don’t always have to end up in the garbage. If your sneakers are too beat-up to donate or wear, look for a shoe recycling program in your area.
Nike’s Reuse-A-Shoe program, for example, accepts worn athletic shoes from many brands at participating locations. The shoes are processed into materials that can be used for sports surfaces, playgrounds, and other products.
Programs and participating locations can change, so check the company’s current guidelines before making a trip.
Coffee Pods
Coffee pods can be tricky because they’re made from several different materials. A single pod may contain plastic or aluminum, a filter, and used coffee grounds.
Some recycling programs accept specific brands or types of pods, while others require you to separate the different parts yourself. Check the instructions for your particular brand rather than tossing the entire pod into your curbside bin.
And don’t forget the grounds. Used coffee grounds have plenty of household uses. Here are 14 Incredible Ways to Repurpose Used Coffee Grounds.
Batteries
Old batteries shouldn’t go into your regular household recycling or garbage unless your local waste program specifically says they can.
Many communities have special collection sites for batteries. Libraries, electronics retailers, recycling centers, and other local facilities may accept them. Mail-in programs are also available for certain types.
Because battery recycling rules vary by battery type and location, check Earth911’s search tool or Call2Recycle to find a suitable drop-off location.
Books
Books can be surprisingly easy to pass along once you decide you’re ready to part with them.
Books that are still in good shape may be welcomed by libraries, schools, thrift stores, charities, or community organizations. You can also try selling them online if you have newer editions, collectible titles, or books that still have resale value.
Books that are too damaged to donate may be recyclable in some communities, but check your local recycling rules first. Hardcover books can have different requirements than paperbacks.
Plastic Bags
Plastic grocery bags aren’t usually accepted in curbside recycling bins, but that doesn’t mean they have to go straight into the trash.
Before recycling them, see if you can reuse them around the house. They can serve as small trash-can liners, pet-waste bags, or packing material for certain items.
If you’ve accumulated a mountain of bags, look for a retail collection bin that accepts plastic film. Plastic Film Recycling’s directory and How to Recycle can help you find participating drop-off locations.
Check the accepted materials before making a trip, since not every plastic bag or film product qualifies.
Toothbrushes
A worn-out toothbrush still has plenty of uses around the house. You can keep an old one for cleaning grout, scrubbing small spaces, or giving your shoes a quick scrub. Here’s a handy guide for using one as a grout cleaner.
If you’d rather recycle it, some manufacturers have offered mail-in or drop-off programs through recycling partners. Colgate, for example, has worked with TerraCycle on oral-care recycling programs.
Program availability can change, so check the current recycling options before sending anything in.
Crayons
If you have children, there’s a good chance you have a box full of broken crayons that nobody wants to use anymore.
Instead of throwing them away, look for a crayon recycling program such as Crazy Crayon. These programs collect unwanted crayons and process them into new products.
Another easy option is to melt broken crayons and turn them into new shapes at home, provided the activity is done safely and with adult supervision.
Ink Cartridges
Empty printer cartridges are another item that often gets tossed into the trash without a second thought.
Many office-supply stores and printer manufacturers offer cartridge recycling programs. Some programs provide store credit or other incentives, though eligibility rules can vary.
Before dropping off a cartridge, check the retailer’s current policy. Some programs only accept certain brands or cartridges purchased through specific channels.
Fluorescent Light Bulbs
Fluorescent bulbs require special handling because they contain a small amount of mercury. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommends checking with local waste authorities about proper disposal and recycling options.
Don’t assume fluorescent bulbs belong in your regular curbside recycling bin. Many communities have household hazardous-waste collection sites or special recycling programs that accept them.
When recycled through an appropriate program, materials such as glass and metal can be recovered instead of being sent to a landfill.
Old Clothes
Clothing is another item people often throw away when it could have another use.
Start by sorting your unwanted clothes into a few piles. Wearable pieces can be donated, sold, or passed along to friends and family. Clothing that’s too worn to donate may be accepted by textile recycling programs, depending on where you live.
Before donating, check the organization’s guidelines. Some accept damaged or stained textiles for recycling, while others only want clean, wearable clothing.
A little sorting can keep a surprising amount of clothing out of the trash while giving you some extra room in your closet.
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