To get started, learn about the types of things in your home or office that can be recycled. You will be amazed to see how many different commodities can be recycled and reused!
Plastic
From the wrapper that comes on your string cheese to the plastic grocery bags you bring home from Kroger every other week, plastic objects can be recycled over and over again. Once you start to recycle all the waste plastic in your home and office, you will see how much plastic is really used on a daily basis. Water bottles, milk jugs, food wrappers, toys, utensils, bags, cell phone covers, CD cases, and anything else made of plastic can be recycled! Can you think of more items made of plastic that can be recycled too? The possibilities are vast!
Metal
Metal wouldn’t normally be the first thing someone thinks of when they think about recycling; however, there are so many items made up of metal that can be recycled. Many types of ferrous and nonferrous metals are recyclable. Ferrous metals that can be recycled include steel, iron, and other similar alloys. Types of nonferrous recyclable metals include copper, aluminum, nickel, brass, tin, lead, and much more. Home and work items such as soda cans, pens, nail clippers, jewelry, tools, and paper clips are ideas to keep in mind for metal recycling. Some metals can sometimes be worth money; especially high valued ones, such as platinum, gold, and silver. Some recycling companies offer cash for scrap metal.Paper
Paper is probably another obvious item for recycling. We use paper products on a daily basis without even realizing the amount we consume per week. Paper cups, mail, newspapers, paper plates, napkins, paper towels, bathroom tissue, face tissues, cartons, and so much more are all items we use every day that we can recycle instead of throw away. Keep in mind that anything made of paper, from cardboard to business cards, can be recycled.
Cars, Appliances, and Electronics
There are many unusual commodities to recycle that you might find interesting. Cars, new and junk, can be recycled or donated. These vehicles are usually broken down for parts, or melted down into other usable materials. Appliances, such as washers and dryers, microwaves, lawn mowers, fans, and more are all accepted by most local recycling centers. These items can be broken down as well, and smelted into new materials. Other items to think about recycling include electronics. Old cell phones, laptops, computers, pagers, clocks, radios, televisions, VCR’s, power tools, and anything else run on electricity can be recycled too.
There are many other items at home and work that can be recycled. Other items include tires, rubber, glass, fabric, batteries, and more. Simply designate a recycling bin near your trash can to help remember to recycle. Sort your recycling in the correct bins once you take it to the drop off areas. You can also call your local recycling center and they can even pick up heavier recycling, such as cars and large appliances. Recycling can not only help sustain our natural resources and environment, it can also put a little cash in our pockets too! Check out your locally trusted recycling company for information and details about recyclable items.