Most people are familiar with ways to recycle and reuse plastic or paper items, such as creating seed paper cards out of recycled paper products, but recycling extends far beyond these items. Many environmentally friendly people may be overwhelmed by the amount of waste and nonrecyclable items they accumulate. Check out this list of things you didn’t know you can recycle.
Carpet
Planning to replace your old carpet? Recycle it! Some carpet companies have recycling programs in place to encourage customers to recycle. You can also research your nearest carpet recycling facility.
CDs and DVDs
In the age of streaming services, everyone is looking to get rid of their old CDs and DVDs. These items can often be recycled into new materials, making them desirable to environmentally conscious manufacturers.
Washers and Dryers
Believe it or not, you can also recycle big home appliances such as washers and dryers. Some materials used to build washers and dryers can be recycled, while others can be repurposed for other machinery.
Fluorescent Light Bulbs
Throwing away fluorescent light bulbs can be detrimental to the environment, as the broken bulbs can release mercury into the air. To prevent this, some retailers will accept recycled light bulbs to be repurposed later.
Tires
Tires have extreme effects on the environment when they’re not recycled properly. Tires are both reusable and recyclable, so be sure to research tire recycling companies near you or ways to reuse your tires, such as creating tire planting pots.
Eyeglasses
Once your prescription has changed or your glasses break, they’re essentially useless to you. However, you can recycle all the components of glasses. Your local optometrist may accept recycled glasses, or they can provide suggestions on where to recycle your glasses. Many items we all own can be recycled to further our sustainability efforts. You can’t recycle every item in your standard recycling bin, though. Be sure to research where you can recycle the items in your house.