2. Food
Start a compose heap in your
backyard. Instead of throwing
old food in the trash, throw it
in the compost heap. You can
use it to fertilize your garden.
3. Computers
If your computer still works,
you can donate it to a local
library, school system or
charity. If it no longer
operates, contact your local
recycling center.
4. Cell Phones
Cell phone can be recycled for
their parts which are re-used
in new cell phones.
5. Tires
Tires are horrible for landfills
as they take up a lot of space,
can leach dangerous chemicals
over time and can pose a fire
hazard. Tires are taken by
local recycling centers and can
be used for a variety of
purposes such as be shredded
for rubber mulch, recycled
into new tires, and recycled
into rubber containers.
6. Magazines
Since magazines are made of
paper, all recycling centers
and local curbside recycling
services will accept them. You
can also donate them to local
schools or libraries.
7. Paint
Paint is considered hazardous
waste. You cannot dispose of
paint by dumping it down a
drain or storm sewer. Many
recycling centers accept paint
which can be blended into
some fuels at different
manufacturing facilities.
8. Books
Books can be donated to
schools, libraries and other
charities. They can also be
recycled at your local recycling
center or in your local
curbside recycling program.
9. Batteries
If you're not already using
rechargeable batteries, please
consider doing so. Most
recycling centers will accept
batteries, depending on the
type.
10. Plastic Bags
Every supermarket has a bin
located at the front for
dropping off your plastic bags,
even those that are torn. You
can also make things from old
supermarket plastic bags.
11. Televisions
Old TVs fill landfills and can
leak dangerous chemicals
harmful to animals and
humans. If the TV works, you
can sell it or give it to charity. If
it does not work, most local
recycling centers take them
free of charge.
13. Paper
Paper of all kinds can be
recycling including notebook
paper, newspapers, food
packaging, etc... All recycling
centers take paper and most
communities now have
recycling programs with curb
side pick-up for paper.
14. Cardboard
boxes
Many local non-profits and will
take them for their personal us.
If your workplace collects at
least 100 boxes or more each
month, Used
CardboardBoxes.com accepts
them for resale.
.
15. Shoes
Charities and thrift shops will
accept shoes which can still be
used. Nike also has a used
show program that sends used
athletic shows to Africa and
Latin America.
16. Clothes
Clothes are one of the easiest
things to recycle as so many
charitable organizations will
accept them such as Goodwill,
Veteran's Support Groups and
most churches.
17. Glass
Recycling glass containers of
any type is generally about 33%
more efficient than producing
it from scratch. This saves
energy consumption which
reduces carbon emissions.
18. Old Jewellery
Most jewellery can be melted
down and refashioned into
something new for you. Recycle
your jewelry and get a new
fashion piece at the same time.
19. Old Christmas
Lights
How many times have you
pulled out the Christmas lights
from last year and they did not
work? Instead of throwing
them away, recycle them. Some
lighting companies will take
them.
20. Appliances
Washers, dryers, stoves and
refrigerators are accepted by
local thrift shop or charitable
organizations of they still work.
If not, take them to your local
recycling center.
21. Eyeglasses
Old glasses can be donated to
many charitable organizations.
If you do not know of any, your
eye doctor will also take them
and send them to a deserving
charity.
22. Some Interesting Recycling Facts:
24 million tonnes of aluminum is produced
annually, 51,000 tonnes of which ends up as
packaging in the UK.
24
million
tonnes
23. Each UK family uses an average of
500 glass bottles and jars annually.
Glass is 100% recyclable and can be
used again and again.
25. 275,000 tonnes of plastic are used
each year in the UK, that’s about 15
million bottles per day.
Most families throw away about 40kg
of plastic per year, which could
otherwise be recycled.