Our planet is so precious to us. Here are 10 everyday items that can require extra effort to recycle more responsibly and safely:
- Cell Phones – Donate to a worthy cause – send gently-used phones to Cell Phones for Soldiers, which recycles them and uses the money to help active duty military members and veterans call home for free. Also, Verizon Wireless, sponsors a program called Hope Line, which gives used cell phones to survivors of domestic violence.
- Batteries – Single-use batteries should be dropped off at a household hazardous waste (HHW) collection center. Contact your local municipality to see when they have their city-wide recycling day, some may charge a small fee depending on the type of battery. To see who will recycle rechargeable batteries, check out the handy locator provided by Call2Recycle, a battery and cell phone collection program, will help you locate recycling centers for rechargeable batteries.
- Expired Drugs – Must be done responsibly which means not flushing them or dumping them in the trash. Most municipalities offer a sponsored drug take-back program.
- Empty Makeup Containers – What could be better than being rewarded for recycling your empty containers in exchange for free lipstick? That’s what M.A.C. offers in return for recycling six of its primary packaging containers. Origins and Aveda also accept some empty cosmetic containers.
- Used Motor Oil – Turn to your favorite search engine and chances are you’ll find a couple close local collection centers in your city. You could also call a local auto repair shop or car dealership and ask. Be sure not to mix motor oil in a dirty container or with any other chemicals.
- Paint Cans – Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for proper disposal. Don’t pour it in the trash or down storm or sewer drains—it can contaminate water and may even be illegal. You can also check your local recycling or Household Hazardous Waste collection center to see if they will accept unused paint.
- Propane Tanks – Exchange it when buying a new tank or bring it to a propane dealer for reuse or recycling. A scrap metal center may also accept them.
- Home and Garden Containers – Never dump remains of pesticides (why the _______ are you using those anyways?) or house cleaners. Be responsible and drop off substances at an Household Hazardous Waste collection site or at an area landfill that accepts them.
- Light Bulbs – CFL (compact fluorescent) bulbs need to be handled with care – don’t break them! Bring to your local recycling center.
- Old Silverware – You can donate used silverware to your local thrift shop or ask if a nearby soup kitchen would accept your gently used silverware so they can pass it on to those transitioning into housing.