by D.C. Cushman

Created on: July 31, 2008   Last Updated: August 02, 2008

20 Things you should recycle or reuse, but aren't.

There are many things to better the environment that people wish they could do. Recycling has to be one of the top 5 perhaps even number one. Here's some things we generally tend to just toss without thinking or attempting to recycle or reuse:

1. Appliances. Many of the materials can be recycled and reused. Find a place to take your used toasters and computers by checking with your city.

2. Furniture. A lot of furniture can be refurbished, repaired, or broken down and made into something new including the upholstery.

3. Clothing, linens, towels, upholstery, carpet and shoes. If they're not good enough for the Goodwill or garage sale pile, recycle them. Turn them into new clothes, blankets, cozies, bags, purses, accessories, insulation, etc. Some cities may even offer clothing recycling.

4. Food, so Compost! It's great for your yard or garden, or you can sell it or give it away. If your pet can eat it, even better.

5. Office Supplies. They can be recycled too. Plastic, metal, and wood can all be turned into something useful.

6. Ink cartridges. Some places refill and some offer cash rewards. Ink cartridges are refurbishable.

7. Accessories like earrings, watches, headbands, etc. Gems, metals and fabrics can be reused.

8. Melted wax. Make your own candles, seals or sculptures by reusing the wax. You can fragrance it with perfume or essence or decorate them with rocks, shells or broken glass.

9. Lids, tops and tabs from beverages.

10. Packing supplies (i.e. peanuts) Ever mail anything? Save them to reuse or find a mail center that will take them.

11. Car parts like wiper blades and tires. These can turn into other things too! Check with your city to find a place to recycle tires and used car parts.

12. Glasses, hearing aids, heart monitors, etc. These can all be refurbished and recycled.

13. Dyer lint. Ever BBQ or have a fireplace? This is perfect fuel for the fire!

14. Oil, chemicals and paint. Most grease monkey places will recycle your used oil for you. Check with your city to find a place to recycle other chemicals and paint. Many times they can be filtered and reused.

15. Binoculars, telescopes, guns, ammo, etc. Most outdoor gear can be turned into something new. The parts can generally be recycled, and ammo can be re-filled.

16. CDs and tapes. People can make things with these, or use the useable parts to change into something new.

17. Light bulbs They aren't regular glass, but they are recyclable. Check with your city to find out where.

18. Household decor. Clocks, picture frames, paintings, candle holders, and the like all have parts that are recyclable. If you're just going to toss it, recycle it.

19. Tools Hammers, screwdrivers, lathes, etc. all have recyclable parts.

20. Water Filters. Check with the company that makes your filter to find out how to recycle them.

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