by Native Gemini

Created on: August 08, 2009

Just about everything is recyclable or reusable. However some items are just so easy to recycle/reuse and some recycling programs are so readily available that recycling is really a no brainer. This list will be comprised of twenty of the most common or easiest items to recycle or reuse. Please join in the green movement and do your part by recycling and reusing anything you can.

1) Paper products: Newspaper, Junk Mail, Sales Ads, Cardboard, Shipping Boxes, Phone Books, Catalogs. As long as the paper has not been soiled, especially by food products, then it is recyclable. Many recycling programs are widely available for paper products

2) Aluminum: Pie plates, Cans, Clean Foil, Other Aluminum or Scrap Aluminum. The good thing about aluminum is that recycling programs are widely available and if you have a large amount you can even make a small amount of money.

3) Glass: Bottles, Jars, Other Glass Containers. Most areas have glass recycling programs. Usually you are required to separate the glass according to color (ex. green, brown, clear).

4) Plastic: Jugs, Bottles, Jars, Containers, Bags. Some areas supply plastic recycling while others do not, check with your county for more information. Some plastics are easier to recycle and are more accepted than others. Some may not be accepted at all depending on your particular program. Plastics with recycling numbers 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6 are the most common types of plastics accepted for recycling. Plastics numbered 3 or 7 are more difficult to recycle and are not as widely accepted.

5) Food: Uneaten Veggies or Fruits, Rinds and/or Peels, Coffee Grounds. Anything from plants make good compost. Never use any meat or foods with animal byproducts (ex. cheeses, mayo, eggs). Start a compost pile or barrel at your house for these items and roughly 3 to 8 months later you will have amazing soil for houseplants or gardens.

6) Yard Debris: Grass Clippings, Leaves, Plant Stalks, Hedge Trimmings. These items also make great compost similar to food. Don't bag up fallen leaves for the trash man, turn them into productive soil. Mix any of these items with food to make excellent compost.

7) Batteries: Car Batteries, Alkaline Batteries. Some county landfills or transfer stations will accept batteries for recycling. Check with your county or state for battery recycling locations.

8) Appliances: Stoves, Washers, Dryers, Refrigerators. Some county landfills or transfer stations will also accept large appliances

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