When you hear the term recycling, you probably think of paper, plastic, glass bottles, aluminum cans, and cardboard. But did you know there are many other recyclable items that you use every day? According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, Americans generated approximately 262 million tons of waste in 2015, 34% of which was recycled or composted. While this is a good start, there is still more you can do to help conserve resources, save energy, and reduce the amount of garbage being deposited into landfills each year. Here are 5 household items you shouldn’t just throw in the trash can.

What Household Items Should You Recycle?

1. Household Appliances 

When your washer, dryer, dishwasher, microwave, and vacuum cleaner reach the end of their lifetimes, they shouldn’t just end up in the landfill. There are many materials in these appliances including steel, aluminum, and copper that can be extracted and reused. Since these appliances contain hazardous chemicals, recycling them reduces energy consumption, lowers emissions of ozone-depleting substances and greenhouse gases, and prevents the release of toxic chemicals into the environment.

2. Power Tools 

Whether your power tools stop working correctly or you need to upgrade to new ones, recycling is your best bet. The metals in these tools can be repurposed for other uses. Recycling also prevents harmful heavy metals and battery fluid from leaking into the soil and polluting nearby water systems. 

3. Computers 

With technology consistently advancing, households and businesses are often left with outdated computer models and no way to dispose of them. Computer recycling is a great way to keep toxic waste out of landfills, improving air and water quality. In addition, there are many components in old computers that can be reused in the manufacture of new ones. For example, the plastic and glass from computer monitors can be reused, thus limiting the amount of glass and plastic needed for new computers.  

4. Mobile Devices 

Recycling mobile devices such as smartphones, tablets, and digital cameras can reduce air and water pollution. When these devices are improperly disposed of, chlorine, lead, mercury, bromine, and other toxic chemicals release hydrocarbons into the air and toxins into the earth. Also, mobile devices are packed with reusable materials including precious metals, plastics, and copper – all materials that can be reused in the production of new devices.

5. Fluorescent Bulbs 

Fluorescent bulbs are considered hazardous waste because of their mercury content. As such, it’s crucial to recycle them appropriately to prevent them from being broken and releasing mercury into the environment. Almost all components of a fluorescent bulb can be recycled, so it’s important not to throw them in the trash when they burn out.

Fortunately, it has become increasingly easier for home and business owners to cut down on the amount of waste they contribute to the environment. With the help of Evage Electronic Recycling, residents of Harrison, AR, can dispose of household and office items in a more sustainable manner. Taking advantage of their recycling services will allow you to get rid of things you no longer have a use for while lessening your impact on the environment. Call (870) 416-2294, or visit their website to learn which products their recycling center accepts.