Most people know they can recycle their cardboard boxes, plastic bottles, and metal cans; however, there are plenty of other household items that can be recycled. Know what these products are so that you can avoid unnecessary waste, which will keep them out of landfills and promote the recycling of all appropriate materials.

Surprising Items You Should Recycle

1. CFLs

Compact fluorescent light bulbs contain mercury, and if they’re sent to the landfill, this substance can leak into the ground and harm the environment, contaminating the soil and making it unable to grow plants. You can take your used bulbs to local recycling centers that house hazardous waste facilities. CFLs are also accepted at major hardware stores, like Home Depot® and Lowe’s Home Improvement®.

2. Electronics

Certified recycling facilities will often accept old electronics, such as televisions, computers, tablets, and phones. These facilities will either refurbish and resell them or dismantle them so that their parts can be reused.

3. Batteries

Single-use alkaline batteries can be thrown away; however, rechargeable ones should be recycled. These are the batteries found in your camera, cordless power tools, and some toys. They contain harmful metals, such as lithium ion and nickel cadmium, that could leach into the landfill’s soil. Many national retailers, such as Best Buy® and Lowe’s Home Improvement® will accept used batteries, and they’ll ship them to a recycling center for processing. Larger batteries, like those in cars or heavy machinery, will need to be given to your mechanic or taken directly to the recycling center.

4. Wine Corks

Corks are made of tree bark, and they can be reused to create a wide array of products, including home insulation and flooring. Many Whole Foods Markets® have drop boxes for corks, making it convenient for customers to recycle them while grocery shopping.

If you need help recycling your household items, contact the team at Rainbow Waste Services in Kapolei, HI. For nearly 20 years, these professionals have provided Oahu homeowners with convenient curbside pickup. They offer scrap metal, concrete, asphalt, and green waste recycling at affordable prices. Learn more about their recycling services online, or call (808) 682-4797 to schedule a pickup.