Recycling is often thought of as something limited to bottles, cans, and paper. However, many everyday items you use or throw away can actually be recycled, helping reduce waste and support the environment in ways you might not expect.
Knowing which unusual items you can recycle can make a real difference in cutting down landfill waste and conserving resources. By expanding your recycling habits, you can contribute more effectively to sustainability without much extra effort.
Empty deodorant and hairspray aerosol cans
You can recycle empty deodorant and hairspray aerosol cans because they are made of metal like aluminum or steel. Before recycling, make sure your cans are completely empty.
Remove any plastic caps or lids and recycle those with your plastics. Being sure the cans are empty helps keep the recycling process safe and efficient. This way, you’re giving metals a chance to be reused.
Worn-out clothing and shoes
You might think old clothes and shoes are just trash, but many can be recycled. Instead of throwing them away, you can donate or recycle items like worn-out sneakers and tired T-shirts.
Some places turn fabric into insulation or cleaning rags. Shoes can also be processed into playground surfaces or new materials, so your old pair can get a second life. Check local drop-off points to see what they accept.
Old mattresses
You might not realize that old mattresses can be recycled instead of tossed out. Many recycling centers accept mattresses year-round, no matter when you bought them.
You can also donate mattresses to shelters or pet rescue centers if they’re still in good shape. Recycling helps reduce landfill waste by breaking down materials like foam, metal springs, and fabric for reuse.
Check your local recycling options or community programs to find convenient ways to recycle your mattress responsibly.
Holiday decorations and string lights
You might not realize it, but many holiday decorations can be recycled. Real trees, wreaths, and swags are often accepted at local composting or yard waste programs.
String lights, which can pile up after the season, can also be recycled. Some stores and recycling centers take them to recover the metal inside.
Check locally to see where you can drop off these items instead of tossing them in the trash. It’s a small way to reduce waste after your celebrations.
Broken ceramics and dishes
You might think broken ceramics and dishes can’t be recycled, but there are ways to give them new life. While most curbside programs don’t accept broken ceramics, you can repurpose them at home. For example, use cracked mugs or plates as small planters or decorative garden stones.
If you decide to dispose of broken ceramics, wrap them carefully to avoid injury. This keeps waste collectors safe and helps prevent damage during collection. Remember, recycling rules vary, so check with your local facility before tossing them in the bin.
Pizza boxes (clean parts only)
You can recycle the clean parts of pizza boxes, but the greasy areas should go in the trash.
Grease and leftover cheese contaminate the cardboard, making it hard to recycle properly.
Before recycling, remove any food scraps and tear off the soiled sections.
Flatten the clean pieces to save space in your recycling bin.
This simple step helps keep your recycling less contaminated and more effective.
Egg cartons
You can recycle cardboard egg cartons with paper products in most areas. Just check your local guidelines to be sure.
If you have plastic egg cartons, they might be accepted for recycling too, depending on your program.
Another great idea is to reuse egg cartons for starting seeds. Fill each cup with soil and plant your seeds for easy gardening.
If you have more cartons than you can use, consider donating them to schools for art projects. They love using them for crafts!
Aluminum foil
You can recycle aluminum foil, but it needs to be clean. Foil with food residue can’t be recycled because it contaminates the process.
Before recycling, rinse off any leftover food and scrunch the foil into a ball. This helps prevent small pieces from slipping through the recycling machinery.
If your foil is too dirty, consider wiping off as much as possible or reusing it before tossing it.
Toothpaste tubes
You might not realize that your empty toothpaste tubes can be recycled. Many traditional recycling programs don’t accept them because they are made from mixed materials.
However, some specialized programs, like Terracycle, do recycle toothpaste tubes. Check with local options or brands offering recyclable tubes.
Colgate has even developed recyclable toothpaste tubes to help reduce waste. So, next time you finish your tube, look for a recycling option nearby.
Eyeglasses
You might not know that your old eyeglasses can be recycled. Many optometrists and organizations like the Lions Club collect used glasses to clean and redistribute them to people in need.
If your glasses are broken, separate the lenses from the frames if possible. Different parts can often be recycled in different ways. Donating your glasses helps reduce waste and supports communities worldwide.
Sneakers
You might be surprised that your old sneakers don’t have to go to the landfill. Many brands, like Nike, offer recycling programs where you can drop off worn-out shoes.
These sneakers are often repurposed into materials for playgrounds or sports fields. Giving your shoes a new life helps reduce waste and supports eco-friendly projects.
