Recycling 201: Things You Didn’t Know Could Be Recycled

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Have you ever heard the myth that all your recyclables just end up in the landfill anyways? Or that if you don’t properly wash out your spaghetti sauce jar, it ruins the entire batch of recyclables it is commingled with? Those, among others, are not true and are just the tip of the iceberg of things you didn’t know about recycling.

There are many things that can recycled or re purposed that are often overlooked. Taking the time and initiative to reduce waste that would otherwise end up in the landfill to create new products is just one of many ways that you can contribute to a healthier planet. Utilize the materials and goods that you already have to create new ones and set the new green standard for you, your family and your friends.

Automobiles

It is not often enough that we own a car long enough for it to live out its potential lifespan. We either upgrade our vehicles or we have unfortunate accidents that render the car inoperable. What happens to a car when it is no longer suitable for the road is up to the owner. Some car enthusiasts may enjoy dismantling their cars and re purposing parts to make furniture or decorations. While others may be interested to learn that there are different avenues that you can take to recycle your car.

 

Recycling one car reduces the amount of waste that goes into the landfill, specifically 2,500 pounds of iron ore, 1,400 pounds of coal and 120 pounds of limestone. From the fluids in the engine to the rubber on the tires, it can all be recycled or reused. If you are aiming to reclaim some of your investment and be paid for the scrapped material, you can make up to $500 off your car that no longer runs.

Home Improvements

Homes experience wear and tear and can be best served by home improvement projects — especially flooring. Converting your floors from carpet to hardwood or bamboo is better for both the environment and your health. In addition to improving the health and look of your home with hardwood flooring, when one slat is damaged, you can replace just the one hardwood plank rather than an entire room —  like you would have to with carpet.

 

Using the materials that you have replaced with new materials can offer you an opportunity to get creative. Weathered wood is great to use for homemade wooden frames, furniture or move them to your walls and design new cabinets for your kitchen. Get your kids involved in various art projects, such as science projects and art pieces for the garden, with repurposed items and teach them about recycling at a young age.

Recreation

The items that we use for outdoor recreation are not meant to be single-use items and are often composed of plastic materials that do not easily biodegrade. To start off on the right foot, purchase from companies that have sustainability in mind. Brands such as Patagonia already have a recycling program in place for their outdoor apparel. You can recycle your old microfleece so that it can be respun into a new garment. You also receive a credit towards the purchase of a new one.  

 

Large outdoor recreation items, from bicycles to boats, can be recycled or dismantled for their parts to be reused. Yes, even fiberglass boats can be recycled. If you are an avid bike rider and own more than one bike, you can turn your garage into a workshop to create Frankenstein bikes with parts from numerous different bikes. Bike parts, especially bike chains, also make really great jewelry pieces.

 

Before you are too hasty to throw out an item, do a quick internet search to see where you might recycle it. From running shoes to wine corks to cigarette butts, you would be surprised at what you can recycle. Keep more items out of the gutter and do your part to reduce, reuse, repurpose and recycle.