There is a lot of awareness and support for recycling today, and it is a great thing to do. We all try to do our best to recycle paper, plastic, glass and aluminum cans, but there are a lot of other items we can recycle. Here are just a few of the things you may not have thought about being able to bring somewhere to recycle.
Makeup is a good category. Did you know that major Makeup chains allow you to bring in your old (even used) makeup? Origins has a program for several years where you bring in an empty container and they will send it to recycling facility for you. The makeup can be any brand, too. MAC Cosmetics will accept empty packaging from their brands only, but will also offer an incentive after returning so many packages (right now it is get a free lipstick after returning 6 empty containers.)
Did you know that Nike will recycle old sneakers? Their Reuse A Shoe Program will grind down athletic shoes that are worn out and then use the material to make sports courts and even surfaces for playgrounds. What a great way to be good to the planet and help out others.
If you have old non-working appliances, car parts or construction materials, The Steel Recycling Institute is a great resource and can tell you where you recycle these items.
Compact Fluorescent Bulbs (or CFLs) have not been around that long, but they can be recycled. Most local recycling plants will not take these bulbs, but most IKEA stores will gladly accept them for recycling. Just call first to make sure that the store in your area does take the bulbs.
Foam packaging materials, such as peanuts, will sometimes be accepted by a store that packs and ships boxes. You can also find a drop-off location on the EPS Industry Alliance site.
Try to recycle and reuse whatever you can to help our planet. If you are in doubt, contact your local government’s recycling program and they should be able to direct you. Just take a minute to think before you just throw anything away!
I had no idea that you could recycle all of these things. It is important to do so whenever possible to save the earth.
Good to know. I will be sure to recycle them in the future.
Those CFL bulbs actually have to be recycled and disposed of properly. They are full of mercury and if you throw it in the trash it’s a real problem. Great list!
I knew about MAC. But I don’t use them fast enough for me to save them!
That is so interesting. I had no idea you could do that with make up. I have tons of old make up just sitting that I need to go through!
I didn’t know you could recycle all of these items. I have several pairs of sneakers that could be recycled.
I had no clue you could recycle old sneakers. I have some that are worn out that I could recycle.
I’ll have to remember that about fluorescent lights. I could recycle some of my old makeup too.
Wow. I actually didn’t know a few of these. Recycling old sneakers sounds really smart.
This is great information. I had no idea you could recycle makeup or sneakers but will definitely be doing both now.
I love that about Nike! I have never thought about recycling my shoes.
Great to know, we always recycle. I’ll keep these new items in mind.
I actaully knew about these that could be recycled! I think it’s great more people are aware of it!. So important that we take care of the earth
The new Styrofoam egg cartons are also made out of what the packaging materials are made from and are recyclable. Great list. I knew about most of these but the shoes. Now they have a place to go. Thanks.
I had no idea so mant things could be recycled. Now, I am sad I didn’t know sooner!
That is so cool that Nike recycles shoes! I had no idea!
Good information to know! I’m thrilled to know I can recycle all of that stuff and help the earth!