Hopefully, many of us know by now that recycling and repurposing help protect our environment by reducing the number of recyclable materials going into our landfills and limiting the amount of trash headed for incinerators worldwide. For instance, recycling and reusing manufactured products reduces emissions, conserves natural resources, saves energy, and prevents pollution. Also, many of us recycle and/or reuse paper, cardboard, aluminum, and plastics as part of our everyday routine. But did you know that many other household and office goods—including something as common as your toothbrush—can be recycled and repurposed? Here is a sampling of how to recycle the most surprising ones!
How To Recycle 12 Common Household Items
How To Recycle Crayons
Nothing is better than a fresh box of new, sharp crayons! But what do you do with the old, broken crayons? If you want to get crafty, you can grate them, melt them down, and recombine them to make new, multicolored crayons. If you do not have the time or creative know-how, the best way to recycle crayons is to ship them the National Crayon Recycle Program, a nonprofit corporation.
You can also support crayon recycling by shopping the products at Crazy Crayons, a business that sells 100% recycled crayons. The online store partners with the National Crayon Recycle Program to recycle old, unwanted crayons into new fun-shaped crayons, keeping thousands of pounds out of landfills and back into the creative hands of children!
How To Recycle Old VHS Tapes
Still have old VHS tapes you haven’t parted with yet? The best way to recycle VHS tapes is to contact your local e-waste station to see if they are accepted. Or repurpose tapes by taking them apart and using the tape for packing filler when mailing packages.
Credit Cards and Other Plastic Cards
Plastic cards, including hotel keys and credit cards, can be melted down into new PVC sheets to make more cards. Look for locations that accept the cards for recycling. To reuse cards, clean them and use them as a “smoother” in paper crafts, a scraper or cutter in the kitchen, or even a guitar pick when punched or cut to size.
How To Recycle Pet Fur
Yes, you read that correctly. Would you believe even pet fur can be recycled? A non-profit in San Francisco, Matter of Trust, uses clean pet fur to make oil-absorbing mats.
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How To Recycle Eyeglasses
Old eyeglasses can be donated and reused by those in need with similar prescriptions. Additionally, lenses can be reground to create new ones. The most effective way to recycle eyeglasses is to contact your local Lion’s Club or check with a nearby eye care chain for collection sites.
Pantyhose Recycling
The nylon material from your old pantyhose can be turned into playground equipment, carpets, and park benches. You can also repurpose pantyhose by using them as dusting cloths in your home—they are great for dusting candles. Here’s an article from WikiHow with more ideas for reusing pantyhose around the house.
Toothbrush Recycling
Do not try to separate the parts by yourself and sort them into your home recycling bins. Instead, the best way to recycle toothbrushes is to register with TerraCycle, which, working with Colgate, recycles toothbrushes, empty floss containers, toothpaste tubes, and other oral care items.
Crest and Oral-B also has a “Recycle On Us” recycling program. They accept used Crest, Oral-B, and Fixodent oral care products—including plastic toothbrushes, toothbrush head refills, toothpaste tubes, mouthwash containers, floss containers, and floss picks. Simply request a free shipping label on their website, gather and put your materials in a box, and send them their way.
How To Recycle Running Shoes
If your running shoes are still wearable, Souls 4 Souls can take them off your hands and give them to someone in need. Share that experience with your friends, neighbors, family and coworkers by inviting them to participate in your very own shoe drive. They accept all styles and sizes of new or gently worn shoes and sneakers.
There are options to find a drop off location or ship to donate. Some retailers partner with the nonprofit for shoe donations and collections, like DSW VIP Rewards and Zappos for Good.
If your running shoes are really worn out, the best way to recycle them is to find a nearby facility in your town (try your nearest Nike store) that will turn them into playground flooring and other products.
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Wine Corks Recycling
Here’s a good reason to break open another bottle of wine! Corks can be recycled into crafts, insulation, flooring, etc. Natural wine corks are also biodegradable and renewable. Visit Recork.com, North America’s largest cork recycling program, and get an overview of the best way to recycle wine corks or find a donation location.
How To Recycle Tennis Balls
ReBounces will make old tennis balls new again! Join the nationwide effort and recycle tennis balls with their special machine that re-pressurizes them to restore their bounce. Another company, Recycle Balls, recycles old tennis balls and turns the materials into tennis court surfaces.
How To Recycle Mattresses
When buying a new mattress, the best way to recycle your old one is to ask the retailer about local mattress recycling programs. There are more mattress recycling opportunities now than there used to be. The materials can be recycled, or the mattress can be cleaned and given to a non-profit organization.
Chewing Gum Recycling
Believe it or not, a company in the UK called Gumdrop collects chewed gum to make toys, shoe soles, and other products. Their iconic gum recycling bin has reduced gum litter by up to 90%.
In summary, instead of just throwing them away, take a few minutes to learn how to recycle unusual items like the ones above. You will protect our environment and feel better about new purchases since your old items are being put to good use.
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We offer customized recycling solutions for commercial and industrial clients who want to recycle responsibly and affordably, reduce waste, and earn revenue for supplying tons of recyclable materials.
At Texas Recycling, we specialize in paper, newspaper, corrugated cardboard, office paper, and industrial metal recycling for commercial organizations. The bottom line is that Texas Recycling is dedicated to improving the environment by providing the highest-quality recycling services in the D/FW Metroplex. Our creative solutions help companies embrace environmental responsibility and sustainability.
From scheduled pickups for large commercial entities to our Public Buy Back Center for individuals and smaller businesses, we have a recycling solution to meet your needs. Help the environment and your bottom line and get started on a commercial recycling or industrial recycling program for your organization.
Texas Recycling puts a priority on quality customer service. To learn more about large volume commercial and industrial long-term recycling opportunities for your organization, call us at 214-357-0262.