Surprising Things You Didn't Know You Could Recycle
Surprising Things You Didn't Know You Could Recycle
It’s common knowledge that paper products are recyclable, but many other reusable materials often find their way into the trash. Check out our list of surprising things you didn't know you could recycle to learn how to help keep the planet healthy.
Crayons
Each year, people throw away over half a million pounds of crayons. Since they aren’t biodegradable, these unwanted crayons turn into waxy muck in landfills. Fortunately, organizations such as Crazy Crayons and The Crayon Initiative remanufacture and donate crayons to schools, hospitals, and art programs.
Prescription Drugs
When individuals throw away prescription drugs or flush them down the drain, they may leak into the soil and contaminate surrounding bodies of water. It’s important to recycle prescription pills by giving them to a take-back program near you or select Walgreens stores.
Bicycles
If you have an unwanted bicycle in good condition, you should donate it to a local charity instead of tossing it in the dumpster. If your bicycle is beyond repair, you can still recycle its metal parts at a local bike recycling center.
Electronics
Electronics are difficult to break down and contribute to 70 percent of overall toxic waste in the United States. To keep electronics from ending up in landfills, programs such as e-Stewards and Apple Trade In provide recycling services for cell phones, computers, televisions, and laptops.
Running Shoes
Old running shoes contain many recyclable components such as cotton, metal, and plastic. Manufacturers can use these materials to make new shoes and even sports courts for kids around the world. Programs that accept used shoes include Nike's Reuse-A-Shoe program and the MORE Foundation Group.
Unlike paper, you can’t just toss the aforementioned items in your blue recycling bin. Put in the extra effort to repurpose these surprising things you didn't know you could recycle, and you can help make the world a cleaner and greener place.
For an additional way to help preserve our Earth, consider joining our new recycling program that gives you rewards points when you send in your used Planet Protein wrappers!
