Many people know they can recycle paper and plastic, but did you realise that numerous other items are also recyclable? It might surprise you to discover that you can recycle commercial items like carpeting, computer equipment, and light fixtures.
Our team at Fresh Start Waste have put together a list of some of the more surprising things you didn’t know you could recycle. As business owners increasingly look for ways to be more sustainable, waste recycling is a great option. Ultimately, recycling helps to reduce waste, save energy and protect the environment. So if you’re looking for another way to do your part for the planet, read on to learn about surprising things you can recycle!
1. Carpeting
Surprisingly, you can recycle most types of carpet! Companies that specialise in recycling carpets use the materials to create new padding, underlayment and even packaging materials. Carpets consist of synthetic materials like polypropylene and nylon, which are readily recyclable. Next time your office refurbishment takes place, consider recycling your old carpeting instead of throwing it away. Every year, landfills receive tons of carpet waste, making carpet recycling an effective way to reduce waste.
2. Ink cartridges
You can recycle almost all printer ink and toner cartridges! Many stores have recycling bins where you can drop off your used cartridges. Alternatively, many companies will come and pick up the used cartridges for free or for a small fee. Recycling plants break down used cartridges and either reuse their components or melt them into new plastic raw materials.
3. Glass
It is rare to find a place that won’t accept glass for recycling, so if you ever have any broken glass bottles or jars lying around, bring them to your local recycling centre instead of tossing them in the bin. With proper disposal methods such as this one, you can help protect our environment and ensure its sustainability! You can recycle various glass items, including windows and vases. The recycling process crushes and melts waste glass to create new products. Glass is 100% recyclable, maintaining its quality through endless recycling cycles.
You can recycle almost any type of old electronics; from computers and laptops to smartphones and tablets! You can recycle old computers, printers, copy machines, and other electronic equipment. Recycling electronic devices helps the environment in two ways. It prevents them from ending up in landfills, reducing the release of hazardous waste and harmful materials into the air.
5. Shoes
Don’t throw away your old shoes! There are many organisations and recycling facilities around the world that accept used shoes for recycling. Not only do these organisations help to keep shoes out of landfills, but they also help to provide employment opportunities and support various other initiatives.
6. Batteries
Most types of batteries can be recycled – from regular household alkaline batteries (AA, AAA, C, D etc.) to rechargeable nickel-cadmium batteries. It is critical to responsibly recycle used AA batteries, no matter how few or many you have. Batteries contain metals such as lead, mercury and lithium that should not be released into the environment.
7. Construction waste
You may not think about it but construction debris can be recycled! Waste from building sites such as concrete, wood, metal and insulation can all be recycled. If you recycle debris from construction sites, you can help reduce the amount of waste in landfills. You can also help save energy and resources.
8. Light fixtures
Believe it or not, light fixtures can be recycled! Whether you have a few old light bulbs or an entire lamp fixture that needs to be recycled, some companies specialise in recycling these items.
9. Paint
If you have some leftover paint cans from your last DIY project, don’t simply throw them away. You can take them to your local recycling centre and they will be able to recycle the paint safely. By recycling leftover paint, you can help to reduce the number of hazardous materials that are released into the environment.
Many people assume that polystyrene is not recyclable, but this isn’t the case! While it may be more difficult to find a place that accepts polystyrene for recycling, it is possible. You can look for a local recycling centre that specialises in polystyrene or contact your city’s waste management department for more information.
As you can see, there are many surprising things that you may not have known can be recycled! From carpeting and ink cartridges to paint and polystyrene, there are plenty of ways to do your part for the planet and help minimise waste generated.
So next time you have something that needs disposing of, consider recycling it instead! This is not only better for the environment, but it can also help to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills. Get recycling today!
