When it comes to recycling household items, most of us know the basics: paper, cardboard, certain plastics, and glass. But what about those odd items that don't seem to fit in any recycling category? You might be surprised to learn that many everyday household objects can be recycled through specialized programs, even if they can't go in your curbside bin.
At Grime To Dime, we're committed to eco-friendly junk removal and helping Howard County residents reduce waste. In this guide, we'll reveal 10 surprising items you can recycle and provide information on how to dispose of them properly.
Why Proper Recycling Matters
- Reduces landfill waste and pollution
- Conserves natural resources and energy
- Prevents hazardous materials from contaminating soil and water
- Supports local recycling programs and jobs
- Decreases your household's environmental footprint
1. Old or Broken Electronics
Those outdated laptops, broken cell phones, and ancient MP3 players cluttering your drawers contain valuable materials that can be recovered and reused. Electronics often contain precious metals like gold, silver, and copper, as well as hazardous materials that shouldn't end up in landfills.
How to recycle: Many electronics retailers like Best Buy offer free recycling programs. In Howard County, residents can also take e-waste to the Alpha Ridge Landfill for proper recycling. For larger quantities, consider a professional junk removal service that specializes in electronics recycling.
2. Household Batteries
Both rechargeable and single-use batteries contain metals and chemicals that can be harmful to the environment if not disposed of properly. While they can't go in your regular recycling bin, there are several ways to recycle them.
How to recycle: Many hardware stores and electronics retailers have battery collection bins. In Howard County, batteries can be dropped off at the Alpha Ridge Landfill's Household Hazardous Waste area. For convenience, consider setting up a small container at home to collect batteries until you have enough for a recycling trip.
3. Light Bulbs
Different types of light bulbs require different recycling methods. Incandescent bulbs are typically not recyclable, but CFLs (compact fluorescent lamps) and LEDs can and should be recycled due to their components.
How to recycle: Home improvement stores like Home Depot and Lowe's often accept CFLs for recycling. LEDs can be recycled through specialized electronics recycling programs. Always handle CFLs carefully as they contain small amounts of mercury.
4. Cooking Oil and Grease
Pouring used cooking oil down the drain can cause serious plumbing problems and environmental issues. Instead, this common kitchen waste can actually be recycled into biodiesel fuel or other products.
How to recycle: Allow the oil to cool, then pour it into a sealed container. Many counties, including Howard County, have cooking oil collection points at recycling centers. Some restaurants also collect cooking oil for recycling—check with local establishments.
5. Mattresses and Box Springs
Mattresses are one of the bulkiest items in landfills and can take decades to decompose. Fortunately, up to 90% of mattress materials—including steel springs, foam, fabric, and wood—can be recycled.
How to recycle: Some retailers offer mattress recycling when you purchase a new one. Alternatively, specialized mattress recycling facilities exist in many areas. For hassle-free disposal, professional junk removal services like Grime To Dime can ensure your mattress is recycled properly rather than ending up in a landfill.
6. Corks from Wine Bottles
Natural wine corks are biodegradable and can be recycled into a variety of products, from flooring tiles to insulation materials. Synthetic corks can also be recycled through specialized programs.
How to recycle: Some wine shops and grocery stores collect corks for recycling. You can also mail them to organizations like ReCORK, which partners with footwear companies to turn corks into shoe components.
7. Eyeglasses and Sunglasses
Old prescription glasses or sunglasses can find new life through donation or recycling programs. The frames can be reused or recycled for their materials, while lenses can sometimes be repurposed.
How to recycle: Organizations like Lions Clubs International collect used eyeglasses for distribution to people in need. Many optometrists and eyewear retailers also accept old glasses for recycling or donation.
8. Toothbrushes and Toothpaste Tubes
Dental hygiene products like toothbrushes, toothpaste tubes, and floss containers are typically made from mixed plastics that aren't accepted in regular recycling programs. However, specialized recycling options exist.
How to recycle: TerraCycle partners with Colgate for a free recycling program for oral care products. Simply collect your items and mail them in using their free shipping label. Some health food stores also serve as collection points.
9. Clothing and Textiles (Even Damaged Items)
While donating gently used clothing is common practice, many people don't realize that even torn, stained, or otherwise unwearable textiles can be recycled. These materials can be transformed into insulation, carpet padding, or industrial rags.
How to recycle: Many thrift stores accept all textiles, regardless of condition, for recycling. Some clothing retailers like H&M and North Face also have textile recycling programs. In Howard County, consider organizations like Planet Aid which has collection bins throughout the area.
10. Household Paint
Leftover paint is one of the most common household hazardous wastes. Oil-based paints require special disposal, while latex paints can often be recycled into new paint products.
How to recycle: Howard County's Alpha Ridge Landfill accepts paint during their household hazardous waste collection events. Some paint retailers also participate in recycling programs. For latex paint, you can also let it dry out completely (mix with cat litter to speed up the process) and dispose of the solid in regular trash if recycling isn't available.
Responsible Recycling in Howard County
Howard County offers residents several options for recycling beyond standard curbside pickup. The Alpha Ridge Landfill Resource Recovery Park accepts a wide range of materials, including many of the items mentioned above. They also host regular household hazardous waste collection events for items like paint, chemicals, and batteries.
For items that are difficult to transport or in large quantities, professional junk removal services like Grime To Dime can help ensure your unwanted items are disposed of responsibly. We prioritize recycling and donation over landfill disposal whenever possible.
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Get Your Free Quote TodayRecycling FAQs
Q: What happens if I put non-recyclable items in my recycling bin?
A: This causes "contamination" and can result in entire batches of recyclables being sent to landfills. Always check local guidelines for what's accepted in curbside recycling.
Q: Are there any items that seem recyclable but actually aren't?
A: Yes! Common culprits include pizza boxes with grease stains, plastic bags (which require special recycling), paper coffee cups (which have plastic linings), and certain plastic containers with resin codes #3, #6, and #7 in many areas.
Q: How can I reduce waste beyond recycling?
A: Practice the "reduce, reuse, recycle" hierarchy: First try to reduce consumption, then reuse items when possible, and finally recycle what can't be reused. Consider composting food waste and choosing products with minimal packaging.