10 Super-Saver Recycling Secrets

Money is tight and recycling is not just a clean-green option, but a great way to generate more money in your pocket. Here are ten money-saving secrets I learned over the years as a bargain hunter "queen of cheap" to help you not only generate useful products by recycling packaging, but to make life easier on you and your budget.

1. KEEPER CONTAINERS

Cake, pie and salads from the store and home delivery now come in plastic keepers with a base and lid. These are made of durable plastic that can be washed and reused indefinitely. Just about anything can be locked air tight inside, but the lids pop off easily without struggle unlike other containers. They are not dishwasher safe, but even craft and holiday items can be stored and stacked inside them and they do not stain or break.

2. DRYER SHEETS

Many scented brands can be used over and over. I keep used ones in an empty tissue box for recycling. I use dryer sheets as room deodorizers hidden around the bedroom and placed in drawers and linen closets. If I run out of sheets for the dryer, I recycle from the drawers. Place a few inside a spray bottle of water and spritz your bedding and clothing.

3. ENVELOPES/STAMPS AND COUPONS

Many companies send junk mail in envelopes which can be reused. Make sure to blacken out the postal code markings that any postal reader would pick up on the edge of the envelope. I have even found mail where the stamps were not canceled. Check inside packaging for free samples and gift certificates, sometimes included inside mailers. Call the 800 customer service number for any free samples or incentive programs. Give your email address out to them.

4. BAGGIES AND COOLERS

Walgreens ships many of their items inside resealable baggies. Omaha Steak Company uses styrofoam coolers. These kinds of packaging can be reusable when cleaned properly. Supermarket plastic bags make great garbage bags and even freezer bags when doubled. Larger bags can cover hung clothing.

5. BUBBLE WRAP

I use bubble wrap for storage and remailing packages. It can also be used along baseboards, inside windows and sliding decks for excellent insulation material and looks cooler than plastic sheeting.

6. GLASS JARS/SPRAY BOTTLES

Do not throw out that apple juice or mayonaise jar. These can store milk, soup and sugar. Spray or pump bottles can be refilled with soap or cleaners. Buy the biggest bottle of mouthwash, shampoo or cleaner you can find and pour portions into small easy to handle hand-size bottles on the counter top.

7. SHOE STRINGS/BUTTONS

Worn out shoes? Keep the shoestrings. How many times have you needed just that size of sturdy string to tie up a box, hold something in place or put in another pair of shoes? Before throwing out old clothes, I remove the buttons, snaps, zippers or anything else that may be useful in the future.

8. SCOOPS

Plastic scoops work great for sugar, tea, soup, macaroni, rice and oatmeal.

9. TOILET TUBES/PAPER TOWEL TUBES

Kids and small dogs can find a million ways to play with these. Just be sure that all the paper and glue residue are removed first. Keep an eye out that pieces do not get eaten. These can be used for craft projects like toy train tanker cars when painted ornately and great for holding yarn or beaded strings.

10. HAIR CLIPS

Extra hair clips large and small can be used to hold bags of potato chips or rice closed. Fold over the open edge and clip. Clips can hold anything in place.