6 Ways to Recycle Old Magazines

Most of us subscribe to at least a few magazines, and we may also occasionally purchase one at the store. We read the articles, clip the recipes and file any important information - and then we're left with a pile of old magazines sitting in the corner.

Many recycling centers do not accept glossy magazines, and who wants to just throw them in the landfill? Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to give your old magazines a new life!

Drop them off in a waiting room. Doctor's offices, dentist offices, salons, gyms and fitness centers, and Laundromats are great places to leave your old magazines. Offer to give your old magazines to these places exclusively, or ask the receptionist if she'd like them. Someone else will be able to enjoy the reading material you've already finished perusing.

Use them for craft projects. Kids always need magazines for school or personal craft projects. Give them to your own children, nieces or nephews. Check with neighborhood moms to see if their kids would enjoy receiving a few. Or ask local elementary school teachers if they have any need for old magazines. Brightly colored magazines with lots of photos - like photography magazines or travel magazines - are best.

Pass them along to friends or family. Chances are you know someone who shares your interests! Offer parenting magazines to new moms or dads. Give health magazines to fitness enthusiasts. Sports magazines can be passed along to the baseball or football fan in your family.

Shred them for filler. Whether you're mailing a gift to a far away friend, or packing up some items you sold at an online auction, shredded magazine pages make great filler for boxes. They're lightweight and easy to handle! Just shred in a regular paper shredder or crumple lightly to pack empty corners of your package.

Donate them to charity. Animal shelters may use shredded magazines for the cages of small animals or as filler in litter boxes. Women's shelters are always looking for donated reading materials. Consider donating your old magazines to the charity of your choice.

Bring them to the ill. Nursing homes and hospitals are great places to drop off your magazines. Just ask the receptionist or a nurse if there are any patients that really love to read. Your used magazines will be much appreciated by someone looking to pass the time will recuperating from an illness.

You don't have to send your old magazines to the landfill! There are lots of ways to recycle or reuse magazines so someone else can enjoy them, too.