Green Living Tips: Commonly Forgotten Items that Can Be Recycled or Reused

Most people are aware of recycling paper, plastic, glass and aluminum or tin cans; but what about those other items that you're just not quite sure about? Here's a quick guide on what items can be recycled but are often forgotten.

Polystyrene (Styrofoam)

Polystyrene (trademarked as Styrofoam by the Dow Company) is a commonly used packing material, whether it's found in large product encompassing pieces or as tiny little packing peanuts. It takes quite a long time for this material to break down in nature.

Unfortunately, many curbside programs don't readily accept polystyrene (but some do, so check with your specific recycling provider for more details.) However, there are plenty of things you can do to recycle this environmentally pesky product.

First, save it and reuse it for when you need to pack and ship items. If you don't need it, or you've already got a stock pile, consider putting it up on a website like Craigslist for free for someone else to reuse, or searching Earth911.org (search using the term polystyrene) for organizations and companies that accept polystyrene.

Batteries

Batteries are often one of those items where you know you can recycle them, but you probably don't either due to convenience or simply forgetting. While some curbside programs don't yet accept batteries, you can recycle a variety of batteries at several local retailers, especially those that sell large numbers of electronics.

Not sure where to recycle your batteries? Check out www.ehso.com for more information on battery recycling programs as well as listings of where you can recycle your used batteries. Don't forget, old laptop batteries, cell phone batteries and many other different types of batteries can all be recycled at some facility or another.

Computers and Computer Parts

Computers in their entirety or individual pieces of computers (monitors, hard drives, old disk drives, etc.) can all be recycled. Check out the United States EPA for more information on where to donate or recycle old computers.

Old Electronics

Chances are, you've probably got a few old MP3 players, CD players, old cell phones and various other electronics laying around your house that either are broken or just don't get used anymore. If they're not broken, consider donating them to those who could use them.

If they're broken, be sure to recycle them. If you're specifically recycling an Apple product, read here for more information on how to recycle an Apple product. For other brands, check out the EPA's website for more information on how to and where to recycle these items.

Wine Corks

Corks are an easy recycle, but often they're forgotten. Many companies and non-profit organizations recycle or reuse corks for a variety of things: flooring, kid's crafts and of course, new wine corks. Check out Korks4Kids.org or reCORK for more information, or find a cork recycling program of your choice.

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Green Living Tips: Recycling Styrofoam