How to Recycle Anything
Recycling has changed dramatically since just a decade ago, with more and more products capable of being recycled. Batteries, books, cell phones and crayons are among some of the products which can be recycled, yet many people toss out. It seems difficult to find a product that cannot be recycled today, if you know where to look. Discarded items you might find useless are in high demand more than ever. Actually, recycling and reuse business employ as many people in the United States as the auto industry, with well over one million employees. With such tremendous opportunities to recycle, you can easily do your part in helping the environment and your community. Read below for some information on what to do with a few items you may not have known were recyclable.
Batteries
Single-use batteries are sometimes not accepted by waste programs, but some local business and many private companies recycle them. Mail-order companies like Battery Solutions recycle old batteries for as little as 85 cents per pound. Many Walgreens across the country also take old batteries.
Books
Try to sell your books to a local bookstore or on Amazon.com. If that does not work, donate them to a library. Also check your area's recycling plan, as many curbside recycling programs accept both paperback and hardcover books.
Cell Phones
Staples office supply stores accept old cell phones, as does CollectiveGood.com. The latter company sends the phones to a charity of your choice. Another nonprofit company, Rechargeable Battery Recycling Co., recycles phones and gives some of the proceeds to charity. Finally, companies like CellForCash.com will give you money for your old cell phone.
Crayons
Crayons might seem like a strange thing to recycle, but you can do so by sending them to the National Crayon Recycle Program, which melts crayons and forms new ones. Visit CrazyCrayons.com for details.
These are just a few example of how to recycle items you might otherwise throw away. In addition to these products, there are an unimaginable number of items which can be recycled, donated or reused. Just do a little research and start recycling today.
