Sustainability is a big word these days, and it’s an important one. We’ve all become accustomed to recycling materials such as glass, plastic, metal, and paper, but we overlook other trash that might be treasure if given a better purpose. Sometimes, after a big household cleanup, you find yourself with a pile of stuff that doesn’t seem like you can toss in the wastebasket. Here are several green disposal tips for five unusual household items so you can put them to good use while keeping them out of landfills.
Batteries
Batteries usually give people pause when they run out of juice. They contain hazardous materials, so throwing them away in the trash is not the best course of action. See if your community offers a special waste recycling program for batteries. Many stores that sell electronics may also have battery disposal bins on their premises, but call ahead to find out.
E-Cigarettes and Vapes
If you smoke, quit today. It’s better for your health and the environment. Also, be careful how you dispose of your materials; for instance, E-cigarettes and vapes require special disposal methods. For the latter, remove their batteries and cartridges. Be sure to rinse out glass and plastic E-juice bottles and cartridges, and see if your community accepts them for recycling. Many manufacturers and retailers offer take-back services and programs for these, so check around for these options.
Mattresses
Mattresses are tough to get rid of. Most waste disposal services will accept them, though not always. If a mattress still has life in it, it’s possible to avoid the landfill and call a charity or other nonprofit to see if they’ll take it. However, health considerations may not allow it. Depending on the mattress’s materials, a recycling facility may accept it.
Cooking Oil
Cooking oil and food grease are perfectly acceptable as landfill material. What you should never do, however, is dump them down the drain. Cooking oil and grease can congeal in pipes, leading to blockages and pipe damage. Retain used cooking oil in sealable containers, such as coffee cans or jam jars. Your community may offer an oil recycling program, as well. Look for companies that collect and convert used cooking oil into raw material for biofuel—a truly sustainable option!
Toothbrushes
Toothbrushes: good for you and your teeth, not so great for the environment. Don’t toss plastic toothbrushes into landfill-destined trash because they’re not biodegradable. Minimize their eco-impact by looking for toothbrush recycling programs offered by your dentist, dental brands, and community recycling programs. For a change, think of switching to biodegradable bamboo brushes, which you can discard with a clean conscience.
Those are just a few green disposal tips for five unusual household items. Be ready for your next decluttering venture, and save the planet while you’re at it!
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