Wednesday 6 February 2013

10 Things you might not know you could recycle!!

 
 First launched in the 1970s and now found around the world recycling programmes help reduce the amount of waste that enters landfills..By now we've all become accustomed to recycling cans, bottles, jars and newspaper. But these aren't the only items that can be recycled....Many products most of us simply throw away can also be reused....

Batteries
Although batteries can't be put in normal household recycling bins putting in them in the rubbish bin is a bad 
 idea...If dumped in landfill batteries can release toxic chemicals into the soil...Fortunately, most supermarkets and office supply shops have battery collection points. 

Shoes
Old shoes in good condition can go to charity shops or be donated to clothing drives. However, even shoes long past their best can still be useful. Shoe manufacturer Nike operates a recycling program that turns old trainers into a durable surface for running tracks and other sports facilities

Fluorescent lightbulbs
Not only are compact fluorescent lightbulbs good for the environment in terms of energy efficiency they're also easier to recycle than old-fashioned incandescent bulbs....Most hardware stores will recycle fluorescent bulbs as will some furniture retailers such as IKEA!

Foam packaging
Bulky and non-biodegradable the foam pellets used to pack fragile items for shipping are an environmentalist's nightmare. Fortunately, an increasing number of shipping companies will reuse packaging "peanuts." Check for companies in your area that will accept donations of packaging...

Bicycles
 Old bicycles may not be worth the time and effort for their owners to repair them but they can make a huge difference in the developing world...Many charities collect old bicycles recondition them and send them to communities where they can help businesses and families improve their mobility.....

Mattresses 
Many people give their old used furniture to charity shops. Often these shops won't accept mattresses for hygiene reasons....Fibre recovery companies can recycle these mattresses for their component parts keeping tens of thousands of bulky mattresses out of landfill every year. 

Ink Cartridges
When a printer's ink cartridge runs out most people simply throw the cartridge which has both plastic and metal components in the bin. Stationery and office supply shops offer collection points for ink cartridges to be recycled.... 

Denim jeans
Like shoes, well-beloved denim jeans are often kept until they are so worn and tattered that they can't be donated to a charity shop...Nonetheless the fibres in these items can still be recycled by specialist companies and made into items ranging from home insulation to sandals.

Toothbrushes
Although they are made from plastic most toothbrushes cannot be recycled. One toothbrush manufacturer Preserve Products makes toothbrushes from recycled materials and accepts old toothbrushes for recycling. Recycled brushes aren't in high street shops yet but the recycling trend looks set to grow.

Keys
Old keys have a tendency to accumulate in drawers and cupboard. Instead of throwing them out, take them to any recycling centre...Although keys can't be reused, they can be recycled for their scrap metal content.

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