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7 recycling programs you may not know about

Go Green

Recycling is about more than cans and newspaper. These fabulous programs are putting “trash” to good use.


  1. Rechargeable batteries and cell phones

    Many local stores collect rechargeable batteries from toys, tools, laptops, cordless phones, or flashlights for Call2Recycle. Visit Call2Recycle.org to find a drop-off location near you.

  2. Used eyeglasses

    Don’t throw them away! The Lions Club has a wonderful recycling program for used prescription glasses. Visit www.lionsclubs.org to find a drop-off site and donate your old glasses.

    Many local organizations like schools, doctors’ offices, etc. collect the glasses for the Lion’s Club. You can make a difference in someone’s quality of life with your donation.

    3. recycle ink cartridge

  3. Ink and toner cartridge recycle programs

    Office supply stores offer rewards programs for turning in your used ink and toner cartridges.

    Check the website of the office store you frequent to see if they offer similar programs.

  4. Computer/TV equipment

    Dell and Apple are a few examples of electronics companies that have recycle programs for their products.

    Check the website of your used equipment for specific details on how you can recycle your old electronics. Several of these companies also offer discounts on new products if you recycle your old one.

    5. recycling shoes

  5. Athletic Gear

    Nike has a recycle/donate program. “Instead of throwing it away, leave it with us. We’ll donate or recycle your used Nike athletic gear to make sure it lives on, even when you’re done wearing it.”

  6. Greeting cards

    Mail used greeting cards to St. Jude’s Ranch for Children, where the fronts will be reused to make new cards. They don’t just collect Christmas cards, but also thank you, birthday, and general cards, too. Another way to support this program is to purchase cards from them.

    7. recycle packing peanuts

  7. Packing peanuts

    Some mail stores will accept packing peanuts and other packing materials for reuse. It depends on policies and current supply, so call ahead to ask.

Have any other recycle programs to add to the list?

Related articles:

Recycle-Reuse-Reduce
10 Great Uses for Bags
Go Green – Getting Started

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Melinda says

    Special thanks to my sister for providing me with a few programs I wasn’t familiar with. She is my Go Green coach. 🙂

  2. Ileane says

    Hi Melinda,

    Thanks for sharing these programs. I had no idea I could recycle old sneakers and greeting cards. Great post!
    @Ileane

  5. Melinda says

    Now you can put those old shoes to good use and clean out your closet at the same time. 🙂 The woman’s club I am involved with has used the Nike shoe recycle program for years.

    You could ask a few friends if they have any they would like to add to your donation and send all the shoes in at once.

  7. John Alden says

    Thanks for the lovely post Melinda. Trying to go green & trying to save some bucks with recycling has always been something i’m interested in 🙂

    • Melinda says

      I’m trying to get better about recycling. I’ve been getting credits to Staples with the ink cartridges..gotta love that. 🙂

  8. Jes says

    The only thing that I didn’t know was recyclable is greeting cards. I think it’s a great way to reuse cards! I might have to do the same as well and make cards out of the piles I have in my filing cabinet.

  9. Ben says

    Great logo. I have been sending my old print cartridges back lately, and I feel really good about it.

  10. Allan says

    I support any recycling programs because as of now we really should do something to be able to save the environment or the planet we’re living in before it’s too late.