Recently we shared with you the top items that you’re probably recycling that should be thrown out instead.  Now we’re going to take a look at items you’re probably not recycling but could be.

Dirty Containers– People often throw out food and drink containers because they believe they’re too dirty.  Most municipalities ask that a certain percentage of food waste be removed but some can remain (usually 20% but check with your local recycling agency first).

Paint- Many manufactures will combine unused paint colors together to create new colors, sometimes painters will do this as well.  Check with the company you purchased your paint from or do a search for “recycling paint” with the name of your city.

Batteries- Batteries contain corrosive materials that should never be thrown away.  Many electronic stores have battery recycling either at the entrance to the store or at the customer service desk.  

Old Markers and Crayons- Give your kids old art supplies a second life!  Crayola recycles all brands of markers through their Color Cycle program so that you don’t have to toss empty markers.  There are also many people who are upcycling and recycling crayons to give them a second life for kids in need.  You could also call a local school to see if the art program wants the crayons, or make your own unique crayons out of them for gifts!  

Wedding, Prom, and Bridesmaid Dresses– Instead of keeping those fancy dresses in your closet, put them to good use!  NICU helping hands has a project that is close to our hearts. They take donated wedding dresses and turn them into beautiful gowns for infants who passed away.  Many other programs exist for donating formal dresses as well- a quick web search will help you find them!

Greeting Cards– Old greeting cards can be donated through the St Jude’s Recycled card program.  We shared more in depth with you about the program in this blog post from last month.

Brita Water Filters- These can be dropped off at your local Whole Foods as part of the Preserve project which turns them into toothbrushes.  They can also be mailed in for the program.

#5 Plastic- This type of plastic was not recycleable for quite some time.  Many municipalities are now accepting it- check your local program for details.  (They can also go in the bins at Whole Foods with the brita filters!)

Undergarments- Many non-profit organizations now recycle and reuse bras, underwear, and lingerie. They are then donated to women in need around the country and around the world.  

Juice/ Food Pouches- Terra Cycle has stations in many local schools to recycle these pouches.  They are then turned into bags and other products.  In fact, Terra Cycle recycles many “unrecyclable” items throughout the nation.

Are there any other items you’ve always wondered if you can recycle/ donate or feel bad throwing out?  Check out Earth911.com to see if/ where you can recycle it, or post it on your local Freecycle or Buy Nothing Group.

Pin this post! 

The post Top Items to START recycling that you’re probably not! appeared first on Birds & Bees Teas.

Recently we shared with you the top items that you’re probably recycling that should be thrown out instead.  Now we’re going to take a look at items you’re probably not recycling but could be.

Dirty Containers– People often throw out food and drink containers because they believe they’re too dirty.  Most municipalities ask that a certain percentage of food waste be removed but some can remain (usually 20% but check with your local recycling agency first).

Paint- Many manufactures will combine unused paint colors together to create new colors, sometimes painters will do this as well.  Check with the company you purchased your paint from or do a search for “recycling paint” with the name of your city.

Batteries- Batteries contain corrosive materials that should never be thrown away.  Many electronic stores have battery recycling either at the entrance to the store or at the customer service desk.  

Old Markers and Crayons- Give your kids old art supplies a second life!  Crayola recycles all brands of markers through their Color Cycle program so that you don’t have to toss empty markers.  There are also many people who are upcycling and recycling crayons to give them a second life for kids in need.  You could also call a local school to see if the art program wants the crayons, or make your own unique crayons out of them for gifts!  

Wedding, Prom, and Bridesmaid Dresses– Instead of keeping those fancy dresses in your closet, put them to good use!  NICU helping hands has a project that is close to our hearts. They take donated wedding dresses and turn them into beautiful gowns for infants who passed away.  Many other programs exist for donating formal dresses as well- a quick web search will help you find them!

Greeting Cards– Old greeting cards can be donated through the St Jude’s Recycled card program.  We shared more in depth with you about the program in this blog post from last month.

Brita Water Filters- These can be dropped off at your local Whole Foods as part of the Preserve project which turns them into toothbrushes.  They can also be mailed in for the program.

#5 Plastic- This type of plastic was not recycleable for quite some time.  Many municipalities are now accepting it- check your local program for details.  (They can also go in the bins at Whole Foods with the brita filters!)

Undergarments- Many non-profit organizations now recycle and reuse bras, underwear, and lingerie. They are then donated to women in need around the country and around the world.  

Juice/ Food Pouches- Terra Cycle has stations in many local schools to recycle these pouches.  They are then turned into bags and other products.  In fact, Terra Cycle recycles many “unrecyclable” items throughout the nation.

Are there any other items you’ve always wondered if you can recycle/ donate or feel bad throwing out?  Check out Earth911.com to see if/ where you can recycle it, or post it on your local Freecycle or Buy Nothing Group.

Pin this post! 

The post Top Items to START recycling that you’re probably not! appeared first on Birds & Bees Teas.