What can I recycle? is a question that’s often asked. Amazingly, more things are recyclable than we realize.
As we all know, by recycling, we reduce the amount that ends up in landfills, thus reducing green house gases. With landfills known to produce millions of tons of carbon dioxide and methane (the two prominent green house gases some scientists attribute to global warming,) by recycling we’re doing our part to reduce waste and save the planet.
To get you started, here’s a list of common things that can be recycled:
Paper, of all types, including newspaper and telephone books
Cardboard (non waxed)
Car and truck tires
Used oil
Batteries
Wood products, including tree limbs, construction and demolition debris
Yard Debris, including grass clippings, leaves, and brush
Asphalt
Rocks
Steel, brass, copper, tin, aluminum and other metal products
Glass containers
Plastic bottles and milk jugs (without lids)
Aluminum containers, such as pop cans
Appliances
Computer and Office Equipment
Cell Phones
Printer Cartridges
Eyeglasses
Many of these items can be recycled and used to create more of the same. Whereas as an item, such as wood and yard debris can be ground up and the end product becomes compost, or a biomass fuel.
You wouldn’t think rocks are recyclable, however, many people use them to build retainer walls or raised beds. In larger communities, many rock supply companies crush rock to create gravel type products.
Used tires are often ground up, and used as a playground ground cover.
If recycling and global warming are issues that tug at your heart strings, think about what part you can play in stopping these items from ending up in landfills. It may be as simple as utilizing curbside recycling bins, or something larger like creating a recycling business.
So there you have it. A few answers to your question, “What can be recycled?”
Photo Credit:Montgomery Cty Division of Solid Waste Services
