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?”

When new construction, land developing and/or the demolition of buildings occurs, wood wastes are generated.

Common wood waste would include:

Tree trimmings, branches, stumps, and the logs, themselves

Pallets or wooden shipping containers

Scrap wood from new construction, such as 2x4s or plywood

Wood products generated from the demolition of older buildings.*

*Although many of these products can be recycled and/or reused, great care must be given to the handling of hazardous materials which may be generated from demolition jobs. Hazardous materials can include surfaces covered in lead paint or mold, asbestos, wood products treated with preservatives and/or containing glue, just to name a few.