The Benefits of Recycling for the Planet - And What Materials Can Be Recycled in Wheatley Heights, NY

What Can You Recycle?

Whether you have accumulated a mass of clothing, shoes, and accessories that you want to get rid of, you want to dispose of old electronics, or you have basic household materials that you are looking to toss, don’t make the mistake of simply trashing them. Believe it or not, many of the things in your home or in a commercial space can be recycled. A lot of what you just assume is junk can actually be recycled and reused.

Here’s a look at some common items (both expected and unexpected) that can be carted and recycled.

• Paper products. Newspapers, old documents, junk mail, phone books, and even boxes full of papers that have been shredded can be recycled and turned into new paper products.

• Aluminum. Aluminum cans that are used to store food and beverages can be recycled into new aluminum items.

• Glass. Glass items, such as drinking glasses, glass bottles, glass jars, and other items made of glass can be melted down and transformed into something new. You can also repurpose these items in innovative ways for your own personal use; for instance, glass mason jars can be used as functional and attractive storage for office supplies, like push pins or paper clips.

• Plastics. Not all plastic materials can be recycled, but many can. Look at the bottom of your plastic containers; if you see a 1, 2, or 4 on them, they can be recycled and turned into something new. You can also recycle plastic bags!

• Cardboard. Boxes made of cardboard can be handy for storing items that you may want to keep, but if you would rather toss them, don’t just throw them away; they can be recycled!

• Personal items. If you are getting rid of clothing, books, shoes, or other personal items, instead of throwing them out, see if you can donate them. These items can surely be used by someone else in need.

While you’re in the midst of clearing out your junk, be mindful of anything that could be hazardous, such as CFL light bulbs, old ink and toner cartridges, and batteries. These items are harmful to the environment and should never be placed in a landfill. Contact your local refuse company to find out how to properly dispose of these items. Whenever you’re in doubt about tossing things out, you can ask your town or garbage company about recycling and how to dispose of your junk in an ecologically-friendly way.