How to Find a Recycling Center

Do you need to know how to find a recycling center near you? You may be used to separating glass, aluminum and paper, but there is separate recycling for things like clothes, motor oil, electronics and batteries. There is even special recycling for old phone books. Both public and private efforts are being made to make the process easier. If you have a phone or an internet connection, you can find the nearest recycling center quickly.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Call 311. In most places, city services can be reached by dialing 311. You can call to find out where there nearest recycling center is, to arrange curbside pickup, or to find out how to dispose of common hazardous wastes, like batteries and motor oil.

2. Visit the earth911 website. You input what it is you want to recycle and where you are located, and it will tell you the nearest recycling center. Their website also has lots of great info about eco-friendly living, federal and state legislation and policies regarding environmental and human health issues.

3. Try Staples for old electronics and computer equipment. They have a program where they take old things and recycle or dispose of them properly, although there may be a fee. Check with other stores that sell electronics to see if they have their own recycling center.

4. Look for donation dropoff centers for old clothes. In many places they are scattered around cities. They are commonly found in or near storage unit complexes.

5. Visit TextileRecycle.org for other options for more information about recycling clothing and other textiles.

6. Visit your city or state Sanitation website.

Resources

• Earth 911 website
• TextileRecycle.org