List of Things You Can Take to a Recycle Center
Recycling is a process in which waste products are broken down and transformed into a usable form. Many of the items we throw away every day are recyclable. Recycle centers exist all over the country to accept material and send it to manufacturers. Recycling saves resources, reduces land used for landfills and helps curb environmental damage.
Other People Are Reading
-
Paper Products
-
Most paper products are recyclable, and these can include telephone books, paperback novels, newspapers, cereal boxes, cardboard, magazines and office paper. Break down cardboard boxes so they lie flat for easier transport. Remove any packing tape or other paraphernalia that may be attached. Paper coated in wax or plastic is not recyclable. According to John Campanelli, a journalist for The Plain Dealer, more than 56 percent of American paper was recycled in 2007.
Plastic
-
Plastic water bottles and other containers are recyclable. Search the bottom and sides of the plastic container for the recycle symbol. Different polymer groups will have different numbers inside the triangle. Separate the plastic into different groups and rinse out all of the containers before they go to the recycle center.
-
Metal
-
Metals, like aluminum, steel, tin and copper, are recyclable and can earn you money from the recycling center. Recycling centers accept soda and beer cans, as well as aluminum tent poles and aluminum siding. Soup and sardine cans usually are made from steel. Copper can be found in wiring and on plumbing fixtures. Strip metal of any paper or plastic that is attached and recycle that separately. Metal prices fluctuate regularly, so call ahead to see what price the recyclables will bring.
Glass
-
Glass is recyclable, if it is the right glass. Glass bottles and jars for grocery items and drinks are recyclable, as well as wine bottles. Light bulbs, window glass and drinking glasses are not. Check along the bottom edge of the bottle for a recycling symbol to see if it can be recycled. Remove jar lids and rinse them out before turning them in.
Other Materials
-
Some recycling centers are authorized to handle hazardous material recycling. Petroleum-based products, like motor oil and antifreeze, are recyclable. Many service stations double as a recycling center for these items. Batteries and electronics can be recycled at some centers, and some places are set up to accept old car tires.
-
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
