Recycling has become part of everyday life for many of us, but plenty of items still end up in the trash simply because people don’t realize they can be recycled. While paper, cardboard, glass, and aluminum cans get most of the attention, many household products can also be given a second life through specialty recycling programs or local collection sites.
Taking a few extra minutes to recycle these overlooked items helps reduce landfill waste, saves valuable materials, and keeps reusable resources in circulation. Here are 15 everyday products you might not realize can often be recycled.
Toothbrushes
Most toothbrushes are made from durable plastics that can be recycled through specialty collection programs. Many brands partner with recycling organizations that turn old toothbrushes into products such as outdoor furniture, storage bins, or playground equipment.
Instead of tossing an old toothbrush into the trash, check whether your local dentist, retailer, or manufacturer offers a collection program.
Related: 17 Things Minimalists Never Keep Around the House
Shampoo Bottles
Empty shampoo bottles are usually made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or PET plastic, both of which are accepted by many curbside recycling programs.
Rinse out any leftover shampoo before placing the bottle in the recycling bin. Clean containers are much less likely to contaminate other recyclable materials.
Batteries
Batteries should never be thrown into household trash because they contain materials that can leak into the environment. Many home improvement stores, electronics retailers, and local recycling centers accept both rechargeable and single-use batteries.
Recycling also allows valuable metals to be recovered and used again.
Wine Corks
Natural cork is a renewable material that can be recycled into flooring, bulletin boards, shoe soles, insulation, and other products.
Several wine shops and specialty recycling programs collect used corks, making it easy to keep them out of the landfill.
Related: 13 Common Things Classy People Never Talk About
Eyeglasses
Old prescription glasses can often help someone else see more clearly. Many charities and vision programs collect used eyeglasses, clean them, and distribute them to people who need affordable eyewear.
Frames that can’t be reused may still have recyclable components.
CDs and DVDs
Even though streaming has replaced most physical media, many households still have stacks of old CDs and DVDs. These discs contain plastics and metals that specialized electronic recycling facilities can recover.
Rather than throwing them away, look for an e-waste recycling center that accepts optical discs.
Plastic Bags
Plastic grocery bags usually can’t go into curbside recycling bins because they can jam sorting equipment. Many supermarkets, though, provide collection bins specifically for plastic bags and plastic film.
Those bags can be recycled into products such as composite decking, outdoor furniture, and new plastic bags.
Related: 20 Common Things That Slip Your Mind More Than You Think
Clothing
Worn-out clothing doesn’t always belong in the trash. Many textile recycling programs accept stained, torn, or damaged fabrics that charities cannot resell.
The fibers can be processed into insulation, industrial rags, carpet padding, or new textile products.
Light Bulbs
Many types of light bulbs, especially CFLs and fluorescent tubes, should be recycled because they contain small amounts of mercury and other materials that require proper handling.
Home improvement stores and local recycling centers often offer drop-off programs. Always check local guidelines before disposing of bulbs.
Cooking Oil
Pouring used cooking oil down the drain can clog pipes and create costly plumbing problems. Many communities collect used cooking oil and convert it into biodiesel or other industrial products.
Allow the oil to cool, store it in a sealed container, and take it to a recycling location if one is available nearby.
Related: 15 Common Things You Are Doing That Is Affecting Your Mental Health
Pens and Markers
Empty pens and markers are made from mixed plastics that typically aren’t accepted in curbside recycling. Some manufacturers and specialty recycling programs collect writing instruments and process the materials into new plastic products.
It’s a simple way to reduce plastic waste from everyday office supplies.
Mattresses
Mattresses take up a tremendous amount of landfill space, yet most of their components can be recovered. Steel springs, wood frames, foam, and fabric are all recyclable through specialized mattress recycling facilities.
Many recycling centers and retailers now offer mattress collection services when you replace an old one.
Mobile Phones
Old mobile phones contain copper, gold, silver, and other valuable materials that can be recovered through recycling.
Many manufacturers, wireless carriers, and electronics stores offer trade-in or recycling programs. Be sure to erase your personal data before handing over your device.
Related: 17 Things Millennials Stopped Buying—and They’re Disappearing Fast
Toothpaste Tubes
Traditional toothpaste tubes were difficult to recycle because they combined several materials. Today, some brands have introduced recyclable tubes, while others participate in specialty recycling programs.
Check the packaging to see whether your tube can go into curbside recycling or needs to be dropped off at a designated collection site.
Coffee Pods
Single-serve coffee pods often combine plastic, aluminum, and coffee grounds, making them difficult to recycle through regular household programs. Many coffee companies now offer mail-back services or collection programs that separate and recycle each component.
Taking part in these programs keeps millions of used pods out of landfills each year.
