As technology continues to improve, the types of waste items that can be recycled continues to increase. The more items we can recycle and reuse, the more we can contribute to the health of the planet. While most items that can be recycled are of practical use, there are a few funny recyclable items that may not cross your mind at first.
Here are ten funny recyclable items that you can put into the nearest recycling containers:
1. Pet Fur
Believe it or not, pet fur is one of the waste items that can be recycled to help the environment. Pet fur, like human hair, collects oil, which is why companies like Matter Of Trust use pet fur to create oil-absorbing products for the ocean. The pet fur must be clean for it to be recyclable.
You can collect excess fur after your pet receives a haircut. Pet fur is also great for protecting your garden since animals such as rabbits will smell your dog and stay away. You can also add pet fur to your compost or use it to fertilize soil as it contains a lot of nitrogen.
2. Glasses
Glasses are one of the waste items that can be recycled. Recycled glasses are accepted in any condition. They receive repairs before being donated to impoverished people across the world. You can even donate prescription lenses, which will prevent them from going to waste in a landfill. Many local opticians and non-profit organizations make it easy to donate used eyeglasses, sunglasses, and even hearing aids.
3. Tennis Balls
Tennis balls are covered in felt but made out of rubber, which means most recycling programs won’t accept them. Some companies such as Project Green Ball take old tennis balls and repurpose them into flooring. ReBounces is another company that will re-pressurize and clean old balls to make them as good as new.
Old tennis balls can also be repurposed as a tool for giving yourself massages, or you can add them to your dryer to help decrease drying time for your clothes.
4. Credit Cards
If you have a lot of old credit cards lying around, you can recycle them without worrying about the impact on the environment. Companies such as Earthworks System meltdown old credit cards to create new gift cards, ID cards, and hotel keys.
Safely recycling a credit card requires demagnetizing the magnetic strip and destroying the chip section of the card. Once you destroy these two pieces, you can use scissors to chop your credit cards into small pieces. Make sure to dispose of the pieces in different recycling bins.
5. Wine Corks
Wine corks are another example of weird recyclable items. Wine corks are 100% biodegradable, and they have many repurposing uses. Old wine corks can be transformed into building insulation, soil conditioner, and even flooring tiles.
Companies like ReCork use wine corks to create shoes, fitness equipment, and even traction pads for surfing. While you can’t put corks in with your regular recycling, you can add these recyclable items to your compost or donate directly to repurposing companies.
6. Cell Phones
Cell phones are important items that can be recycled and should be recycled. Electronic waste can pile up, and old batteries can begin to leak if you’re not careful. Certain organizations such as Cellular Recycler will refurbish and sell your old phones to those in need.
Recycling old phones and electronic devices you have lying around can help someone in need receive a device of their own. Companies that accept electronic waste vary from area to area, so you’ll have to see what’s available in your neighborhood.
7. Old Shoes
If you have a closet full of old shoes, these items that you recycle can potentially make someone’s day. Companies like Nike offer an old sneaker program where you can donate old sneakers of any brand. These shoes are then recycled into different types of courts and playing surfaces for young children across the world.
Organizations like One World Running accept sneakers in decent condition and will donate these recyclable items to athletes in need across the country.
8. Motor Oil
If you’re the type of person that changes their own oil, you can help the environment by recycling your car oil instead of throwing it into the trash. When oil gets thrown in the garbage, it can contaminate water, which causes harm to plants, humans, and animals. Companies that recycle oil will vary depending on your area. Usually, you just need to bring the oil in a sealed container, and they will handle the rest for you.
9. Batteries
Batteries are another dangerous form of electronic waste that is important to recycle. Many cities make it easy to recycle batteries by providing residents with an authorized battery recycling depot. All you have to do is drop off the batteries for free, and the company will safely dispose of them for you. Batteries contain a ton of heavy metals and toxic chemicals, so it’s important to recycle them in a safe manner.
10. CDs
Old CDs are items that can be recycled. Many companies use the components from old CDs and DVDs to create new products. The plastic contained in CDs has many uses in the automotive and building materials industries. You can also recycle old video game CDs or get them repurposed by bringing them to a vendor who can repair scratches.
