Since recycling is such a labor intensive process, some people will face the challenge of not having an easy way to access a recycling company. Nonetheless, the ever grown world of business has allowed the appearance of several companies that will received (sometimes for free, sometimes for a cost) your recyclables. I want to leave clear that some places will charge high fees for your recyclables, so these might look more attractive from business than from an individual point of view. Let's go to check them out, shall we?
Terracycle:
These guys literally recycle anything. The company has several collection programs for different items that can go from your typical recyclable to toys, ear plugs, razor blades, you name it. Since P&G has a partnership (or owns?) this organization, some of their products have completely free returnable policies and sometimes even drop off locations. I think is worth to look at it because the range of opportunities is very broad.
Preserve:
This company will let you ship them all your #5 PP plastic. They will reuse it to create products such a toothbrushes, food containers or kitchen tools. I would encourage you to check their "What we accept" Section before packing anything. They also have a cool program for recycling Toothbrush, although I won't lie: I don't know if they accept only Preserve's toothbrush or any toothbrush, but it´s worth to look.
Autoparts Stores:
If you do your own oil changes, I hope you know you cannot simply throw the oil and filter into the trash! Some places will do recycle the oil, the filters and even the car batteries for free. You should ask on your local stores because I´m pretty sure this only applies for selected locations.
GRC Wireless
This company will let you recycle or trade smartphones, cell phones & tablets. Their recycling program tend to work in bulks, for like businesses, nonprofits, schools & agencies. The best part is that they might pay you for the phone you recycled! There is also a program to donate your phone for troops. Just remember to erase all the information from your devices before donating or trading!
If this does not convince you then I would encourage you to check your phone manufacturer. Companies like Apple , Samsung and LG have recycling programs/trade-in programs to upgrade and take care of your phone or even directly through Best buy. If your phone is still functional and you like to help and donate to different causes, then there are plenty of options of where to go if you google it, but the two I liked the most are:
- Cellphones for soldiers
- Secure the call
E-Cycling central
This directory allows you to find companies that recycling electronic equipment around all the states in US. Several are national programs or non-profits, but some will be for profit so I will encourage you to do a good search if you don´t want to pay money just for recycling (Maybe there is a place that pays you for it! not so far from home)
Clothes and furniture
As long as your shirt or pants are not ripped apart you should consider donating clothes to charities such as GoodWill or Salvation Army. There is a lot of good they do to help people in need, and maybe in the process you find a little treasure in one of their stores. Regarding furniture, you can consider donating it as well (TAX-DEDUCTION$$$) or selling it if the furniture is not damage. I made 15$ selling a desk that someone threw and it was in perfect shape using Facebook Market. But please, I strongly encourage you to find a new place for your furniture. Do not toss it, there are too many more ways of getting rid of furniture than turning it into trash.
