How to Recycle Used Items

Used items that go into our landfills hurt the environment. Items like used electronics, light bulbs, oil, printer cartridges and clothing should all be recycled. Common household products like light bulbs seem harmless, but the new energy-efficient ones contain mercury, which can seep into our soil and water supply. Computer and electronic equipment can often be recycled by the same outlets and manufacturers that sell those products. Other products, like motor oil, must be recycled by a certified service center.

Instructions

• 1

  Recycle used clothing, toys and other usable household items like clocks, towels, dishes and bicycles by donating them to thrift stores. Most thrift stores accept donations and have collection bins on site or in front of businesses throughout the community. Thrift stores associated with charities like Goodwill and the Salvation Army will donate proceeds made from selling your used items to help fund programs that benefit those in need.

• 2

  Recycle used cell phones. Many retail outlets including Best Buy, Staples and Office Depot will recycle your used cell phones. Both Staples and Office Depot charge a small fee. Wireless providers like AT&T, Verizon Wireless and Sprint will accept used cell phones for recycling at any of their retail outlets. Also, cell-phone manufacturers will recycle any of their old cell phones. You will need to pay to ship the phone back to the manufacturer.

• 3

  Recycle used computers. Thrift stores, used-computer stores and pawn shops may accept or pay money for used computer equipment. Many computer manufacturers including Dell, Sony and Hewlett-Packard will accept used computers for recycling purposes. Many manufacturers do charge a fee for recycling.

• 4

  Recycle large electronic equipment or appliances. Many thrift stores will accept old televisions. Many used-appliance stores will accept donated items or purchase your used appliances from you. Best Buy and other retailers will remove old televisions and appliances from your home free if you purchase new replacement equipment from their store. Best Buy will charge a fee if you don't purchase new equipment. They will pick up two televisions or two appliances or one of each for $100 (as of 2011).

• 5

  Recycle light bulbs. Most energy-efficient light bulbs contain mercury and should not be thrown away in the garbage. To recycle these bulbs, contact your local waste-collection agency (see Resources) or recycle your bulb at local retailers like Ace Hardware, IKEA, Lowe's and Home Depot.

• 6

  Recycle printer cartridges. Large computer-product retailers like Best Buy, Office Depot and Staples will accept printer cartridges for recycling. Staples will accept up to 10 cartridges a month and will pick them up from your home or office. Also some cartridges can be refilled by retail outlets like Walgreen's, or you can refill them yourself by ordering a cartridge-refill kit online.

• 7

  Recycle used engine oil. Drain the oil into a leak-proof container and screw a top on it. Take the oil to a certified collection center. Many businesses that provide oil changes will recycle your used oil. You can find the nearest oil-collection center by calling Earth's 911 at 1-800-253-2687.