How to Recycle Power Drills

Don't be fooled by the myth that only materials such as paper, plastic and glass can be recycled. Recycling programs exist for a wide spectrum of items, including power drills. Power drills are a specialty item, so recycling them is not as easy as putting the drills out by the curb for the trash collector to pick up. While it takes a bit more effort to recycle power drills than soda cans, it is well worth the trouble. Recycling the drill means the parts can be reused, cutting down on the need to mine and manufacture new drill materials. Recycling also gives the drill owner peace of mind that certain parts, like batteries, will not leech into landfills and contaminate ground water.

Instructions

• 1

  Disassemble the drill parts by removing the bit and the battery pack, if applicable. There is no need to take apart the entire drill, just the major components. This allows you to recycle the most drill parts.

• 2

  Log on to Call2Recycle US and enter your ZIP or postal code in the "Find a Drop-Off Location" section. The site will generate a list of stores where you can recycle your power drill's rechargeable battery.

• 3

  Contact your local recycling authority and ask whether it accepts power tools. Many will accept the tools outright. If not, request a list of organizations that do recycle power drills.

• 4

  Bring your power drill to a hardware store for recycling. Several national chains accept power drills.