This month we thought we’d look at some of the more unusual items that can be recycled. While most people are aware of common items, such as paper, plastic, and glass, there are also a variety of other items that you might not realise can be recycled.
Items that are old, broken, or unwanted such as bicycles. They can be recycled by donating them to charities or community groups that refurbish them and donate them to people in need. Alternatively, some recycling centres accept bikes and recycle them into new products, such as park benches or even new bikes.
Used cooking oil can also be recycled. Many households and restaurants dispose of it down the drain, but this can cause blockages and other problems in the sewage system. Instead, it can be collected and recycled into biodiesel a renewable fuel that can be used to power vehicles.
Old mattresses can be difficult to dispose of because they’re bulky and can take up space in landfills. However, many recycling centres now accept mattresses and recycle the various components, such as metal springs, foam padding, and fabric, into new products.
Then there are electronics, most people simply throw them away, but these devices often contain valuable materials, such as gold and copper, that can be recycled. In addition, some electronics contain hazardous materials, such as lead and mercury, which can be harmful to the environment if they end up in landfills. Most recycling centres accept electronics and properly dispose of hazardous materials while recycling valuable components.
Finally, old and worn-out sports equipment can also be recycled. Equipment, such as tennis rackets, golf clubs, and footballs. Instead of throwing these items away, they can be donated to charities or community groups that refurbish them and donate them to people in need.
If you have something that you no longer want or need, it’s always worth checking if it can be recycled or used by someone else, anything that stops it going to landfill can only be a good thing.