From toilets to cars – 4 things you never knew you could recycle!

Filed in Guest Posts by on May 5, 2017 5 Comments
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little known things you can recyclePlastic, cardboard, and glass – most people know the basics when it comes to what they can and cannot recycle.

However, thanks to technology the list of things that no longer needs to be thrown in a landfill is increasing all the time.

Here are four things you might not have considered:

Toothbrushes

For those of us in the UK, there isn’t a current way to recycle toothbruses, but across the pond it’s different.

The recommendations of changing out your toothbrush every three to four months is good news for oral hygiene, but can bad news for the environment.

Most toothbrushes are made up of a plastic handle with nylon bristles that come wrapped in plastic packaging.

Over in America, a company called Preserve offer a take back scheme. If you can’t recycle them, perhaps it’s time to switch to a bamboo one that you can compost after use. Check out 4 plastic free toothbrushes you should consider.

Old Cars

If you’re hoping to sell your old car, recycling is an environmentally conscious way where you can potentially put some cash in your pocket.

Research online for local car recycling services – your mechanic can probably recommend recycling services they think are the best.

Check to see if the recycling service is accredited for its environment practices.  In the US, The Automotive Recyclers Association gives out a Certified Automotive Recycler, or CAR certification to businesses that uphold their environmental and safety standards.

Toilets

While not exactly an every day occurrence, with the increase in home make over programmes, more and more of us are ripping out bathrooms and shower rooms for an update! Unfortunately the construction industry is one of the most wasteful sectors.

It’s tricky to make sure your old toilet doesn’t end up in a landfill – but it is possible.

Toilet recycling programs crush the porcelain and use it in the concrete that makes roads.

Check your local Household Waste centre to see what options they have for bathroom waste. Or check out Habitat for Humanity – they can use your old toilet. The company accepts items that are less than 7 years old and in working condition.

Electronics

Every year, people throw away millions of tons of electronics which can end up in landfill, leaching toxins into the earth and wasting precious resources.

Here in the UK, the crossed out wheelie bin shows that an item should be recycled and NOT put into landfill. Electronics can go to certified waste facilities where they can be sorted, refurbished and reused or broken down for parts.

Next time you are ready to toss your printer ink or batteries in the bin, remember they can actually be recycled!

The number of items that can be recycled is growing all the time. Keep an eye on your local county council website to see what facilities they offer and check out Recycle Now – the brilliant database that you can use to find all your local recycling facilities.

About the Author ()

I am a long time supporter of the Green and Sustainable lifestyle. After being caught in the Boscastle floods in 2004, our family begun a journey to respect and promote the importance of Earth's fragile ecosystem, that focussed on reducing waste. Inspired by the beauty and resourcefulness of this wonderful planet, I have published numerous magazine articles on green issues and the author of four books.

Comments (5)

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  1. Maria McKenzie says:

    Currys PC World will accept any unwanted electrical item for free recycling, even if not bought from them. I took my ancient laptop to my nearest branch last week.

  2. Philippa says:

    Hello Mrs Green

    I just HAVE to share this website with you – http://www.brokenbog.com/

    From replacing a broken cistern lid to more…

    Personally I still think it would be more interesting to have a rainbow bathroom… rather than everything matching. Surely having working plumbing is far more important than having a matching suite! Newer loos may give you a double flush but putting a brick or a hippo in the cistern also saves water.

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