Tuesday's Living Green Tips

This list of things are not want most people think of as the normal recycling item. It isn't plastic or paper, but these items are still filling up our landfills and are items that can be recycled...

1. Eyeglasses -Old eyeglasses can be donated to a variety of organizations, most geared towards helping the elderly and underprivileged. Organizations include the Lions Club, The Gift of Sight and Sight First Recycling Center. Do an Internet search for the organization most convenient to you.
2. Hearing Aids - There are so many people in need of hearing aids who can’t afford them . Donate your old hearing aids to the Lions Club, the Knights of Columbus, or Sertoma.
3. Phone Books - If your local recycling center accepts phone books, drop them off there. Otherwise contact the closest Project ReDirectory center. Find your local center with an Internet search or by contacting the company issuing the directories. In my area, we have three high schools in our county...those three high schools have a contest every year to see who can collect the most phone books and then they send them off to be recycled...
4. Cell phones - Cell phones can be recycled so parts can be re-used or the whole phone refurbished. They are also organizations that give them to the underprivileged and/or abused women who may need them in case of emergency. For more information about recycling cell phones try Charitable Recycling which recycles items for charity groups, Cell Phones for Soldiers which enables or heroes to call home, or Cell for Cash.
5. Smoke detectors - Some smoke detectors can be returned to the manufacturer. Check with your manufacturer to see if the recycle your particular model. Some smoke detectors are considered hazardous waste because they contain small traces of Americium 241. If this is the case the manufacturer will recommend they’re disposed of as hazardous waste.
6. Ink Cartridges - Most places that sell ink and toner cartridges will request you recycle your empty cartridges. Many of them also provide return box and postage.
7. Batteries - If you’re not already using rechargeable batteries, please consider doing so. Most recycling centers will accept batteries, depending on the type. For more about recycling the different types of batteries including cell phone and car batteries, visit Earth 911.
8. Magazines - Take these to the recycling center or see if a hospital, senior citizen home or library can use them.
9. Mattresses - Mattresses can be recycled. They’re cleaned, sanitized, restuffed and resold or donated to charitable organizations and homeless shelters. For a mattress recycler near you do an Internet search, they’re all over.
10. Plastic Bags - Every supermarket has a bin located at the front for dropping off your plastic bags, even those that are torn. You can also make things from old supermarket plastic bags.

So remember, most every item has a second use...and if it doesn't...think before you buy it...do you really need it? What are you going to do once you are done with it?