Recycling has become a great way to be resourceful. It also happens to be trending in most households. Recycling is not only great for the environment, but it can help you reach that next level of tidiness and organization in your home. Here are ten home items that are actually recyclable in Vancouver.

1. Junk Mail

Nobody ever expects junk mail to be on the list of recyclable items. It turns out that it is a great way to recycle – especially the ones with plastic windows. Set up a small recycling basket next to where you sort through the mail to keep your organization on point. As you sift through it, throw all junk mail into the bin. The important mail will be in front of you, and you can easily recycle the unimportant! If you prefer to shred your mail, recycle the shredded paper. These guidelines apply to most curbside recycling outlets in Vancouver.

2. Aerosol Cans

We all have a slight fear of aerosol cans exploding in the recycling bin. That’s why the majority of us don’t recycle them. However, did you know you can recycle them after using the entire can? Once empty, it’s safe to recycle. The aluminum and steel casings are fantastic for recycling. However, don’t puncture a hole in the can to empty it, as this can cause an explosion. In Vancouver, place non-paint aerosol cans in your regular blue box. As for aerosol paint cans, ReGeneration can recycle them responsibly.

3. Bathroom Products

Most bathroom products are packaged in recyclable material, but we often forget to toss them into the recycling bin instead of the bathroom trash. Make it easy by placing a recycling container in the bathroom! Recycle your shampoo, body wash, and mouthwash bottles. You can also recycle your empty prescription pill bottles. Before placing them in the recycling basket, ensure they are #1 or #2 plastic.

4. Juice and Milk Cartridges

What better way to get your children in the habit of recycling than with their juice and milk cartons? Most households throw them in the trash, but they are actually recyclable. Take it as an opportunity to teach children how to recycle and they will be saving the world in no time! It is a great way to set an example and stay efficient.

5. Cosmetics

TerraCycle is an incredible recycling company that will determine what to do with your used beauty products. Instead of throwing them in the garbage, you can recycle lipstick, colour palettes, and the rest. You can do this by registering at TerraCycle’s website. TerraCycle also recycles many other household items you may have never considered. It’s a great place to start recycling more of your household items. You can donate unused cosmetics but check the expiry date first!

6. Ink Cartridges

Did you know that many printer ink cartridges are actually recyclable? The reason is ink cartridges contain toxic material that can do some harm if thrown in the trash. Instead, call your local office supply store and see if they will take them. You might even be able to snag a discount for a new one too! Win, win.

7. Electronics

Electronics have become ubiquitous in our everyday life. We’re constantly replacing our outdated technology with new ones. So, what do you do with the electronics you can’t donate or sell? You recycle them, of course! Check the Out of Chaos listing to find a suitable recycling facility. If your electronics are fairly large and you don’t want to deal with the loading and unloading fiasco, contact a junk removal service that responsibly disposes of e-waste.

8. Light Bulbs

Did you know your old light bulbs can be turned into insulation or sandblasting materials? It’s true! Every light bulb counts. In fact, 98% of the materials in a mercury-containing light bulb can be recycled. Talk about eco-friendly! But for that to come true, people have to participate. Keep your old light bulbs labelled in a secure box in your home. When it’s full, drop it off at a Regional Recycling location.

9. Household Batteries

As with electronics, it’s equally important to prioritize recycling traditional alkaline batteries. You know, those pesky batteries stuck in your TV remote. Store your old batteries in a non-conductive container like a plastic or cardboard box. Only place batteries in the box! Mixing the batteries with other house items can leave you at risk for a house fire. Once your container is full, use the Call2Recycle locator to find a drop-off location near you.

10. Crayons

For young families, crayons are an item that they know too well. Gather kids’ old, broken, or never-used crayons to recycle. Crazy Crayons collects used crayons by mail (ship to the United States) and melts them down to create new 100% recycled crayons! The recycled crayons go to hospitals, orphanages, women’s shelters, homeless shelters, and low-income daycares. This is another great way for your children to adopt eco-friendly habits.

These items are on a list of many home items that are actually recyclable. If done correctly, you might find that your recycling bin will fill up faster than your trash. This is when you know you’re doing better for the environment. Not to mention how you will feel about yourself after you’ve made the world a better place.

Recycling should not be an issue as long as you keep your organizational skills in check. But if you need assistance in that area, see how Out of Chaos can help.

 

Guest post by Haley K, writer for 1-800-GOT-JUNK?

Image by Minty and Teddy on rawpixel.