Recycling is one of the easiest and most effective ways to reduce waste and protect the environment. However, many household items that can be recycled end up in landfills due to a lack of awareness or improper disposal. We at M&S Disposal Service would like to list the common household items that can be recycled but often aren’t.
Coffee Cups & Lids
Many coffee cups and lids, especially those from fast food chains or coffee shops, are made of paper but are often lined with plastic or wax. This makes them difficult to recycle, but not impossible. In fact, there are now special facilities that can process these cups, and some coffee shops even have specific recycling programs for them. Unfortunately, many people still throw them away without considering their recycling potential.
How to Recycle: Look for coffee cups and lids made from recyclable materials like paper without the plastic coating. Many coffee shops offer a recycling bin or an alternative that’s compostable, so be sure to ask.
Plastic Bags
Plastic bags are used by almost everyone, yet they are rarely recycled properly. While most curbside recycling programs don’t accept plastic bags because they can get tangled in the machinery, they can still be recycled at special drop-off locations, such as grocery stores. These bags are made from polyethylene, which can be reused to make products like new bags, benches, or even playground equipment.
How to Recycle: Keep a collection of used plastic bags and take them to a designated recycling station at your local grocery store. Some stores have bins specifically for returning plastic bags, so make sure to check the signage when you visit.
Electronics (E-Waste)
Old electronics, or e-waste, are one of the most commonly discarded items in homes but also one of the most valuable for recycling. Items like cell phones, laptops, and televisions contain precious metals like gold, silver, and copper, along with harmful chemicals that can contaminate the environment. While most people toss their old electronics in the trash, these items can be responsibly recycled.
How to Recycle: Many electronics stores and local recycling centers offer e-waste recycling programs. Look for events like “e-waste recycling days” or find facilities that accept old electronics for responsible disposal.
Cardboard Pizza Boxes
Pizza boxes are often stained with grease and food residues, leading many people to assume they cannot be recycled. While boxes with heavy grease or food residue cannot be processed by most curbside recycling programs, many cardboard pizza boxes are still recyclable if they’re relatively clean. They can be broken down and turned into new cardboard products, helping reduce the demand for new raw materials.
How to Recycle: If your pizza box is free of grease or food scraps, simply flatten it and place it in your recycling bin. If it’s too greasy, tear off the clean parts and recycle those separately.
Junk Mail & Envelopes
Junk mail is an inevitable part of modern life, and many people throw it away without a second thought. However, most junk mail, including paper catalogs, credit card offers, and envelopes, can be recycled. Even envelopes with windows (made of plastic) can be recycled as long as they are free of other contaminants. In fact, recycling junk mail helps conserve trees and reduce the demand for virgin paper.
How to Recycle: Check for any plastic windows on the envelopes and remove them if possible. Place all paper mail, including glossy catalogs, into your curbside recycling bin. Consider opting out of junk mail services to prevent waste in the first place.
Garbage Trash Removal & Recycling in Franklin, TN & Williamson County, Tennessee
Recycling is an important step toward building a more sustainable future, but many household items that can be recycled are still often thrown away. By becoming more mindful of what can be recycled and taking the extra effort to ensure proper disposal, we can reduce waste and help protect the planet. The next time you’re about to toss something in the trash, take a moment to consider whether it could be recycled instead! For roadside pickup services, contact M&S Disposal Service.
