10 Surprising Items You Didn't Know Could Be Recycled in Junk Removal | Seattle 2023

When it comes to junk removal, most people focus on the big, bulky items like furniture and appliances. However, there are many smaller items that can be recycled as well. Recycling not only helps the environment, but it can also save you money on disposal fees. Here are 10 surprising items you may not have known could be recycled during junk removal.

Batteries:

Batteries contain toxic chemicals that can harm the environment if they end up in landfills. However, many types of batteries can be recycled, including alkaline, lead-acid, and rechargeable batteries. Some retailers, like Best Buy and Home Depot, offer battery recycling programs, or you can check with your local recycling center.

CDs and DVDs:

While streaming services have largely replaced physical media, many people still have stacks of old CDs and DVDs lying around. These can be recycled through specialized programs that break them down into their component parts, like polycarbonate plastic and aluminum.

Ink cartridges:

Ink cartridges from printers and other devices can be recycled to prevent them from ending up in landfills. Many office supply stores offer recycling programs for ink cartridges, or you can check with the manufacturer of your printer.

Clothing and textiles:

Clothing and textiles are one of the biggest contributors to landfill waste. However, many of these items can be recycled or repurposed. Clothing in good condition can be donated to charity or sold to secondhand stores, while old textiles can be turned into cleaning rags or insulation.

Cooking oil:

Used cooking oil can be recycled into biodiesel fuel, which can be used to power vehicles and other equipment. Some municipalities offer collection programs for used cooking oil, or you can check with local biodiesel producers.

Cell phones and electronics:

Old cell phones, computers, and other electronics can contain valuable metals like gold and copper, as well as toxic materials like lead and mercury. Many retailers, like Apple and Best Buy, offer trade-in or recycling programs for electronics, or you can check with your local recycling center.

Light bulbs:

Traditional incandescent light bulbs cannot be recycled, but many newer types of bulbs, like CFLs and LEDs, can be recycled. These bulbs contain small amounts of mercury, so it's important to recycle them properly. Many home improvement stores offer recycling programs for light bulbs.

Motor oil:

Used motor oil can be recycled into new motor oil or other products, like asphalt and lubricants. Many auto shops and retailers, like Walmart and Advance Auto Parts, offer used motor oil recycling programs.

Carpet:

Old carpet can be recycled into new carpet or other products, like insulation and acoustic panels. Some carpet manufacturers offer recycling programs, or you can check with your local recycling center.

Wine corks:

Natural wine corks can be recycled into a variety of products, like flooring tiles and insulation. Many retailers, like Whole Foods and Trader Joe's, offer cork recycling programs, or you can check with local cork recycling centers.

Junk removal doesn't have to mean sending everything to the landfill. By recycling smaller items like batteries, CDs, and textiles, you can reduce your environmental impact and even save money on disposal fees. Next time you're cleaning out your home or office, consider these surprising items that can be recycled and give Northwest Labor Industries a call!