Recycling Options You May Have Never Considered

I can't recycle these at my curb. Now what?

Wondering where to recycle items not meant for curbside recycling? Try where you bought them. 

Compact florescent bulbs can be recycled at Lowes or Home Depot. Do not put them in with trash or glass recycling as they contain mercury. 

Batteries can be recycled at Batteries Plus. Store spent batteries in a glass jar in case of corrosion leakage. 

Cell phones can be recycled at Verizon stores. They will not accept the charger or car charger or case, just the phone including the battery. Ink cartridges can be exchanged at Office Depot, Office Max, or Staples often for a discount or a pack of copy paper. Your local Lions Club will accept your old prescription glasses and in some cases your optician will see that the Lions Club gets them, just ask. Your dry cleaner will take back wire hangers.

Kroger and Publix recycle plastic shopping bags, though you should bring your own bags whenever possible to the grocery store. Both Publix and Kroger also have bins to donate to local food banks. Whether you have something to bring from home or you find a good deal while grocery shopping and want to share, you can do it conveniently at your local store. Whole Foods even provides recycling for wine corks.

Electronics such as computers, televisions, and DVD players can be recycled at Best Buy. Apple stores accept old ipods and other Apple products. If you are buying a new computer, check to see if you can have your files transferred in the store where you buy. Sometimes there is a fee and sometimes it can be negotiated as part of your package. 

Electronic waste is becoming a huge problem because as the componets and batteries break down, toxins leak into soil and eventually, ground water. Before desposing of any appliance or electronic item, check with your local refuse collection service or do a little research on the internet to find out proper disposal for the item. You may want to donate it as long as it is not broken.