3 Items You Can Benefit From By Recycling

Blog

If your home is getting cluttered with junk, you may feel the need to purge that trash. But is it trash or is it treasure? While there are a number of items around your home that may be outdated and out of service, throwing them away isn't necessarily the answer. Here are three types of items that can be recycled, and doing so will not only benefit the environment but society as a whole. And in some instances, you could make a little spare cash.

Clothes and Other Fabrics

Donating clothes that no longer fit to the local thrift store is preferable to tossing them in the trash. But what do you do with those items that are stained or riddled with holes? You don't want to insult the receiver by donating ruined clothes. But you don't want to throw them in the dumpster either. Well, you don't have to. Ninety-five percent of all clothing can be recycled.

No matter what their condition, bag up those tattered clothes, bed sheets, and curtains, and call your local thrift stores, asking if they accept textiles in any condition. Many not-for-profit agencies work with industrial buyers to sell clothing scraps that will be recycled into cleaning cloths, carpet padding, insulation, mattresses, rubberized playgrounds, and even soundproofing material. So by donating those items, you're doing something good for the environment and for humanity. If you have a passion for pets, consider calling your local animal shelter to see if they'd be interested in your worn-out fabrics to use for cage bedding. 

Electronics

In some states and cities, throwing away that old television or computer is perfectly legal. But even if you've been given the green light to toss it in the dumpster, you may want to reconsider. After all, these items are potentially toxic to the environment.

Instead, conduct a little research to see if there are any electronics recycling programs in your area. Some companies will actually refurbish these items and put them to use, sending them to schools, charity organizations, and even other countries where they will be used by individuals who otherwise wouldn't have a chance to use them.

And if you itemize deductions on your tax return, you can use the donation as a tax write off, an extra bonus in the financial department. Be sure to wipe your computer or laptop clean before handing it off.

Appliances

Appliances that no longer work can be a real nuisance. But you don't necessarily have to pay someone to haul it away. Instead, call several used appliance stores in your hometown. While that broken microwave, toaster, or refrigerator is trash to you, it could be considered treasure to the store owner that will take them off your hands just for the parts alone.

If you've recently upgraded your refrigerator, or you're planning to, you can't throw the old one away due to the hazards of leaking coolant. Consider contacting your local power company to see if they're interested in taking it off your hands. Some cities offer cash for working refrigerators, and you could make up to $50.

There's also a huge demand for scrap metal these days, and some local recycling centers will pay you for your refrigerators, washers, and dryers, among other metal items. You may not make more than $3-$5 per appliance, but that's certainly better than paying to dispose of them.

To know more about recycling, contact local recycling services like Uribe Refuse Services Inc.

2 June 2016