As the evidence for climate change increases, as does the need to recycle everything that otherwise stacks up as waste and pollution. Thankfully, there are more options than ever to reuse old materials. While lots of people are familiar with the recycling of bottles, cans, paper and other types of packaging, there are also many things that can be recycled and reused that you may not realize.
Crayons
It doesn’t take long for a pack of crayons to become broken pieces of mess. Some people then choose to reuse them by melting them in the oven and creating new shapes and colors. There are also crayon recycling programs that reclaim old and broken crayons to be melted and created into new art supplies. Many of these recycled supplies are then donated to children in need.
Toilets
You wouldn’t think that toilets would be something that you’d be able to recycle, but the porcelain from which they are made can be used for other purposes. There are companies that collect old and damaged toilets that are crushed into sediment. The material can be used in the building of roads and sidewalks. It’s a great way to repurpose something that might otherwise be tossed in a landfill.
Nylon Stockings
Nylon is very useful, partly because it is so versatile and durable, but that durability means that it can take 30-40 years to decompose, even in the form of a pair of stockings or pantyhose. When collected for recycling, nylon hosiery can be turned into parts of running tracks and insulation for use in structural applications.
Solvents
Solvents are used in many forms of manufacturing and can be harmful if not disposed of correctly. Thankfully, equipment like solvent recyclers from NexGen Enviro Systems makes it possible to reclaim and reuse solvents so that less waste results from a production or cleaning cycle.
Diapers
Some people might hate the thought of recycling diapers but it can be done. A diaper can take 450 years to break down, and as almost all of them are simply thrown away, that creates an awful lot of waste. In America alone, over 20 million diapers are used and discarded every year. A new method has been introduced that enables the plastic and fiber to be separated for recycling.
Inhalers
Like diapers, inhalers are another item that people will simply throw away without a second thought. The part plastic and part metal medical devices account for over 40 million pieces of trash, but many of the components can still be used. Some pharmacies will collect used inhalers so they can be disassembled to be used again.
Mattresses
Not many people want a used mattress or have much reason to hold on to an old one when they’re ready for something new. That’s why most of them are simply thrown away. Still, mattresses contain a lot of metal, fabric, and wood that can still be useful. To reclaim these materials and cut down on bulky landfill waste, there are now mattress recycling facilities that take old mattresses and box springs to salvage the useable portions.
CDs and DVDs
We are now moving into a world where CDs and even DVDs are virtually obsolete. With streaming platforms giving you all the listening and watching entertainment you need, there is very little need for plastic discs and cases. Thankfully, there are new facilities and programs that are dedicated to recycling all types of tapes and discs.
Whether it’s solvents, crayons or CDs, it’s always a good idea to recycle as much as you possibly can. Before throwing a once-useful object away, check to see if it can be recycled. The possibilities might surprise you.
