Recycle Smarter: Give Household Items a Second Life
Judie Docs, Executive Officer – CSP, MCSP, CGP, CMP, MIRM
North Coast Building Industry Association (NCBIA) www.ncbia.com
Your home may be filled with items that are no longer useful, but many can be recycled and manufactured into new products. Recycling not only helps declutter your home, but it also reduces landfill waste, conserves natural resources, and supports jobs in the U.S. recycling and manufacturing industries.
Before tossing unwanted household items, consider recycling the following:
Glass
Glass bottles, jars, and non-food containers (such as perfume bottles or face cream jars) are recyclable. Be sure items are clean and dry, as leftover food or liquid can contaminate other recyclables.
Remove corks from bottles—these can be composted.
Items not recyclable include vases, drinking glasses, window glass, glass cookware, and lightbulbs.
Paper
Many paper products beyond documents can be recycled, including:
Discarded mail, magazines, and cardboard
Office paper such as letterhead, files, phone books, copier paper, envelopes, and shredded paper
Do not recycle paper that is wet, greasy, or soiled, as it cannot be reused.
Large Appliances
Even oversized items may be recyclable. Large household appliances such as stoves, washing machines, refrigerators, and dishwashers contain valuable metals that can be reclaimed.
Some retailers or utility companies may offer rebates when you recycle old appliances while purchasing energy-efficient models.
Check with your local waste management department for curbside pickup or contact a local scrap metal recycler.
Hazardous Materials
Toxic materials must be handled carefully to protect people and the environment. Older products found in homes, garages, or sheds—such as paint strippers containing methylene chloride—require special disposal.
Use proper protective equipment, such as gloves.
Even empty containers may contain hazardous residue.
If your community lacks a hazardous waste facility or pickup day, some businesses may accept certain materials (for example, garages often recycle used motor oil).
Plastic
Plastic jugs, jars, and bottles are recyclable when empty, clean, and dry. Look beyond the kitchen—many bathroom and laundry items qualify, including:
Shampoo, liquid soap, and mouthwash bottles
Detergent and household cleaning containers
Trust the Professionals Who Build Our Communities
The North Coast Building Industry Association (NCBIA) is your local not-for-profit trade association representing member companies involved in all aspects of home building, remodeling, and related services.
Using an NCBIA member is an important step in protecting your investment.
To verify a contractor or find a trusted professional, visit www.ncbia.com or call 440-934-1090.
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