Feb 18, 2010 11:10 AM

Beyond the Blue Bins: Recycling For Homeowners

By Green Experts Team

A look at programs and services that help consumers recycle items beyond the typical paper, glass, plastic.

Complements of the Highland Council

When you consider the history of recycling, we’ve moved from the stereotype of “only paper” to separating paper, glass, and plastic to single stream recycling where all materials can be mixed into one container. Though more recycling bins line the streets of suburbia and dot the alleys of the cities today than in the past, sometimes it can be difficult to determine how to properly recycle those bigger items found around the home. Today we’re providing a list of services and organizations that provide information on how to dispose of unwanted clutter- whether old furniture or an outdated PC.

Government

A good place to start learning about recycling is the EPA’s website. Here you can find information on recycling categories and actual services and best practices. Here the EPA explains eCycling – the method of recycling old electronic products. Once you have the background you can check out this page, which lists different eCycling programs and services.

Some governing bodies in the U.S. are working to pass laws that require manufacturers to pick up their portion of the tab. This New York Times article provides a great example of New York City working to pass a law that makes collection and recycling services mandatory for manufacturers when it comes to electronic waste.

Brands

Keeping with the idea that the responsibility of recycling shouldn’t completely fall on the shoulders of consumers, there are a number of brands that offer recycle and trade in programs.

If you’re looking for a quick drop off point, try Best Buy’s Walk-in recycle program. Or consider a larger initiative like the partnership between LG and Waste Management. Together the brands are offering consumers a recycling program for televisions.

Associations

With such a large number of homeowners trading in their outdated appliances for newer energy efficient models, you have to wonder where all of those old appliances are going. Working with an organization like The Steel Recycling Institute is a great way to ensure you’re hunk of metal doesn’t wind up rotting away and causing problems in a landfill. At The Institute’s website you can find information on not only how to recycle but also how to buy recycled.

Independent Sources

Beyond the corporations, associations and governing bodies, there are a number of newly developed sources that can help answer questions when it comes to recycling. Over at Earth911.com there’s always an interesting article that gives a fresh angle to consider the recycling process. Currently they have sustainability and recycle themed pieces that consider the Olympics, Mardi Gras trash, and “Wow, You Can Recycle That?”

Lessons Learned

Here are a few quick tips that are good to keep in mind for recycling items beyond the typical:

Check the EPA website
Check with your local government for any programs offered
Check with the company that your product came from – they may offer a program to take it back and dispose of it properly
If you’re buying a new item, check with the company that makes that new item as they may also have a trade in program
No recycling question is stupid – no matter how large or small the item. When in doubt call your state or county waste management service

Want more info on salvage and building wast – check out our latest post on our sister blog Build Intel. Click here.