10 Things You Can Do To Recycle MORE
We all want to know how to be green and save money. When we throw away recyclables we are throwing away $312 million dollars of Minnesota’s valuable economic resources. Here’s an easy list on ways you can recycle more in Minnesota. Some things may surprise you!
1. TV’s and computer monitors- In Minnesota it’s the law to properly recycle old TV’s and computer monitors. There are options to recycle these items. For a listing of places to recycle your e-waste go to: www.pca.state.mn.us/electronics. RAM also has a free laptop recycling program, for a free shipping label contact: more@recycleminnesota.org. For a free collection box to recycle old cell phones and ink jet cartridges contact: ram@scrapdr.com.
2. Magazines and books- Magazines are a valuable resource of paper pulp that many people don’t think you can recycle…but really you can! Books (with hard covers removed) are recyclable as well at most municipal paper recycling programs.
3. Window envelopes and junk mail- Most of the paper recycled in Minnesota ends up at Rock Tenn paper recycling in St. Paul. They recycle all sorts of paper including window envelopes. No need to remove the window! Most municipal recycling programs take these types of envelopes and junk mail; go to greenguardian.com or recyclemoreminnesota.com/how to check on specific recycling programs in your area.
4. Cereal, pasta, rice and other boxboard containers- You can recycle more cardboard boxes than you think. They key is if the box holds food from your cupboard it can be recycled, if it goes in your fridge or freezer, it usually can’t. Again, check with your local recycling program for specifics.
5. More in the bathroom- Did you know that there are many other types of paper in your home that can be recycled? Toilet paper rolls are just one example of one MORE thing you can do. If you currently recycle paper and cardboard, consider adding to the list. You can also recycle the boxes that toothpaste and other personal products come in. Shampoo, conditioner, mouthwash, pill bottles, and other plastic bottles are all examples of more things you can recycle. Be sure to check www.greenguardian.com or www.recyclemoreminnesota.org/how to find specific information to your area.
6. Food waste- Fruit and vegetable scraps can be composted; it’s easy to start your own compost bin at home. For apartment dwellers, you can start an indoor worm bin to compost food waste. For information about composting go to: www.recycleminnesota.org/htm/ReWorm.htm.
7. Batteries-ever wonder what to do with that old battery once it is used up? Target stores will take most back for recycling, you can bring them to the service desk and they will have it recycled. Businesses which sell batteries also typically take them back as well. A few examples are RadioShack and Checker Auto Parts. You can also send old batteries for recycling to Battery Solutions, Inc. call 800-852-8127 for more information.
8. Shoes- Be sure to recycle even your “so-last-season” flip-flops! There are a couple of options for recycling shoes in Minnesota. Goodwill stores sends shoes that are “too worn” to textile and shoe recyclers. Wipers Recycling in Maplewood recycles shoes into biodegradeable oil spill clean up kits. For directions to their drop off location in Maplewood go to www.wipersrecycling.com/items_wanted.htm.
9. Clothing- When used clothing is donated to U’SAgain, the clothes and shoes will be recycled. For a drop off location nearest you call: 651-639-0012. When given to Goodwill the textiles not sold in their stores also get recycled, there is always a Goodwill store near you to find the closest one go to: www.goodwill.org/page/guest/about. Wipers Recycling in Maplewood also recycles clothing.
10. Crayons- You can send in your unwanted, broken crayons to be recycled into NEW crazy crayons. It’s a great way to get kids involved in recycling. Visit www.crazycrayons.com to learn how to recycle old crayons. Crazycrayons will send you a free sample for your participation.
The best advice is always to check with your local recycling program. For greater Minnesota, go to www.recyclemoreminnesota.org/how. For the Twin cities metro area, go to www.greenguardian.com.