Recyclable items that not everyone knows about

It's common knowledge that aluminum cans go into the recycling bin, but there are many other things you throw in the trash that can actually be used for other things. Here are some less-known recyclables. Don't miss out on the opportunity to help the environment by separating these little-known recyclables from your regular trash.

Pizza box

For a long time, pizza boxes weren't accepted at recycling facilities . People assumed it was because of the oil that seeped into the cardboard. But according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, pizza boxes are recyclable as long as you scrape off the food residue and shred them to fit in your bin.

Used engine oil

You can save money by changing your engine oil at home because it is an easy process. But cleaning up doesn't have to mean leaving the oil container in the garage to collect dust or sand and then throwing it in the trash.

Instead, you can take your motor oil to most auto retailers to be sent for recycling. According to the EPA, recycled old oil can be 're-refined into lubricants, processed into fuel oil, and used as a raw material for the refining and petrochemical industries.'

Cartridge

If you run a small business, you know how quickly printer ink runs out. Don't throw away empty ink or toner cartridges. Instead, recycle them. You don't need to do any special prep work or find a place to send them. Instead, most office supply stores will take old cartridges for free. In fact, some Staples outlet stores offer cash back incentives for factory recycling.

Mannequin

Of all the things people think about recycling, mannequins don't even make the top 100. But any retailer or textile enthusiast who needs to get rid of mannequins has a chance to keep them out of landfills. The more mannequins you resell, the less new ones you have to make.

Prescription medicine box

Whether you have a new prescription coming in every month or are running out of antibiotics for a sinus infection once a year, prescription bottles can pile up. Classified as plastic #5 (polypropylene) by recycling groups, prescription bottles can be recycled at many national and local organizations.

However, before taking your pill boxes to the recycling center, make sure they are empty and you have removed any labels containing personal information inside.

Watches and smartphones

Your phone accidentally fell into the water and is now, figuratively speaking, swimming with the fish. We all have a few old electronics taking up space in our junk drawers. But there are plenty of international programs that let you recycle your broken and obsolete tech.

For example, ERI is one of the world's largest electronics recycling organizations. Part of its success is due to its mail-in program, which allows anyone to send in old electronics for recycling, no matter where they live.

Underwear

Clothing recycling is a rapidly growing industry that the younger generation is paving the way for. Most clothing 'recycling' simply involves donating the clothes to a store for resale. But what do you do with clothes that are too old to have a 'second life'?

Usually, thrift stores and charity organizations do not accept used bras, but there are many places where you can send your bras for recycling. For example, the Bra Recycling Center will take used bras and recycle the materials they are made from.

Recycling is a good thing to do, not only to save money, but also to help protect our planet. Also, remember to sort your waste before recycling!

Jessica Tanner

Update 26 May 2025