If you’re like many people in California, you have items sitting all over your home that could be recycled. This includes things sitting in your garage, in the corners of rooms you’re not paying attention to, in your kitchen cabinets, and yes- in your trash can!

We know you want to do your part for the environment and for California, which means recycling as much of your trash, junk, and unwanted items as possible. In order to help you do so, let’s go into some things sitting around your house you may not realize can be recycled. Some of these can even be handled through a CA CRV recycle program.

Household Items You May not Realize can be Recycled

Take a look around your house. Do you see anything you’re finished with? Most people do. Instead of sticking an old laptop in a drawer or tossing your batteries in the trash once they’re dead, recycle them. You can recycle these and more! 

A few household items able to be recycled includes:

Batteries

When batteries are discarded they become “hazardous waste.” They require proper disposal. This is why in California those products are barred from landfills. Batteries of all sizes (AAA, AA, C, D, button cell, 9 volt) and both rechargeable and single-use are able to be recycled. 

Electronics

Known as e-waste, old electronics can be brought to or picked up by a recycling center that is equipped to deal with electronic materials. This includes old laptops, televisions, fax machines, cell phones, power cords, CDs, and anything else nearing the end of its “useful life.” California prohibits these items from landfills, and they should never be placed in the household trash. That is okay because many of these products can be reused, refurbished, or recycled. The state’s current e-waste recycling program collected more than 850 million pounds of these electronic products between 2005 and 2010! 

Books

It makes sense that books can be recycled. They’re paper after all! Many charities, libraries, schools, and used bookstores will happily accept the old books in good condition crowding your shelves. A book that’s been pretty beat up can be recycled, though.

What About a CA CRV Recycle Program?

The list above is far from exhaustive. Some items are not only able to be recycled, but you actually make money back for doing so. These are items that can be recycled through the CA CRV recycle program. Recycled beverage containers, like aluminum cans or plastic and glass bottles, can be recycled in curbside recycling bins or redeemed for California Refund Value (CRV) at a local buyback center.

When you think of CRV, you no doubt picture plastic water bottles and soda cans. As you can see from the list above, these are far from the only items you can recycle.

Embracing recycling is one of the easiest ways you can do your part. By recycling the items above, you are helping to protect our environment, reduce litter, preserve California’s and the world’s natural resources, reduce energy consumption, make money, and create local jobs. For any questions regarding the CA CRV recycle program or to book a pickup at your home, contact us!