Freecycle tips

Not sure what can be recycled where?

• Check with your local recycling center/waste hauler company/government agency in charge of hazardous waste collection, etc. Details really vary depending on where you are located. While you're at it, consider mentioning that it'd be great if they'd recognize The Freecycle Network as a great way to promote re-use!

• In most places, batteries marked as "Alkaline" are not recyclable, nor are they considered hazardous waste like rechargeable and other specialty batteries. Check with your local recycling center or hazardous waste collection program to see if these batteries may be placed in your ordinary household trash, or if they should be brought to a dropoff center.

• Many schools and community organizations collect printer cartridges and cell phones for recycling. You can help save valuable landfill space by donating printer cartridges and cell phones to them. Be on the look out -- members of your Freecycle group may be collecting for distribution to domestic violence shelters, for example. Or you can check with schools, nonprofit organizations, recycling centers, or hazardous waste collection programs to see what recycling or disposal options are available in your area.

• Many fluorescent tube light bulbs contain small amounts of mercury, which can be harmful to human health and the environment. Check with your local city or county government, hazardous waste collection program, or the stores that sell fluorescent lights for guidance on the proper disposal of fluorescent tubes.

• When you get new prescription eyeglasses, don't throw the old ones away! Charitable groups such as the Lions Club as well as many eyeglass retailers collect these and redistribute them to individuals in need, both locally and around the world!

• You might want to offer them first on your Freecycle group, but libraries, schools, hospitals and businesses with waiting rooms are great places to donate used books and magazines.

• Recycle your yard waste by creating a compost pile, or taking your yard waste to a local mulch facility. Yard trimmings contain nutrients that make excellent mulch and compost to be used on your flower beds and to help enrich the soil. Making mulch or compost also keeps more materials out of the landfill!

• Non-working computers may be considered hazardous waste in your community, so check with your recycling program or hazardous waste collection program for proper disposal instructions. But first, consider offering them to your Freecycle group. If you're clear about their condition, the folks who like to re-build computers may very well want yours for parts.

• Many packing and shipping stores will accept plastic foam peanuts, bubble wrap, and other packing and shipping materials for reuse. Help keep our landfills empty of these items! Check with your local packing and shipping stores to see if they will accept used packing materials for reuse.

• In many places, plastic bags are not recycled in municipal curbside recycling programs. Some grocery stores offer plastic bag collection containers or give a rebate for reusing your bags at checkout. You can also find creative ways to reuse bags such as for garbage can liners or pet waste scoopers. Or, try to bring home fewer bags by carrying small purchases in your own cloth bag and refusing unneeded plastic bags.

• Gardeners often wonder what to do with leftover plastic pots. Offer them to your Freecycle group. Local schools and plant nurseries will sometimes accept the flower pots for reuse. While these containers are not recycled in many places, they have several years of useful life before they may break.