Category: Recycling Hard-to-Dispose-of Items

Nadia Croll

 

Have you ever wondered what to do with those small but stubborn items like batteries, corks, or light bulbs? They pile up in drawers or under the sink, but throwing them out feels wrong. Fortunately, recycling even these hard-to-dispose-of items is possible and, with a few eco-friendly resources, easier than you might think. Here’s a breakdown of how to give these tricky items a new, responsible home.

How to Recycle Corks, Batteries, and Light Bulbs

Each of these materials—corks, batteries, and light bulbs—requires specific handling to ensure they don’t harm the environment. Here’s a quick guide to responsible disposal options for these everyday items:

  • Corks: Look for recycling centers or programs that specifically accept natural corks. Many stores, like certain wine shops, offer drop-off points.
  • Batteries: Your local waste disposal center or certain electronics stores often have dedicated bins for battery recycling.
  • Light Bulbs: Compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) and LEDs can be recycled at home improvement stores, while halogen and incandescent bulbs may require a specialized facility.

Programs for Hard-to-Recycle Household Items

Several programs help you responsibly dispose of items that might otherwise end up in a landfill. Some popular options include:

  • TerraCycle: An innovative program that accepts everything from cosmetic packaging to coffee pods, TerraCycle even offers zero-waste boxes to collect your recyclables.
  • Best Buy's Recycling Program: Accepting a wide variety of electronics and accessories, Best Buy makes it easy to drop off unwanted tech.
  • Mail-Back Programs: Some companies, especially for hazardous items like batteries or certain electronics, provide mail-back options, allowing you to ship recyclables directly to a safe disposal site.

Best Ways to Recycle Corks and Batteries

Small items like corks and batteries may seem insignificant, but they can make a big difference when disposed of responsibly:

  • Cork Recyclers: ReCork and other programs turn natural cork into eco-friendly products like flooring, creating a closed-loop system.
  • Battery Drop-Offs: Many stores like Home Depot and Staples provide drop-off stations for used batteries. Look for organizations that specialize in battery recycling to ensure they’re processed safely.

Where to Recycle Batteries and Electronics

Electronics and batteries contain components that are harmful if improperly discarded, but specialized recycling facilities make it easy to give them a new life:

  • Local E-Waste Events: Cities frequently organize e-waste recycling events where residents can drop off old devices safely.
  • Certified E-Recyclers: Some recyclers specialize in electronics, ensuring data destruction and safe disposal of hazardous materials. Look for R2 or e-Stewards certifications when selecting a recycler.

Eco-Friendly Disposal of Hard-to-Recycle Materials

Even household items not typically recyclable can have sustainable disposal options if you know where to look:

  • Check Local Waste Management: Many cities have hard-to-recycle facilities for items like foam packaging or even some plastics.
  • Household Hazardous Waste Days: Some communities host designated days for hard-to-recycle items, including aerosols, paint, and other household chemicals.

Go To: Sustainable Decluttering