When most people think of recycling, they picture plastic bottles, cans, and cardboard boxes. But the list of recyclable items goes far beyond the basics — and many surprising objects around your home can also be recycled through the right programs.
In this article, you’ll discover 10 everyday items that are often thrown away but could (and should) be recycled — and how to do it properly.
1. Toothbrushes and Toothpaste Tubes
These personal care items are made of mixed plastics and metals, making them difficult to recycle through curbside programs. However, brands like Colgate and companies like TerraCycle offer collection programs that accept:
- Toothbrushes (manual and electric heads)
- Toothpaste tubes and caps
- Floss containers
You can mail them in or drop them off at participating locations.
2. Pens and Markers
Used pens, highlighters, and markers are often made with plastic, metal, and ink components — and they pile up fast in homes and offices.
Look for stationery recycling programs through brands like Bic or TerraCycle, which accept:
- Plastic pens and mechanical pencils
- Markers and highlighters
- Correction tape dispensers
3. Eyeglasses and Sunglasses
Don’t toss old glasses in the trash! Many organizations collect gently used glasses to redistribute in underserved communities around the world.
Where to donate:
- Lions Clubs
- OneSight
- Local optometry clinics
They accept prescription glasses, reading glasses, and even sunglasses.
4. Wine Corks
Natural cork is biodegradable, but it can also be recycled. Companies like ReCORK accept corks to turn into flooring, shoes, and crafts.
Avoid recycling synthetic corks, which are usually made of plastic. These may need to go in the trash unless a special program accepts them.
5. Old CDs and DVDs
With digital streaming now the norm, old CDs and DVDs often sit unused. Instead of throwing them out:
- Recycle them through special e-waste recycling centers
- Donate playable ones to thrift stores or schools
- Use scratched discs for DIY crafts or art projects
Remember: never put them in your curbside bin unless your city explicitly allows it.
6. Holiday Lights
Broken or outdated string lights are a form of e-waste, and should not go in regular recycling.
Look for seasonal recycling drives at:
- Home improvement stores
- E-waste collection events
- Municipal waste programs
They’re stripped for copper and other reusable components.
7. Clothing and Fabric Scraps
While most people know you can donate usable clothes, even damaged or torn fabrics can be recycled in textile programs.
Accepted items often include:
- Worn-out T-shirts
- Single socks or gloves
- Fabric scraps from sewing
- Curtains, towels, and sheets
Check if your city or a local thrift store has a textile recycling bin.
8. Mattresses
Mattresses are bulky and hard to dispose of — but nearly 80% of their materials (foam, fabric, metal springs) are recyclable.
Some regions have dedicated mattress recycling services or drop-off centers. Check Bye Bye Mattress or your municipal waste website.
9. Ink and Toner Cartridges
Empty printer cartridges contain plastic, metal, and residual ink — all of which can be recovered.
Most office supply stores accept them in-store, and some offer discounts or store credit in exchange. Brands like HP and Canon also provide mail-in recycling.
10. Crayons
Old or broken crayons can be melted down and remolded into new crayons. Organizations like The Crayon Initiative collect used crayons and redistribute them to children’s hospitals and schools.
You can also do this at home with silicone molds and a little creativity!
How to Recycle These Items
Because most of these items can’t go in your regular curbside bin, here’s what you can do:
- Visit your city’s recycling center website
- Search for drop-off locations near you (e.g., Earth911 or RecycleNation)
- Use brand-specific mail-in programs
- Partner with schools or workplaces to collect items in bulk
Why It Matters
These everyday items may seem small, but over time, they add up — and so does their environmental impact. By expanding your recycling efforts to include these overlooked objects, you help:
- Reduce landfill overflow
- Keep harmful materials out of nature
- Conserve energy and resources
- Support social and charitable causes
Small Habits. Big Results.
Recycling goes far beyond bottles and boxes. The more we learn about what’s recyclable, the more waste we can divert from landfills — and the more impact we can make.
So take a second look around your home. That pen, pair of glasses, or holiday light strand might just be ready for a second life.