LEGOs:

LEGO pieces cannot be recycled for many reasons. Many thrift shops won’t accept mixed up sets and Lego bricks bulk sets, but well over 1 million pieces have been repurposed by www.BrickRecycler.com. In addition to Legos, Brick Recycler also is accepting smartphones, Pokemon cards, and MTG cards (but not other toys).

E-Waste:

In addition to your local city, that might have e-waste drop off areas, Best Buy is a great place to drop off your e-waste for free. Check them out!

Donate Cars

There are countless organizations that accept cars as donations. Simply Google “donate cars” to find a good organization close to you.

Ink Jet and Laser Printer Cartridges

Office Depot and Staples

CDs and DVDs

Packaging Materials:

Donate packaging materials to your local shipping company, like the following. Call first to see what they accept locally:

• Pak Mail (Packing peanuts, bubble wrap, wooden pallets and loose fill)
• Postal Annex (Peanuts, bubble wrap)
• UPS Store (800) 789-4623 (Peanuts, air pillows, bubble wrap)
• Plastic Loose Fill Council
• Peanut Hotline (800) 828-2214

Brita Filters:

Some Whole Foods Markets recycle Brita Filters and even cans and bottles. Just call and ask if they accept these in the store at the Customer Service counter.

Waste Glass:

There are many organizations that recycle waste glass. Look for a local recycling center close to you since this can’t be mailed easily. Most curbside centers don’t accept broken glass and ask you to put in the trash.

Plastic Bags:

One trillion plastic bags including Lego plastic bags are disposed of each year. Try to use a reusable bag when possible, but if you end up with lots of plastic bags, just take to your local grocery store if they offer this service. Many have a box for these by the entrance. Or try:
www.PlasticBagRecycling.org

Wire and Plastic Hangers:

Thrift shops and dry cleaner shops can use these if in good condition.

Plastic Nursery Pots

A lot of nurseries will gladly take back these rigid plastic containers. You can also look for which ones participate on http://ncagplastics.org/.

Ammunition, Guns, and Explosive Stuff:

Yikes, don’t dump these in the trash, and most recycling centers are not fond of these items. Call your local police to find drop off locations. Don’t try to sell these unless you know the rules. In some states, like California, all private person ammo transactions need to go through a licensed FFL per some state requirements so a background check can be performed.

Shoes

Did you know that countless kids are longing for a pretty new pair of shoes, that make them proud to go to school? Brick Recycler is teaming up with an organization to provide new shoes to elementary through high school aged children. Just send use your new (or barely worn) shoes at the address on this page. If you have worn shoes that are still usable, there are many thrifts who would love to have these as well.

Books

Libraries will take these and resell if they don’t need them, thrift shops, and even used book buyers. Check Yelp.com to locate these in your area.

Pharmaceuticals:

Prescribed drugs can be taken to Costco for free disposal, but they need to expired or not used. Don’t dump these in the toilet or sink (or they will enter the water cycle). Some fire stations also accept these.

Electronic Waste:

Check Yelp.com. Search for E-Waste. Your city probably takes these too. Don’t dump in the trash. Many cell phone companies accept used cell phones and can even pay you (a tiny amount). You can sell cell phones on Gazelle.com or eBay.

Tips to Declutter your home!

Here is a website with some great tips to help you declutter your home!