by Mike Ohrberg
Spring is almost here, and what better time than now to clean and get organized? After keeping indoors during the winter season, it’s finally time to open up those windows and take on your annual spring cleaning. Before you start tossing all your unwanted items in the trash bin, take a look at this list of items that are often overlooked as recyclable:
- Paint. California is one of a handful of states that offers recycling paint retailers. Visit www.calrecycle.ca.gov to get a complete list of retailers that will accept paint cans.
- Dirty Containers. Although clean containers are preferred, the water and chemicals necessary to clean some containers is more of a waste to the environment than the process used during recycling.
- Batteries. Take used batteries to your local battery retailer for safe recycling. You could also consider looking into a mail-based service like the Battery Solutions iRecycle Kit.
- Crayons. Did you know that there is a National Crayon Recycle Program? It has kept over 47,000 pounds of crayons from the landfills.
- Wine Corks. Recycled wine corks can be made into a multitude of items: flooring tiles, car gaskets, packaging materials, building insulation, bulletin boards, and even sports equipment. Keep your corks for future craft projects or drop them off at the Habitat ReStore. Our customers love crafting with corks!
- Trophies. Every home has a box of trophies sitting around taking up space. Total Awards & Promotions has a recycling program that benefits charities.
- CDs/DVDs/Cassettes. As technology progresses, our pile of unused entertainment media grows. Most local libraries would happily take these items if you donate them to them. You can even take a tax deduction from your donation!
- Prescriptions. For $2.99, customers can purchase a specially designed envelope available at any Walgreens pharmacy counter that allows them to place, seal and mail prescription or over-the-counter medications they no longer use for safe, eco-friendly disposal. Once securely sealed, the envelope can be dropped into any U.S. Postal Service mailbox where it will be sent to an approved medication incinerator. Envelopes remain sealed while incinerated, and ashes from the incinerated envelopes are used for making “green” related building materials rather than going into a landfill.
No matter how large or small your spring cleaning projects are this year, resolve to recycle and donate as much as possible. Your children will thank you later!
Mike Ohrberg is the Director of ReStores for Habitat for Humanity Inland Valley. ReStores are home improvement discount and donation centers that offer home remodel and rebuild supplies for up to 70% off regular retail prices. The Temecula ReStore is located at 27479 Enterprise Circle West. The Lake Elsinore ReStore is located at 570 Central Avenue, Suite I. Habitat for Humanity accepts and will pick up your donations. For more information, visit www.habitat4inlandvalley.org.