Don’t Throw That Away… Recycle It!

As we all move towards being green and working towards a sustainable environment we may be looking for ways to reduce, reuse and recycle our unwanted items.  Food Waste can be reduced by starting a Compost, Plastic and Paper items can be recycled through our local neighbourhood programs, and Unwanted Electronic items can be reused through donations to local retailers.

Why Should We Recycle our Batteries, Cell Phones, and Electronics?

Recycling our unwanted batteries, cell phones, computer equipment and other electronics is great for the environment, but it’s also great for our wallets too!

Most led acid batteries are 98% recyclable but very often people throw them in the garbage which is harmful to both our environment and future sustainability. Batteries contain lead and sulphuric acids which are considered to be hazardous waste.  They need to be disposed of safely to ensure the protection of our environment as well as our personal health.

We use these items everyday but the disposable can be harmful to humans, pets, wildlife, water life, and vegetation.  Lead can be harmful if ingested or inhaled which is why many blind manufactures and paint manufacturers have stopped using lead in their products.

What products are recyclable?

It may surprise you exactly how many of our everyday items can be recycled.  Televisions and various Computer Parts such as keyboards, motherboards, monitors, and your mouse are all recyclable. Car Batteries, Lead Acid Batteries that are used in Motor Cycles and Boats etc. are also recyclable along with Everyday Household Batteries such as AA, AAA, 9V, C and D Batteries.

Did you know what we can also recycle Hair, Blue Jeans, Wine Bottles and Corks, Crayons, and Keys? Click here for a list of Other Items that you may not know are recyclable.

What do they do with our old Batteries, Cell Phones, and Computer Parts?

Manufacturers and Retailers safely dispose of the dangerous and hazardous materials found in our Batteries, Cell Phones, Computers, and Electronics. They also salvage and recycle the reusable parts to keep future manufacturing costs down.  Batteries are extremely expensive and recycling reusable parts can help make these materials more affordable for consumers.

Some companies recycle our old Cell Phones and other Electronics into new products and donate them to charities and other people in need who may not be able to afford these luxury items.  To many of us a computer or a cell phone is an everyday item, but every day there are less fortunate people who do not have the luxury to afford these items.

Recycling Incentives To Save Money!

Staples Ink Cartridges. Earn up to $3 in Staples Rewards when you recycle your old empty ink cartridges instead of throwing them away.

Office Depot Tech Trade In Program.  This program allows clients to receive Office Depot Gift Cards when we recycle our unwanted electronics.  Before you throw out your old electronics please remember that they could be new for someone else.

Radio Shack Electronics Trade in Program. Currently accepting Car Stereos, Digital Cameras and Camcorders, Gaming Consoles, GPS units, MP3 Players, Wireless Phones, and Notebook Computers.  Exchange these items for Radio Shack Gift Cards to buy new items.

Sprint and Vespa Cell Phone Recycling Partnership. Trade in your cell phone at Sprint until August 20 and receive up to $250 in savings as well as be entered into a contest to win one of 6 Vespa Scooters.

(Photo by Moria)

Kristina Tahnyak

Tahnya is a Certified Financial Planner and former Investment Advisor turned marketing and communications professional She holds a degree from Concordia University, is debt free and currently works in the field of digital marketing.