You already love your curbside recycling program, right? But you might not realize that there’s almost no limit to what you can recycle or donate for reuse through various organizations: furniture, electronic equipment, motor oil, pool tables…read on for great recycling tips.
Leave it curbside – Pocketbook neutral
Take advantage of your curbside recycling program to recycle paper, plastic, glass, cardboard and other items. The nation recycles 32 percent of its waste, a rate that has almost doubled during the past 15 years, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Keep Freon out of landfills – Money-saving tip
Rather than waste the gas to haul your old refrigerator to the dump, call Clark Public Utilities at 360.992.3355 and ask them to pick it up for free.
Find treasure online – Money-saving tip
Visit www.2good2toss.com to exchange used or surplus building materials and large household items, from cabinets to pool tables. Everything is $199 or less.
Donate your old computer – Worth the extra cash
Recycle your computer equipment by donating it to Free Geek. The $1 to $10 disposal fee helps the organization provide technology to those in need in exchange for community service.
Buy recycled packaging – Pocketbook neutral
Strengthen the market for recycled products! Purchase items contained in packaging that is or can be recycled, as well as products made from recycled materials.
Go public – Pocketbook neutral
Look for recycling in public places. If you can’t find a recycling container, don’t be shy; ask for one to be installed.
Consign furniture – Money-saving tip
If you have furniture that’s in great condition, consider sending it to a local consignment store, such as Divine Consign in Vancouver. Another person can put it to good use, and you could even make some money on the deal.
Be responsible about toxic waste – Pocketbook neutral
Recycle antifreeze or motor oil curbside in a clean, clear gallon milk jug with a tight-fitting lid. Check with your local curbside recycling program for details.
Recycle batteries – Pocketbook neutral
Recycle used household batteries curbside in a clear, sealable plastic bag. Check with your local curbside recycling program for details. Recycle vehicle batteries at a number of local sites by calling 360.397.6118 ext. 4352.
Salvage building material – Money-saving tip
Drop off used or surplus building materials at the ReBuilding Center or Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore. Both are nonprofit organizations. If you donate, you’ll save on disposal costs and get a tax deduction. If you buy, you’ll also save big.
Give fleece a new life – Pocketbook neutral
Send Patagonia-brand fleece, organic cotton T-shirts and Capilene baselayers, as well as Polartec fleece from other manufacturers, to Patagonia to melt and make into new fabric.
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