How to Recycle Anything

 (from Prevention Magazine, April 2006)

1. Computers:  Your out-of-date PC holds toxins such as chromium, cadmium,
and lead that can contaminate food and water supplies if the computer gets
crushed, dumped in a landfill , or incinerated.  Those toxins can cause
serious health problems including headaches, kidney damage and cancer.

Instead of tossing your dead PC, send it back to the manufacturer; many will
accept nonworking computers for a small fee (up to about $34.00).  They'll
safely open your machine, extract the components, and recycle the majority
of the material for other products.

If the computer you're going to get rid of still works, donate it.  Wipe the
hard drive clean. (ShredIt.com can do that for you for $30.00.
 www.mireth.com/shredit.html ).
Then contact the National Cristina Foundation
( http://www.cristina.org )  and they'll match you with a school or
organization in
need.

2. Cell Phones: These contain many of the same toxins as computers.   Old
cellphones can be used to help rebuild a new life for someone.  The Wireless
Foundation, a national nonprofit, will reprogram your old cellphone with
emergency numbers and shelter info and distribute to a woman at risk of
domestic violence.  Drop off unwanted cellphones at the Body Shop or visit
http://www.calltoprotect.org  for other locations.

3. Other Electronics:  TV set, PDA, Cameras, MP3 Players, etc.  Visit
http://www.recycleforbreastcancer.org .  This organization will send you
prepaid
shipping labels, recycle your goods for a profit, and then donate all the
money to a national breast cancer charity.

4. Printer Cartridges:  http://www.recycleforbreastcancer.org  will also
take
these..  You can also check with a Staples or Office Depot near you.  Many
will safely dispose of used cartridges.

5. Food Scraps:  Make a compost heap in your backyard.
http://www.nyccompost.org/how/backyard.html

6. Items with Mercury:  Fourteen years ago scientists discovered that  just
1 g of liquid mercury - the kind found in thermometers, thermostats, and
some bug zappers and lightbulbs - could pollute a 20-acre lake, making the
fish inedible.  Though new thermometers are no longer made with mercury
there are still many old ones around.  Take anything containing mercury to a
hazardous-waste recycling collection facility.  There the mercury will be
removed and eventually sold to scientists.  Visit
 www.earth911.org to find a
facility near you.

7. Paint:  Ask your local high school drama dept, church, or Habitat for
Humanity  if they accept donations of unused paint.  If you have the latex
variety, you can also find a reuse-and-recycle program through
 www.earth911.org .  Your paint will be
blended and resold.

8. Batteries:  When rechargeable batteries (including Ni-Cds, Ni-MHs,
cellphone and laptop types and others) wear out bring them to a RadioShack
(call 877-273-2925 for a complete list).  They'll be disassembled and their
parts used for many things.  Car, boat, and motorcycle batteries should be
recycled too.  Check with your local recycling facility or see if the auto
shop will take the old battery when you buy a new one.  Call your local
recycling facility to recycle regular batteries.
http://www.radioshack.com/sm-how-do-i-properly-recycle-batteries--ra-Batteri
es06.html

9. Formal Wear:  Don't throw away your bridal gown, bridesmaid dress, formal
gown, shoes, or accessories.  Try  www.fairygodmothersinc.com or
www.glassslipperproject.com .  They help make teenage girls dreams
come
true.

10. Eyeglasses:  The Lions Club International collects used glasses to be
cleaned, repaired, and distributed to people who can't afford new
prescription glasses.  Drop them off at participating LensCrafters stores.
http://www.lionsinsight.org/eyeglass%20recycling.htm

11. Sneakers:  Send your scuffed-up sneakers (all brands) to Nike.  The
company's NikeGO campaign recycles the rubber, foam, and leather into
materials used in basketball courts, playgrounds, and other areas designed
to keep kids active. Visit http://www.nikereuseashoe.com