7 Things That Should Be Recycled Instead of Thrown Away

Recycling is one of the simplest ways to reduce waste, protect the environment, and conserve natural resources. Yet, many everyday items end up in the trash simply because people don’t realize they can be recycled. By recycling smarter, you not only help the planet but also reduce clutter and create a more sustainable lifestyle at home.

Here are seven common items you should recycle instead of throwing away — and why each one matters.

1. Glass Bottles and Jars — Infinitely Recyclable

Glass is one of the most valuable recyclable materials because it can be recycled over and over without losing quality. When you throw glass away, it can sit in landfills for thousands of years.

Why recycle glass:

– Saves enormous amounts of energy

– Reduces raw material extraction

– Cuts down on landfill waste

– Easily cleaned and reused at home

Think: sauce jars, drink bottles, candle jars, and even broken glass (in many regions).

2. Plastic Containers — But Only the Correct Types

Not all plastics can be recycled, but many household items are made from recyclable grades. Instead of tossing them out, check the recycling symbol (numbers 1–7) on the bottom.

Common recyclable plastics include:

– Water bottles

– Milk jugs

– Shampoo and detergent bottles

– Food containers

Benefits:

– Reduces plastic pollution

– Saves landfill space

– Lowers the demand for new plastic production

Make sure to rinse containers before recycling to prevent contamination.

3. Cardboard and Paper — Everyday Items With Big Impact

Paper and cardboard break down easily but still create huge amounts of waste. Recycling them saves trees, water, and energy.

Examples that should ALWAYS be recycled:

– Shipping boxes

– Cereal boxes

– Newspapers and magazines

– Office paper

– Paper bags

The only exceptions are greasy paper or cardboard soaked with food oils — those belong in the trash or compost.

4. Electronics and Batteries — Prevent Toxic Waste

Old electronics contain valuable metals but also hazardous chemicals that pollute soil and water if thrown away.

Items you should ALWAYS recycle responsibly:

– Phones

– Laptops

– Earbuds

– Remote controls

– Rechargeable and single-use batteries

Why it matters:

– Prevents toxic chemicals from entering the environment

– Allows recovery of rare metals like lithium and cobalt

– Reduces electronic waste pollution

Look for certified e-waste recycling centers in your city.

5. Aluminum Cans — One of the Easiest Materials to Recycle

Aluminum is incredibly recyclable — and doing so saves 95% of the energy needed to make new cans. It can return to store shelves as a new can in as little as 60 days.

Recycle items like:

– Soda cans

– Food cans

– Aluminum foil (cleaned)

– Beverage bottles

It’s one of the most impactful materials you can keep out of the trash.

6. Textiles and Clothing — Too Valuable to Throw Away

Millions of tons of clothing end up in landfills every year, even though most textiles can be reused or recycled.

Recycle or donate items such as:

– Old clothes

– Towels

– Sheets and blankets

– Shoes and accessories

Textile recycling turns old fabrics into insulation, industrial rags, or new fibers — giving them a second life instead of wasting space in landfills.

7. Food Scraps — Nature’s Perfect Recyclable

Food scraps make up a large portion of household waste, yet they can be composted to create nutrient-rich soil.

Great items for composting include:

– Fruit and vegetable peels

– Coffee grounds

– Eggshells

– Bread scraps

– Yard waste

Why composting is important:

– Reduces methane emissions from landfills

– Creates natural fertilizer

– Improves soil health

– Reduces the need for chemical fertilizers

Even if you don’t have a garden, many cities offer community composting bins.

Final Thoughts

Recycling isn’t just an environmental responsibility — it’s a simple habit that keeps your home cleaner, reduces waste, and protects resources for future generations. Glass, plastics, paper, electronics, aluminum, clothing, and even food scraps all have valuable second lives.

Small recycling decisions repeated daily have a massive impact over time. When you recycle smarter, you live greener — without making your routine any harder.