Are You Throwing Away Recyclables?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) predicts that 75% of what is thrown away is recyclable. Think of how much you can change and help to protect the environment if you could recycle 75% more than you do right now. The key to accomplishing this is to make sure that you fully understand what you're throwing away that you may be able to recycle.

1. Recyclables vary by location. Request a list of items from your local recycling company to see what you are able to recycle. It can and does vary by your location. For example, in Northern Virginia, you can recycle junk mail and window envelopes. In Miami, these are not recyclable items. Finding out what you can and cannot put in your curbside bin may boost the amount of waste you can recycle.


2. Mail-back and drop-off programs. Items such as electronics and automotive waste cannot be put in your recycling bin but there are many programs where you can mail-in or drop-off these items to be recycled. For example, auto parts stores and some mechanics take and recycle motor oil and old tires. Cell phones and printer cartridges can be mailed to manufacturers or dropped off at stores such as Best Buy.

3. Trade it in. Computers and TVs are two examples of items that you can trade in when you buy a new one. For example, when you buy and have a new TV installed from Best Buy, they will remove and recycle your old TV for you. There are also e-waste companies that will come and pick up these items from you or you can donate working items to schools or other organizations.

With a small amount of effort on your part, you can easily boost the amount that you recycle. If you play your cards right, you may even be able to recycle 75% more than you do now.

Recycle Your e-waste Series Part 9

The National Cristina Foundation was green before green was, well, green. For over 20 years this non-profit organization has been encouraging businesses and individuals to donate their old technology products. The Cristina Foundation matches the donated technology with schools, charities and organizations across the U.S., in Canada and other countries around the world.

The Foundation's focus is people with disabilities, at-risk children and the economically disadvantaged. By training these individuals and providing them with the right skills, they can overcome their challenges and lead a successful and fulfilling life.

If you're interested in donating your old computer, visit the Donate Now Page of the website for more information. Go to www.cristina.org for more information on the Foundation and its services.

Recycle Your e-waste Series Part 5

It's Part 5 of the recycle your e-waste series. Today's posting features My Bone Yard, where you can easily recycle items such as flat screen monitors, desktop computer systems, cell phones, music players, and laptops. The best part is that it's all done from the convenience of your own home. You choose what you want to recycle, and My Bone Yard sends you a pre-paid shipping label via email. It's simple, safe, and smart.

Find out more about My Bone Yard www.myboneyard.com.

Recycle Your e-waste Series Part 2

It's Part 2 of the recycle your e-waste series. Today's posting features Earth911, which is a recycling resource that goes way beyond cell phones. The Earth911 website allows you to do a search by what you're looking to recycle and your zip code. It then provides you with a list of recycling centers near you that'll recycle what you have.

Gather your recyclable products and find out where you can take them. Check it out at www.Earth911.org.

While you're there, Take the Pledge to Do Better. Last year, you recycled, and you did great! This year, take the pledge to do even better.

Best Buy Offers More than a Place to Buy Electronics

Yesterday, my computer tanked and I had to rush it to the emergency room. For computers, this is the Geek Squad at Best Buy. I walked in the door and noticed to my right there was a trash can looking container with three little swinging doors. One said, "Cell Phones." The other said, "Rechargeable Batteries," and the third one said, "Printer Cartridges."

I thought and said to myself, "How cool."

I'm more of an online shopper, so I may be late coming to this e-waste party, but you can take your printer cartridges, rechargeable batteries, and old cell phones to your local Best Buy for recycling.

Put it in your good to know file.