Recyclopedia
What and Where Can I Recycle?
Introducing a new feature to help you find how to
Reuse and Recycle hundreds of items. We hope Recyclopedia will help you recycle more!
Air Conditioners
They contain chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), or Freon. This item contains hazardous waste and must be disposed of properly. It cannot be placed with your waste for pickup.
Reuse
Currently, there is no reuse option available for this item, but you may know someone who needs an old unit or you could donate it.
Recycle
If you are buying a new unit, the store or supplier may take the old one. It can also be brought to the Recycling Center at 700 Middle Road
Disposal
Audio Cassettes
Recycle
Alternative Community Training (ACT)
- ACT Website
- (800) 359-4607
- 2200 Burlington, Columbia, MO 65202
- ACT is a not-for-profit that empowers individuals with disabilities, by providing work training and social services. At ACT, the video tapes get cleaned, degaussed, and packaged for resale. ACT also processes computer media.
Disposal
Cables (Computer Peripherals)
Reuse
Currently, there is no reuse option available for this item
Recycle
This is e-waste. Bring to the Recycling Center at 700 Middle Road.
Alternatively, you can bring all e-waste to Radio Shack, Staples, or any location that sells computer equipment. Call first to be certain they will accept this material.
Disposal
This item is waste and can be placed for pickup, but the other disposal options outlined under "Recycle" will avoid it being discarded into a landfill.
Cell Phones
This item contains electronic waste and must be disposed of properly. It cannot be placed with your waste for pickup.
It's a good idea to remove personal information before you dispose of your cell phone. Permanent data deletion usually requires several steps. Remove the memory or subscriber identity module (SIM) card from the phone. That's an important first step in deleting information, but you likely will need to do more to erase all the sensitive data on your device. Go to the FTC's website for more information on how to remove your personal information.
Reuse
AT&T sponsors Cell Phones For Soldiers, a nonprofit organization that uses funds from recycled cell phones to buy prepaid phone cards for active duty military personnel. You can drop off your used phone at any AT&T wireless store locations in the country for recycling.
Verizon sponsors HopeLine, a program that collects no-longer-used wireless phones, batteries, and accessories in any condition from any wireless service provider. The phones are refurbished or recycled in an environmentally sound way and provided to local domestic violence organizations or local government and law enforcement agencies for use with their domestic violence clients.
Recycle
Cell phones are e-waste. You can bring them to the Recycling Center at 700 Middle Road.
Cell phones can also be returned to the place of purchase.
You can drop off old cell phones to Home Depot, Best Buy, or Target.
Disposal
Cell phones contain batteries, and cannot be put into your waste for pickup. Additionally, many cell phones contain heavy metals which can contaminate the environment. Please use one of the other Resue or Recycle options..
Christmas Tree Lights
Reuse
Currently, there is no reuse option available for this item.
Recycle
Holiday LEDS is a for-profit company that will accept your holiday lights for recycling. They will also send you a coupon for a discount towards purchasing new holiday lights from their website. Click here to visit the website for details.
Christmas Light Source is a for-profit company that partners with a local recycler to dispose of old and broken Christmas lights. Proceeds from the recycling are used to buy books to be donated to the Marine Toys for Tots drive. Click here to visit the website for details.
Disposal
Bring to the Recycling Center at 700 Middle Road.
Compact Fluorescent Bulbs (CFLs)
Fluorescent light bulbs contain mercury which is hazardous and must be disposed of properly. It cannot be placed with your waste for pickup.
Reuse
Currently, there is no reuse option available for this item.
Recycle
Can be brought to the Recycling Center at 700 Middle Road.
Disposal
Fluorescent light bulbs and CFLs will also be accepted at Home Depot.
Computer Equipment
This is e-waste and contains hazardous materials which must be disposed of properly. This item cannot be placed with your waste for pickup.
Reuse
Please donate if in good working condition.
Recycle
Can be recycled at the Recycling Center at 700 Middle Road.
Alternatively, you can bring all e-waste to Staples, Radio Shack, Best Buy, or any location that sells computer equipment. Call first to be certain they will accept this material, or if there are any restrictions.
Disposal
See Recycling.
Computers
This is e-waste and contains hazardous materials which must be disposed of properly. This item cannot be placed with your waste for pickup.
Reuse
If your equipment is in working condition, National Cristina Foundation accepts computer equipment for donation to organizations serving the disadvantaged. Click here to visit their website.
Recycle
Can be brought to the Recycling Center at 700 Middle Road
You can bring all e-waste to Best Buy, Good Will, or any location that sells computer equipment. Call first to be certain they will accept this material, or if there are any restrictions.
Disposal
Copy Machines
This is e-waste and contains hazardous materials which must be disposed of properly. This item cannot be placed with your waste for pickup.
Reuse
If your equipment is in working condition please donate.
Recycle
Can be taken to the Recycling Center at 700 Middle Road
Disposal
See Recycle.
Cords, Electrical
Electrical cords are usually lined with copper to conduct the electricity, which is one of the most valuable metals you can recycle.
Reuse
Currently, there is no reuse option available for this item.
Recycle
Many scrap metal recyclers will accept cords and remove the plastic insulation. Best Buy accepts electronic cables, as do many Goodwill stores for recycling through a partnership with Dell.
Disposal
This item can be recycled as scrap metal at the Recycling Center at 700 Middle Road, Best Buy, or Goodwill.
Dehumidifiers
Dehumidifiers contain Freon. This item contains hazardous waste and must be disposed of properly. It cannot be placed with your waste for pickup.
Reuse
Currently, there is no reuse option available for this item.
Recycle
Can be brought to the Recycling Center at 700 Middle Road.
Disposal
See Recycling.
Dishwashers
Reuse
If in good condition, please consider donating:
Green Demolitions - (203) 969-9345, Green Demolitions accepts kitchens, appliances (less than 5 years old), bathrooms, home décor, architectural artifacts, building materials, art, and more.
Recycle
Can be recycled as scrap metal at the Recycling Center at 700 Middle Road.
Disposal
If you are replacing an old appliance with a new one, frequently the retailer will pick up the old appliance as part of the delivery and installation of the new one.
Dryers (Clothes)
Reuse
If in good condition, please consider donating:
Green Demolitions - (888) 887-5211, Green Demolitions accepts kitchens, appliances (less than 5 years old), bathrooms, home décor, architectural artifacts, building materials, art, and more. Go to website for more information.
Recycle
If not usable, this is scrap metal and can be brought to the Recycling Center at 700 Middle Road.
Disposal
If you are replacing an old appliance with a new one, frequently the retailer will pick up the old appliance as part of the delivery and installation of the new one.
DVDs
Recycle
You may recycle the outer case of a DVD but not the DVD itself.
Disposal
This DVD may be considered waste and placed for pickup, but the other disposal options outlined under "Reuse" will avoid it being discarded into a landfill.
Electric Blankets
Since this has a plug, treat as e-waste.
Reuse
If the item is gently used and in good condition, consider donating to a local charity or one of the organizations below:
Big Brothers, Big Sisters - Schedule a pickup online or call (877) 399-2570.
Recycle
Currently, there is no recycle option available for this item.
Disposal
This item can be brought to the Recycling Center at 700 Middle Road. It can otherwise be considered waste. If in good condition, other disposal options outlined under "Reuse" will avoid it being discarded into a landfill.
Electronic Waste (E-Waste)
Careful disposal of electronics (e-waste) is important because many electronic products contain hazardous components. Computer monitors and televisions can contain leaded glass. Materials such as beryllium, mercury, cadmium, nickel, zinc, silver, and gold can be found in printed circuit boards. Cadmium can also be found in batteries and mercury can be present in relays and switches. If it is not recovered for recycling, it will likely end up in a waste-to-energy facility. Incineration of e-waste can produce dioxin and contribute to heavy metal contamination in the atmosphere.
Reuse
Currently, there is no reuse option available.
Recycle
Can be brought to the Recycling Center at 700 Middle Road.
Alternatively, you can bring e-waste to Radio Shack, Staples, Best Buy, or any location that sells computer equipment. Call first to be certain they will accept this material, or to be aware of any restrictions.
Disposal
See Recycling.
Exercise Equipment
Treadmills, home gyms, ellipticals, stair climbers, rowers, stationary bikes, barbells
Recycle
This is scrap metal and can be brought to the Recycling Center at 700 Middle Road.
Disposal
See Recycling and Reuse.
Fax Machines
This is e-waste.
Reuse
If your equipment is in working condition please donate.
Recycle
Can be brought to the Recycling Center at 700 Middle Road.
Disposal
Fluorescent Light Bulbs
Fluorescent light bulbs contain mercury which is hazardous and must be disposed of properly. It cannot be placed with your waste for pickup.
Reuse
Currently, there is no reuse option available for this item.
Recycle
Currently, there is no recycle option available for this item.
Disposal
Freezers
These items contain chlorofluorocarbons (CFC's), or Freon. This item contains hazardous waste and must be disposed of properly. It cannot be placed with your waste for pickup.
Reuse
If useable and in working condition consider donating this item.
Recycle
Please bring to the Recycling Center at 700 Middle Road
Disposal
The easiest method of removal and safe disposal is to have the old appliance removed and taken away by the appliance store when a new freezer is being installed.
Hair Blowers / Dryers
Reuse
If functional, please consider donating this item.
Recycle
This item can be recycled at the Recycling Center at 700 Middle Road.
Disposal
Please recycle this item.
Inkjet Printer Cartridges
Reuse
Currently, there is no reuse option available for this item.
Recycle
Most inkjet cartridges come with prepaid envelopes you can use to simply return your empty inkjet cartridges to the manufacturer. If you've misplaced the envelope, you can contact the manufacturer directly.
Or, you can bring your inkjet and toner cartridges to Staples, Target, Best Buy and Office Depot. Some retailers will give a store credit for used/old cartridges.
Disposal
Irons (Clothing)
Reuse
Currently, there is no reuse option available for this item.
Recycle
This is mostly scrap metal. Bring to the Recycling Center at 700 Middle Road.
Disposal
Recycling is preferred.
Microwave Ovens
Reuse
If the microwave oven is gently used and in good repair, it can be donated.
Recycle
If not useable, this item can be used as scrap metal and brought to the Recycling Center at 700 Middle Road.
Disposal
This item is trash and can be placed curbside, but the other disposal options outlined under "Reuse" and "Recycle" will avoid it being discarded into a landfill.
Oral Thermometer, Digital
If choosing a battery powered digital thermometer, choose one that contains a replaceable battery; some are not replaceable. Digital thermometers typically contain button cell batteries. Button cell batteries are hazardous waste and must be disposed of properly. This item cannot be placed with your waste for pickup.
Reuse
Currently, there is no reuse option available for this item.
Recycle
Can be brought to the Recycling Center at 700 Middle Road.
Alternatively, you may bring button cell batteries to one of the stores below where they will be disposed of properly:
- Home Depot
- Staples
- CVS
Disposal
Printers (LaserJet, OfficeJet, InkJet)
Contain toxic metals and are considered e-waste. Printers must be appropriately recycled.
Reuse
If your equipment is in working condition please donate.
Recycle
E-waste can be brought to the Recycling Center at 700 Middle Road.
Alternatively, you can bring all e-waste to Best Buy, Good Will, or any location that sells computer equipment. Call first to be certain they will accept this material, or if there are any restrictions.
Disposal
Radios
Recycle
Recycle at the Recycling Center at 700 Middle Road.
Disposal
If not usable, place in waste.
Refrigerators
Because they contain chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), which are also known as Freon, refrigerators cannot be put out at curbside. Proper disposal is required.
Many local Habitat for Humanity affiliates operate ReStores, which sell reusable and surplus building materials, furniture, and appliances to the public. The proceeds fund local Habitat house construction. Donate gently used household appliances (no older than 5 years) and household items.
Reuse
Currently, there is no reuse option available for this item.
Recycle
In most cases the store you buy a new unit from will redeem your existing refrigerator. Alternatively, you can have the Freon removed by a licensed technician. Can also be brought to the Recycling Center at 700 Middle Road.
Disposal
See Recycle.
Smoke Detectors
Reuse
Currently, there is no reuse option available for this item.
Recycle
Both photoelectric and ionization smoke alarms contain plastic, electronic circuit boards, and in some cases, batteries. It's important to know that ionization smoke detectors/alarms contain a small amount of americium-241, a radioactive material, within a sealed chamber. This is not an environmental hazard unless the smoke detector is damaged or crushed. Call the manufacturer to see if the detector can be returned and recycled. Remember to first remove the battery for recycling or disposal.
Disposal
All photoelectric type detectors are considered waste and can be disposed of with your household waste. Remember to first remove rechargeable and non-alkaline batteries. Returning an old detector to the manufacturer is preferable because it reduces environmental risk and avoids it being discarded into a landfill.
Stereo Equipment
Contains toxic metals and is considered e-waste. Stereo equipment must be appropriately recycled.
Recycle
Bring to the Recycling Center at 700 Middle Road.
Alternatively, you can bring all e-waste to any location that sells stereo equipment. Call first to be certain they will accept this material.
Disposal
Telephones
Reuse
Currently, there is no reuse option available for this item.
Recycle
Cordless phones do contain batteries that should be removed and properly recycled prior to discarding the phone.
Disposal
Old landline and cordless phones are trash and non recyclable.
Televisions
Televisions contain toxic metals and are considered e-waste. They must be appropriately recycled.
Reuse
If the TV is still in good functioning condition please donate.
Recycle
When purchasing a new TV, be aware that many stores will recycle your old TV.
Can also be brought to the Recycling Center at 700 Middle Road, please see website for list of costs.
Disposal
See Recycling.
Toasters, Toaster Ovens
Recycle
If not in usable condition, this item is considered scrap metal and can be recycled at the Recycling Center at 700 Middle Road.
Disposal
Toner Cartridges
Reuse
Currently, there is no reuse option available for this item.
Recycle
Bring your inkjet and toner cartridges to Staples, Target, Best Buy, or Office Depot. Some retailers will give a store credit for used/old cartridges.Disposal
Most inkjet cartridges come with prepaid envelopes that can be used to return your empty inkjet cartridges to the manufacturer. If the envelope is misplaced, contact the manufacturer directly.
VCRs
This item contains toxic metals and is considered e-waste. VCRs must be appropriately recycled.
Recycle
Bring to the Recycling Center at 700 Middle Road for e-waste recycling.
Alternatively, you can bring all e-waste to Best Buy or any location that sells computer/electronic equipment. Call first to be certain they will accept this material.
Disposal
VHS Tapes
Recycle
Alternative Community Training (ACT) - (800) 359-4607
2200 Burlington
Columbia, MO 65202
ACT is a not-for-profit that empowers individuals with disabilities, by providing work training and social services. At ACT, the video tapes get cleaned, degaussed and packaged for resale. ACT also processes computer media. For hours and fees, click here to visit their website.
Disposal
Washing Machines
Reuse
If in good condition, please consider donating:
Green Demolitions - Green Demolitions accepts kitchens, appliances (less than 5 years old), bathrooms, home décor, architectural artifacts, building materials, art, and more. Go to website for more information. Green Demolitions supports outreach programs of All Addicts Anonymous. Phone: (888) 887-5211
Recycle
If you are replacing an old appliance with a new one, ask the retailer if the old appliance can be removed and recycled as part of the delivery and installation process.
If not in usable condition, this item is considered scrap metal and can be brought to the Recycling Center at 700 Middle Road.
Alternatively, it can go to a junkyard.
Disposal
If no other methods of disposal are available to you, call your hauler to make arrangements for bulk pickup.
Water Heaters
Reuse
Currently, there is no reuse option available for this item.
Recycle
If you are replacing an old appliance with a new one, ask the retailer if the old appliance can be removed and recycled as part of the delivery and installation process.
If not in usable condition, this item is considered scrap metal and can be brought to the Recycling Center at 700 Middle Road.
Alternatively, it can go to a junkyard.
Disposal
Window Air Conditioners
Because they contain chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), which are also known as Freon, air conditioners cannot be put out at curbside. Proper disposal is required.
Reuse
Currently, there is no reuse option available for this item.
Recycle
Can be brought to the Recycling Center at 700 Middle Road.
Disposal
See Recycling.
