3 Things You Didn’t Know You Could Recycle

Most home and business owners throughout the country are unaware of the vast number of things that can be recycled, choosing to throw away old and unusable items rather than bring them to a recycling center. Unfortunately, this leads to unnecessary waste that could be prevented.

Statistics show that Americans throw away enough aluminum every year to rebuild our entire commercial air fleet, and waste nearly one million pounds of materials per person per year. What’s more, despite representing just five percent of the world’s population, Americans generate 30 percent of the world’s garbage.

But you can do your part to recycle more and reduce waste. Here are four things that you didn’t know that you could recycle and that you shouldn’t just throw out–

1. Appliances

It’s not just small household appliances that can be recycled, but large ones, too. In fact, recycling your refrigerator, stove, air conditioner, and more is one of the best things that you can do for the earth. In fact, steel–which is the most recycled material in the U.S.–makes up 75 percent of the average appliance. What’s more, recycled home appliances account for about 10 percent of total recycled steel each year. If you’re recycling a product with fluorocarbons or chlorofluorocarbons, it’s important to work with a qualified recycler who knows how to dispose of these materials safely.

2. Whole Computers

Dumping your old computer in the landfill is an environmental hazard – computers contain up to eight pounds of lead, as well as other toxic materials that contribute to environmental contamination. That being said, you can drop off whole computers with a certified recycler who will salvage any recyclable materials and safely dispose of hazardous or toxic ones.

3. Electric Motors

Practically any piece of equipment or tool that uses electricity and has moving parts functions with the use of an electric motor. Motors can be brought to a scrap recycling center, which will separate salvageable materials, including the large amounts of copper wire that are found within most electric motors.

…And That’s Not All!

The list of recyclable materials is just a small handful of the everyday items that Americans often throw out, but could be recycling. At SMS, we are passionate about scrap recycling and want to take all of your sources of unwanted scrap metal. To learn more about our recycling process and other materials that we will buy from you, please contact us online or call one of our locations directly – we have offices throughout the country. You can reach our Burnham, Illinois location at 708-730-1400.