10 Household Things You Forgot to Recycle

Everyone is aware of common recyclable waste; paper, drink cans and food waste. But does their list include perfume.

There are 10 items you might not realise you can recycle. Here they are;

1. Computers
Again, used PCs can be sent to recycling centres. Or if it still works or could be repaired then “Donate a PC” will donate it to a good cause. You are recommended to clean all personal field and information from the computer before you recycle it.

2. Aerosols
More than three-quarters of recycling centre in the UK will accept aerosol cans. Many council-run home collection schemes will also accept aerosol cans, just check with your local authority first.

Recycling experts recommend that you do not crush, pierce or flatten the aerosol before recycling. They also recommend detaching any loose or easily removable parts, such as the lid, for disposing with the rest of your rubbish.

3. Shampoo Bottle

You can recycle your old empty plastic shower and shampoo bottles along with your other plastic bottless – just give them a rinse first.

4. Lenses
Although recycling centres and home collection schemes will not usually accept spectacle lenses, there are many other outlets for them.

5. Cell Phone
You can trade in your old cell phone.  There are schemes that will take your cell phone off you.

6. Curtains
Oftens overlooked when it comes to recycling – curtains can be taken to your nearest recycling centre. If they are in reasonably good condition then they could also be taken to your local charity shop.

7. Perfume
When you are recycling those wine and other glass bottles do not forget your perfume.  Perfume and aftershave bottles can be recycled with your other household collection items when they are empty.

8. Shoes

Most recycling centres or charity shops will take unwanted shoes. But if you are going to donate them to a shop make sure you tie them together in pairs as they can easily get separated and single shoes can’t be sold on.

Charities like Oxfam, Save The Children, Barnado’s, Age Concern and Cancer Research will accept old shoes.

9. Clothes
High street charity shops like Oxfam and Save the Children will all accept unwanted clothes. However, if they are in bad condition then local recycling centres and banks will both take clothes and other textiles.

10. Batteries
Many local recycling centres are now starting to take batteries. You can find your nearest battery recycling schemes at WRAP.org.uk