The more things that we can recycle, repurpose, or re-use, the better it is for the Earth. Recycling takes resources that would otherwise end up in landfills and turns them into new things. That way, we don’t have to go through as much of a particular resource. Another good reason to recycle is that, in some cases, you can save money by recycling.

Cans and Bottles
The amount you can get back by recycling cans and bottles depends on which state you live in. In California, you can recycle with RePLANET and get five cents for containers less than 24 ounces, and 10 cents for containers more than (or equal to) 24 ounces. Other states have reverse vending machines that you can use to exchange your empty cans and bottles for cash.

Electronics
Old electronics that are broken, outdated, or no longer in use are often called eWaste. Best Buy has an Electronics Recycling Program. They will recycle your eWaste for free. When my husband and I brought some eWaste to our local Best Buy, we talked with a member of their Geek Squad. He gave us a receipt that he said we can use as a write off when we do taxes.

Ink and Toner
Staples has a Recycle and Save program. Bring your used cartridges to any register in a Staples store (up to 10 per month). They will give you $2.00 back in Staples Rewards per recycled cartridge. It doesn’t cost anything at all to join Staples Rewards.

Clothing, Shoes, and Household Items
Federal law permits Goodwill Industries to give people who donate clothing, shoes, household items, (and more) the ability to claim a tax deduction for it. This is only applicable for items that are in good condition (or better). They have a Valuation Guide on their website that shows an estimated amount that specific items will be valued at for tax deduction purposes.

Batteries
Radio Shack will recycle your old rechargeable batteries for you. They accept batteries that are Ni-CD, Ni-MH, Li-ion, Ni-Zn, and PB that weigh up to 11 pounds per battery. They do not accept alkaline, lithium non-rechargeable, or wet-cell batteries.

It isn’t clear from their website whether or not they will give you anything for the batteries you bring in to recycle. It is still a “green” way to get rid of the batteries you have at home, though. Radio Shack works with Call2Recycle to recycle batteries.

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