10 Things You Didn't Know You Could Recycle

The Palo Alto Recycling Center accepts all sorts of items you didn't know about. Check out this list of the not-so-obvious recyclables--and if you can't bring it to the Center, we'll tell you what to do with it.  

1. Aerosol Cans

Don't let these dangerous toxin-containers seep into landfills. Take off the cap, empty the can, peel off the label and toss it in your recycling bin.

2. Mattresses

Yes, mattresses can be recycled, too. If it's not in good enough shape to donate to  or put on Craigslist, you can drop it off at the Palo Alto Recycling Center. 

3. Cellphones

When you got your new iPhone 4, what did you do with your iPhone 3GS? Many organizations will take your old cell phones and put them to good use. Donate yours to Cell Phones for Soldiers, for example. If its beyond repair, don't just trash it--cell phone contain hazardous chemicals, too. Bring it to the Palo Alto Recycling Center. 

4. Foam packaging 

You know all those annoying foam "peanuts" that come in the carboard boxes with your online orders? Well, those can be recylced, too--but don't leave them in your reycling bin. Check out the Plastic Loose Fill Council's website or call their "Peanut Hotline" at 800-828-2214 to find a recycling center close to you. For larger foam pieces used to cushion televisions and such, contact the Alliance of Foam Packaging Recyclers at www.epspackaging.org. 

5. CFLs

CFLs, or compact fluorescent lamps, are great energy savers but can be tricky to recycle. Recycle your used ones at IKEA at 1700 E. Bayshore Road in East Palo Alto, or visit LampRecycle.org to find more drop-off locations.

6. Old Medicine

Don't toss it in the trash or toilet where it can seep into the water supply--recycle i! Due to illegal dumping, the Santa Clara County Hazardous Waste Recycling & Disposal council does not post an address--residents must make an appointment on their website or call (408)299-7300 to get assigned a drop-off location. 

7. Running Shoes

Bring your old running shoes to the Nike Store at the to recycle them. Learn about the process at www.nikereuseashoe.com.

8. Wine Corks

Drop off your collection of wine corks at the local , like the one downtown at 774 Emerson Street. Whole Foods works in collaboration with Cork ReHarvest to recycle this renewable product.

9. Eye Glasses

Donate your old glasses to someone in need with the Palo Alto Lion's Club Eye Glasses Collection Program. Drop-off locations, such as the Avenidas office at 450 Bryant Street downtown, can be found here. 

10. Motor Oil

The Palo Alto Recycling Center accepts up to 5 gallons of motor oil and other household hazardous wastes, like antifreeze, batteries and oil filters. Just make sure to separate the hazardous materials from the rest of your recyclables.

For a full list of their items you can bring to the Palo Alto Recycling Center on Earth Day or any day, click here.