If tossing things into the landfill bin riddles you with as much guilt as it does me, keep reading! And if it doesn’t — well, that’s an even greater reason for you to read on!
We recently had a chat in the Adelady office about recycling and what everyone does at home. The good news? We’re all on board the recycling train — toot-toot to that! What also became apparent is that some of us take it to the next level. I’m talking hardcore recycling. For example Tory, who won’t even let a few crumbs from the kitchen bench hit the landfill bin. She’s a true Planeteer, that one!
Some things however, just don’t belong in your everyday home recycling bin and it can be tricky figuring out what to do with these items. Have you ever finished a big clean-out at home and ended up with a pile of random ‘stuff’ you have no idea how to dispose of? The temptation to just toss it all in the landfill bin and call it a day is REAL. But there’s a better way, my friends! With a little extra effort, you can recycle these items and help protect our precious planet for future generations.
Here’s a mind-blower: a simple CD takes over a MILLION years to decompose. Crazy, right? From old clothes, odd socks, bed sheets, shoes, electrical items, and even x-rays — I’ve put together a handy list of places where you can take your unwanted goods so they don’t end up in a landfill graveyard.
Textiles
Have you got clothes floating around that are too stained or worn to donate, or old sheets or towels clogging up your cupboards? Textiles including worn, damaged and unusable clothing, towels, sheets and quilt covers can still be recycled! Here’s a list of places that can take them off your hands:
Image credit: H&M
Not that we ever need an excuse to visit Zara, but why not use the opportunity to drop in your old textiles or shoes and save them from landfill. A ‘shop n’ drop’, if you will!
H&M’s ‘Close the loop’ initiative invites you to drop unwanted textiles to be reworn, reused or recycled. Rumour has it that you even receive a thank you voucher towards your next purchase when you donate!
Sheridan’s recycling program allows you to recycle sheets, quilt covers and towels which are converted into high-grade raw materials for use in many industries at their facility in Queensland.
Image credit: Sheridan
Animal shelters
Animal shelters often welcome textiles for their furry friends for bedding etc. It’s best to check in with them to see if they are in need before you go.
Mechanics
Mechanics will often use old textiles for rags. Why not check in to see if your mechanic could do with some fresh ones?!
Shoes
If your kids are anything like mine, they wear out their shoes before they grow out of them, meaning they are unsuitable to be donated for re-use. However, shoes can take up to 1000 years to decompose in landfill, so check out these awesome places where you can drop them off for recycling:
This incredible initiative facilitates drop-off points at a tonne of different locations including Rebel Sport, FRANKIE4, Intersport, Platypus, Nike, Athletes Foot and many more! They even take old sporting balls which are worn, flat or in my case — fell victim to the dog. Check out their website to find your most convenient location.
Not only do they take old textiles, but old footwear as well!
E-Waste
Electronic (e-waste) is anything that needs a plug or a battery to work. These include everything from computers, TVs, printers and DVD players, to hairdryers and electric mixers. Here are some places where you can drop unwanted E-Waste near you:
Image credit: Officeworks
There are various participating E-waste drop off points around SA including Bunnings, Harvey Norman, The Good Guys, Officeworks and so many more! Check out their website to find your closest drop off spot.
Electronic Recycling Australia
These guys are backed by Bedford and employ people with disabilities to dismantle and sort e-waste from their Unplug N’ Drop locations around SA.
If in doubt, head to Officeworks! Their incredible ‘Bring It Back’ program will take unwanted computers and laptops, monitors, keyboards, printers, mice, hard drives, mobile phones and accessories, cables, chargers, DVDs and CDs, printer cartridges, batteries and even old pens!
Household Batteries (AA, AAA, C, D, 9V, button cell)
Around 8,000 tonnes of batteries are disposed of in landfills throughout Australia each year. They leak toxic materials into the environment and are the most common form of hazardous household waste. The solution:
Image credit: B-cycle
B-cycle is Australia’s official battery recycling scheme. They make sure that the precious materials in every battery you drop off get made into something new. Free drop-off locations are conveniently located at many supermarkets and hardware stores. Check their website to find your closest battery recycling point.
X-rays
Who doesn’t have a selection of random x-ray films from over the years tucked away in random cupboards? Here are a few places who collect them for recycling:
Image credit: I-MED Radiology Network
I-MED Radiology Network / Jones Radiology
For a list of Jones Radiology clinics where you can drop your old x-rays, check their website.
Councils and other drop-off points
Contact your local council to see if they have an x-ray recycling drop-off point in your area. Many councils accept x-rays at libraries and community recycling centres. You can also contact the radiologist, hospital or x-ray facility where the films were taken to see if they accept them.
I hope this helps us all make the effort to reduce our contribution to landfill and help our Earth stay healthy for future generations. As the great Captain Planet once said, ‘The power is yours!’
