With so many things that can be recycled, figuring out what goes where can be a major time commitment.
At C&D, we get it, which is why we’ve put together this easy-to-follow guide on what items can be recycled. Whether you're wondering what you can toss in the bin or where to take those tricky items, we’ve got all the answers to make recycling a snap. All accepted items at C&D are clearly noted for your convenience. Come see us and bring home cash!
Got an old appliance? Click "A." Scrap metal taking up space? Head to "S." It’s like a scavenger hunt, but the prize is cash in your pocket (and a cleaner planet, too).
Recycling from A-E
Aluminum Cans: Recyclable at C&D—we love aluminum! To make the process smoother, rinse and flatten them before recycling. This helps with processing them. Most curbside recycling programs accept aluminum cans too, so if you don’t want to get paid for aluminum, just toss them in your bin.
Aluminum Foil: Although we love aluminum, the volume of what you use in the kitchen won’t be worth a trip for you to C&D. So crumple it up and check your local grocery store. Some have particular bins just for foil and other metals.
Appliances: Recyclable at C&D for cash! From microwaves and dishwashers to washers, dryers, and even fridges, we’re ready to take them off your hands and turn them into cash in your pocket. Unplug and clean them out—no one likes surprises in old fridges! Also, remove any loose parts and group similar items together to keep things smooth. Big or small, we’ll recycle it all! Say goodbye to old appliances and hello to extra money.
Backpacks: Many backpacks are made from recyclable materials like nylon, polyester, or cotton. Check if your local recycling program takes textiles, and you’re in business. Some companies have recycling programs for backpacks and gear, like TerraCycle and Staples. It’s possible you may need to strip off any metal zippers or buckles and of course - empty the pockets.
Batteries: Recyclable at C&D—Batteries come in various types, including alkaline, lithium-ion, and nickel-cadmium, each requiring specialized recycling due to the hazardous materials they contain. Remember - phone batteries should never be disposed of in regular trash due to the risk of fire and environmental harm. While you won’t get paid, many nationwide chain stores provide free drop-off boxes for used household batteries. Visit Call2Recycle to find a location near you.
Cardboard: Just make sure to flatten the boxes and remove any food residue before tossing them in your household paper bin. Clean cardboard is ideal for recycling into new paper products.
Cars: Recyclable at C&D—Loaded with high-value metals like steel, aluminum, copper, and iron, junk cars are perfect for recycling. At C&D, we’ll guide you through the process, from prepping your car to getting the best price, with insider tips to make it hassle-free. Clear out the garage and cash in.
Cellphones: Recyclable at C&D for cash!—these devices are packed with valuable metals and plastics. Ready to dispose of your electronic waste? Start by wiping all personal data, cleaning off any dust, checking for damage or corrosion, and grouping similar items together.
Cereal Boxes: Cereal boxes are typically made of paperboard, which is fully recyclable. Just ensure they're free from food scraps before recycling.
Clothes: Whether through donation or textile recycling programs, old clothes can find a new life. If they’re too worn to donate, look for textile recycling bins in your area.
Coffee Filters: After your morning brew, clean out the coffee grounds and let the filters dry before adding them to your recycling bin. Composting them is also a great option!
Computers: Recyclable at C&D—From old laptops to outdated servers, your e-waste is packed with valuable materials like gold, copper, and aluminum, making it a prime candidate for recycling. At C&D, we make the process simple and rewarding, helping you clear out your workspace while protecting the environment.
Cosmetics: Cosmetics can be tricky. Check local recycling guidelines to see which items, like plastic containers or glass bottles, can be recycled. Some brands also have their recycling programs.
Denim: Old denim can have new life. It can even be turned into insulation or other materials.
Decorative Items: Recyclable at C&D for cash! Whether it’s a metal lamp, ornate picture frame, or metal furniture, C&D is ready to take it all off your hands. These items contain iron, copper, brass, and more, so recycling themff helps save resources and boosts sustainability.
DVDs and CDs: Check with your local government to see if there are recycling programs through curbside pickup or your garbage collection service. You can also use Earth911 to find nearby recycling centers that accept them, explore online services like GreenDisk for mailing your media for disposal.
Electronics, E-waste, E-junk: Recyclable at C&D for cash! We welcome a wide range of electronic waste, including cell phones, iPads, credit card readers and server room equipment. Just make sure to wipe off any personal data, give them a quick dust-off, check for damage or corrosion, and group similar items together. Let’s turn your old gadgets into new money!
Egg Cartons: These are often treated like paper. Clean them up and separate materials—just make sure you're following your area's recycling guidelines! If you have little ones, egg cartons are also perfect for crafts.
Recycling from F-J
Fabrics: Many fabrics, such as cotton and polyester, are recyclable and can be repurposed into new textile products or used as insulation material. Look for local drop-off bins or take-back programs from your favorite stores!
Fans: Recyclable at C&D for cash! Electric fans can be broken down for their metal and plastic parts, which are recyclable at most electronic or metal recycling centers.
Ferrous Metals: Recyclable at C&D for cash! Steel cans, iron, and other scrap metals are widely accepted at metal recycling facilities and can often be sold for a small profit.
Foam Packaging: Polystyrene (Styrofoam) is recyclable at certain facilities that handle electronics and packaging materials.
Food Waste: While not traditionally recyclable, food scraps are ideal for composting to create nutrient-rich soil. Try composting at home or search for a community composting center!
Furniture: Recyclable at C&D for cash, but only if it’s metal; Both wooden and metal furniture can be recycled or donated if in good condition. Furniture banks and some recycling centers specialize in upcycling or breaking down these items for parts. Also check out thrift stores!
Fluorescent Bulbs: Due to their mercury content, these bulbs should be taken to hazardous waste or specialized recycling facilities to ensure safe handling.
Glass: Be sure to clean your glass thoroughly before recycling and remove any non-glass parts. Sort the glass by color and find your nearest recycling center!
Greeting Cards: Paper greeting cards are recyclable, but avoid recycling cards with glitter, metallic coatings, or plastic parts, as these are generally non-recyclable. After removing all non-paper elements, you can put them in your curbside recycling.
Garden Waste: Plant clippings, branches, and leaves can be composted for your own garden or disposed of through yard waste collection programs!
Gloves: Rubber and textile gloves are sometimes recyclable at facilities specializing in these materials, though it’s best to confirm with your local center.
Grocery Bags: Plastic grocery bags are typically not accepted curbside, but check your local and large retailers with reuse programs to reduce waste! Grocery stores often have a receptacle for this.
Hangers: Recyclable at C&D for cash! but only if it’s metal. Metal and plastic hangers can be returned to some dry cleaners or recycled at certain centers; wood hangers are often non-recyclable but may be reused.
Hearing Aids: Many organizations accept hearing aids for refurbishment or donation, look for these facilities to help those in need!
Household Appliances: Recyclable at C&D for cash! Small appliances, like toasters and microwaves, can be taken to recycling centers for their metal and electronic parts.
Holiday Lights: Recyclable at C&D for cash! Many people don’t realize these festive strands are packed with valuable metals like copper, brass, aluminum, and even steel. Recycle smart, and keep the cheer (and metal) out of the landfill!
Household Hazardous Waste: Items like cleaning products, pesticides, and bleach should be handled by hazardous waste facilities that also offer recycling options for certain materials.
Ink Cartridges: Look for office supply stores or HP programs that accept ink cartridges for recycling and may offer incentives for returns.
Insulation: Certain types of insulation, like fiberglass or cellulose, can be recycled through specific construction waste programs in your city!
Inhalers: Used inhalers may be recycled through specialized medical waste programs.
Irrigation Tubing: Plastic drip irrigation tubing can be recycled at agricultural recycling facilities or programs!
Jars: Glass jars are widely recyclable but should follow glass-recycling guidelines: clean before recycling & metal lids being recycled separately.
Juice Pouches: Programs like TerraCycle accept juice pouches, which are then repurposed into new products!
Junk Mail: Your paper junk mail, catalogs, and flyers are easily recyclable at curbside recycling or at local facilities, but be sure to remove any plastic wrapping first!
Jewelry: Recyclable at C&D for cash! Your broken or old jewelry, particularly pieces with precious metals like gold and silver, can be easily recycled for cash, melted down, or refashioned.
Recycling from K-O
Keys: Recyclable at C&D for cash—Got old metal keys lying around? Toss them in with your standard metal recycling! Whether it’s house keys, car keys, or those mysterious keys you can’t remember what they’re for, they’ll find a new life in metal recycling. Just don’t forget to remove any rubber covers or keychains first.
Kitchen Mixers: Recyclable at C&D for cash—So, your trusty kitchen mixer has whipped its last batch? No problem! We’ll take it off your hands—no need for any DIY disassembly. First, unplug the appliance and give it a couple of days to cool down. For easy transport, coil up the cord neatly (bonus points for tidiness).
Keyboards: Recyclable at C&D for cash—Got an old keyboard collecting dust? Good news: we’ll take it! Keyboards may seem like just a mix of plastic and metal, but at C&D, we handle electronic peripherals like pros. No need for special handling or trips to e-waste centers—just bring it to us.
Laptops: Recyclable at C&D for cash—Upgrading your tech? Laptops contain valuable metals and plastics that are perfect for recycling. Bring it to C&D, and we’ll handle the rest—no need to remove batteries or components. By recycling, you’re helping recover precious materials and keeping electronics out of landfills.
Light Fixtures: Recyclable at C&D for cash—Old metal fixtures don’t belong in the trash! At C&D, we specialize in recycling metal components, giving them a second life as new products. Whether it’s steel, aluminum, or another metal, we’ll make sure it’s put to good use.
Mattresses: We can’t take your old mattress, but don’t worry—there are still plenty of options. If it’s in good condition, consider donating it to a local shelter or charity. For recycling, check out specialized facilities that break down mattresses into reusable materials like metal springs and foam. Many retailers also offer mattress take-back or recycling programs when you purchase a new one.
Microwaves: Recyclable at C&D for cash—Your old microwave is packed with metals and electronic components that can be recycled. Drop it off at C&D, and we’ll ensure those materials are properly processed and reused.
Newspapers: While newspapers are easily recyclable in general, we unfortunately can’t take them at C&D. However, you can drop them off at local recycling centers or check with your curbside pickup service. Fun fact: Recycled paper, whole trees and other plants, and wood chips and scraps from sawmills each make up 33 percent of the materials used to make new paper.
Nuts and Bolts: Recyclable at C&D for cash—Got a handful of nuts and bolts? We’ll take them! These small metal items are often made of steel or aluminum.
Organic Waste: While it’s not traditionally recycled, you can compost organic waste instead. Composting helps reduce landfill contributions and creates nutrient-rich soil for your garden.
Recycling from P-T
Plastic Bottles: Not sure what to do with your plastic bottles? Consider making a fun craft or recycling them according to local guidelines to be made into something new!
Paint Cans: Recyclable at C&D for cash– Metal paint cans can be recycled with C&D, but be sure they are empty or dried out & cleaned.
Printers: Not Accepted at C&D– Because of the high plastic content, these can be recycled at other programs that specialize in e-waste!
Radiators: Recyclable at C&D for cash– Bring in your old radiators and cash in on the copper, brass, and steel inside. Whether it’s an old heating unit or a radiator that’s no longer working, bring it in and turn your scrap into cash.
Refrigerators: Recyclable at C&D for cash– Have an old refrigerator? Don’t junk it. Bring it to C&D along with any other metal household appliances.
Rubber Tires: We don't take tires, but you can bring in the metal rims for recycling at C&D. Tires can be repurposed into playground surfaces or road material.
Roofing Materials: Recyclable at C&D for cash– During a roof renovation? We’d love your metal shingles for recycling, but asphalt shingles must go elsewhere.
Scrap Metal: Recyclable at C&D for cash– This is what we do! From copper pipes to steel tools to old computers and appliances, bring in your scrap metal and get cash for all types of recyclable metal!
Smartphones: Recyclable at C&D for cash– Not sure what to do with your old Smartphone? Head on over to C&D where your phone can be recycled for precious metals like gold, silver, and copper
Solar Panels: Recyclable at C&D for cash– Curious to see if you could get money for your solar panels? Bring them into C&D for their aluminum content!
Styrofoam: Don’t know where to throw your styrofoam? Consider creating a fun craft or recycling it to be turned into insulation or packaging!
Televisions: Recyclable at C&D for cash– Don’t toss the old TV—cash in on the metal inside! C&D will recycle it all, and you’ll walk away with cash in your pocket. Let’s make that flat screen work for you—literally!
Textiles: While C&D doesn’t accept textiles, old clothing, linens, and fabric can be recycled or repurposed with exciting local programs and donation efforts.
Tin Cans: Recyclable at C&D for cash– Recycle your tin cans alongside other metal goodies and get paid for your scrap. It’s an easy way to clear out the kitchen and make some extra cash. Recycle, earn, repeat!
Toys: Recyclable at C&D for cash– Are there unused toys scattered about the garage? The metal ones can be recycled at C&D to make room for new memories.
Recycling from U-Z
Umbrellas: Recyclable at C&D for cash—Got a broken umbrella? We’ll take it! The metal frames are perfect for recycling, and while we can’t handle the fabric, it can often be repurposed for crafts or donated elsewhere.
Motor Oil: Many auto shops and recycling centers have programs to dispose of or recycle it properly. Keep it out of the trash to prevent environmental harm!
USB Cables: Recyclable at C&D for cash—Don’t let old cables tangle up your space. We accept them for recycling! Whether they’re made of copper or aluminum, we’ll make sure the valuable materials are recovered and reused.
Vacuum Cleaners: Recyclable at C&D for cash—We love old vacuums! They contain key components, like metal from the motor, and electronic parts, such as circuit boards and wiring.
VCRs: Recyclable at C&D for cash—Time to retire that vintage VCR? We’ve got you covered. VCRs are packed with recyclable materials, including metals like aluminum and steel from the casing and internal mechanisms, plastics from the housing, and electronic components such as circuit boards and wiring.
Vinyl Records: We can’t recycle vinyl records, but specialized facilities often can. You could also repurpose them for creative projects or donate them to collectors or thrift stores.
Water Heaters: Recyclable at C&D for cash—These bulky appliances are made of recyclable metals like steel and copper, and some parts might even be reusable. You’ll not only clear up space but also walk away with cash.
Window Frames: Recyclable at C&D for cash—If they are aluminum, absolutely! Drop them off at C&D and turn those frames into funds.
Wire Hangers: Recyclable at C&D for cash—Don’t let those wire hangers pile up! They’re recyclable in our metal recycling program, and you’ll even earn a little extra cash when you bring them to C&D.
Wires: Recyclable at C&D—Rich in sought-after materials like copper and aluminum, wire is a prime recycling opportunity. At C&D, we accept various wires, from everyday extension cords to high-grade harnesses and Romex® wire. Whether you’re clearing out old electronics or wrapping up a renovation project, we’ll guide you through the process to ensure you get the best value.
Wood Scraps: We can’t take clean wood, but it doesn’t have to go to waste! Many local facilities can repurpose it for projects like mulch or composting. Check with your community programs to find the best option for giving your wood a new purpose.
Washing Machines: Recyclable at C&D for cash—If you’re considering a new laundry setup, let us take the old one off your hands. It contains recyclable materials like metal and electronic parts.
X-Rays: X-rays can be recycled at specialized facilities for silver recovery. Look for local programs that handle this type of e-waste to ensure proper disposal and recycling.
Yard Waste: Compost it at home or drop off at local composting facilities. It’s a great way to reduce waste and create nutrient-rich soil for your garden!
Zinc Batteries: Recyclable at C&D for cash—Bring zinc batteries to C&D! We can recycle them to recover valuable metals like zinc, helping keep these materials out of landfills and ensuring they’re put to good use.
Zip Drives: Recyclable at C&D for cash—Remember those old zip drives? Don’t toss them! They contain recyclable electronic components like circuit boards and metal parts. Bring them to C&D, and we’ll ensure these materials are properly recycled to reduce e-waste.
Still, have a question about recycling your item? Contact us!