Metro Metals can handle all of your scrap metal and vehicle recycling needs, but those aren’t the only things worth recycling! Recycling isn’t just about melting or shredding materials into usable resources. It’s also about reducing consumption and reusing when possible. Chances are, if you can think of a use for something, it can be recycled. And if you can’t, someone else likely can. Here are 10 interesting objects that can become so much more than landfill trash when you’re done with them:
- Packing peanuts and bubble wrap. If you can resist popping all the bubbles, bubble wrap can be reused again and again. It’s great to have on hand when you’re packing seasonal decorations, moving or sending a package. You can also recycle it through org. Packing peanuts and other foam packaging can be recycled through the Alliance of Foam Packaging Recyclers, or you can just reuse them in the same ways as bubble wrap.
- Running shoes. Serious runners know that shoes are only good for so long before it’s time to upgrade. However, there’s probably a lot of miles left in most running shoes. One World Running accepts shoes in good condition and sends them to people throughout the world who can’t afford brand new running shoes. If your shoes aren’t in good condition, Nike’s Reuse-A-Shoe program accepts used shoes at select locations and turns them into materials for new athletic fields and tracks.
- Brita filters. Filtered water is great, but plastic waste is not. The plastic in your Brita (or other brand) filter can’t just be thrown in your municipal recycling stream. Fortunately, you’ve got a couple of easy options. Gimme 5 drop-off bins and the TerreCycle program are two great options that are both easy to use.
- If you wear glasses, you know how expensive it is not just for the lenses, but also the frames. Many people can’t afford this, so it’s great that several charities are there to help out. ReSpectacle and the Lions Club are just two of these.
- Bottle caps. If you’re cracking open a cold drink after work, you probably aren’t thinking about saving the cap. However, bottle caps can be used for a variety of craft projects. The creative reuse store Art Start in St. Paul may accept metal bottle caps. Otherwise, you never know what your crafty friends might be looking for – be sure to ask them too!
- Metal coat hangers. Hangers tend to accumulate around the house, especially if you get a lot of dry cleaning done. Rather than toss them out, see if your local cleaner will take them back to reuse. You can also try putting your coat hanger collection on the Twin Cities Free Market.
- Old keys. Like coat hangers, old keys can accumulate as well. If you don’t know what they go to anymore, and you’ve got a collection building, you can donate them to the Keys For Hope This program collects keys and recycles them to benefit local food shelters.
- Wine corks. Cork is a versatile material that can be used for a variety of things. Rather than throw out your corks, why not save them up so they can be used for a good purpose? Many crafters use cork for projects, and they can be recycled into new cork material. Try selling your corks on a craft website, sending them in to ReCork, or dropping them off at Whole Foods.
- Holiday lights. The holidays are a long way off, but it’s good to know that once you take out the decorations and discover a string that isn’t working that you can get rid of it responsibly. Many places in the Twin Cities will happily take your non-working string lights all year round through the Recycle Your Holidays Holiday LEDs is another option.
- Greeting cards. It’s easy to hold onto sentimental greeting cards, but over time they can really stack up. Luckily the message is usually only on one side, meaning that you can save it and donate the pretty cover. St Jude’s Ranch for Children is just one of the many charities that will accept greeting cards – new or used – and turn them into a meaningful new card.
Get The Best Prices For Your Scrap Metal In The Twin Cities
It’s easy to recycle everyday objects if you get creative! These are just a few of the thousands of items that can be reused rather than thrown out. A lot of reuse options involve donating to charity or dropping off your items in boxes. All of that is a worthy and important cause, but recycling for your own profit is worthwhile too!
Metro Metals will buy many types of metal for top cash on the spot. Whether you have a totaled or junk car, a pile of stainless steel, or a catalytic converter, you can get a great price at Metro Metals. There’s not much better than getting cash on the spot for something that’s been an eyesore or is taking up needed space in your shop.
Our recycling services are perfect for individuals, but also for construction companies, demolition companies, body shops, machine shops, electricians and plumbers. No matter your industry, Metro Metals can take care of your scrap metal needs! Contact us at 651-641-0977 or find our website to see how we can serve you.
