We all habitually throw things in the trash without giving them a second thought. But what if we told you that some of those items could actually be worth something because you can use them in another way? Before you haul that trash bag to the curb, let’s look at 18 common household items you might want to hold onto a little longer.
Old Mobile Phones
Do you know that drawer full of old phones you’ve meant to clean out? Remember, they’re backed with precious metals like gold, silver, and copper. Companies actually buy these phones to recover these metals. You could make a few bucks and do something for the planet by not leaving these metals in landfills.
Used Cooking Oil
Dumping oil down the drain is bad for several reasons, including the fact that it can clog things up and cause a whole mess. Some places will actually pick it up for free because you can turn it into biodiesel, a cleaner-burning fuel used in many diesel engines. This way, you can turn a greasy problem into a green solution.
Greeting Cards
Old greeting cards might pull on your heartstrings, and they could also pull in some cash, too. Collectors sometimes look for unique and vintage cards. Depending on the artist or era, you might have a collectible on your hands, so perhaps stash them away instead of chucking them out.
Wine Bottle Corks
Don’t throw that cork away if you’ve popped open a bottle of wine. It can be recycled into various things, like flooring or even new corks. Some companies and crafters will pay for them in bulk, so collecting them might be worthwhile. It’s also a great excuse to open another bottle, strictly for the corks.
Prescription Eyeglasses
They might be outdated, but your old prescription glasses could actually help someone. Many organizations collect used eyeglasses because they can be refurbished and given to people in need worldwide. Just clearing out your drawers could make a huge difference in someone’s life.
Empty Cosmetics
Once you’ve finished your foundation or lipstick, think before throwing away those empty containers. Some cosmetic brands will give you discounts or freebies if you bring them back for recycling. It’s a win-win because you get a perk for being eco-friendly, and the store gives those plastics a new lease of life.
Broken Pottery and Ceramics
Don’t just throw out those chipped dishes—a local artist or school art department will happily take them. They can turn broken ceramics into beautiful mosaics or other art projects. Giving them away means you’ll declutter your house while supporting local art and creativity.
Expired Coupons
There’s no point in throwing away old coupons just because you can’t use them. Military families can actually use expired coupons for up to six months at overseas commissaries. It’s an easy way to support troops while ensuring those deals don’t go to waste, which helps everyone.
Old Carpets
With so many recycling options for carpets, you’d be a fool to throw it out. You can turn carpets into all kinds of new products, and some companies even specialize in it, so they’ll pick it up for you. It’s also good for the environment because it lowers the demand for new raw materials, so don’t throw away your old carpets.
Used Batteries
We all know not to throw batteries in the trash because they’re bad for the environment, but did you know they’re also valuable? Many stores have recycling programs for them because they contain metals like lead and zinc, which they can recover and reuse. Recycling batteries help you and Mother Nature. What could be better than that?
Old Textbooks
You might not use them anymore, but that pile of old textbooks in your closet could be useful to someone else. Some places buy back used textbooks because they can sell them to students who need them at a more affordable price. Give someone the gift of knowledge by taking them back.
Gift Cards
Gift cards with just a dollar or two left on them can actually be useful. Some charities collect these small balance cards to fund their programs by combining small amounts into a large pot. Donating even a small leftover amount can help important causes for people in need.
Hotel Key Cards
Hotel key cars are often made of plastic, which means they can be recycled. Instead of just throwing them away, donate them to a recycling company so you can help keep plastics out of the landfill. You can also return them to the hotel, as most hotel key cards are reusable because they just need to be reencoded.
Single Socks
It’s unlikely that anyone will pay you for a single sock, but that doesn’t mean it’s completely useless. You could turn it into a dust rag or even use it as a pet toy. If you’re feeling creative, collect a bunch of them and turn them into a patchwork quilt. Just because your sock has gone solo doesn’t mean you should throw it away.
Old Calendars
Most calendars have some stunning artwork or photos, so don’t just throw away your old ones. You can cut them out and frame them to turn them into beautiful decorations for your home or use them for scrapbooking. Think twice before throwing them away because those old calendars could jazz up a room with a bit of color.
Brita Filters
Around 70% of water filters are Brita, and approximately 8% of American homes have one. Many things inside the used water pitcher filters can be recycled, and there are specific drop-off programs that’ll accept them. You’ll be able to reduce waste and help companies make new products.
Empty Pill Bottles
Many organizations will collect those empty pill bottles in your medicine cabinet because they can use them to distribute medical supplies in developing countries. This way, they can give people medicines both safely and securely. Who would’ve thought that donating them could be so useful?
Pumpkin Seeds
Don’t throw out those pumpkin seeds after you’ve carved your jack-o’-lantern because you can actually clean and roast them. Roasted pumpkin seeds have plenty of nutrients like magnesium and zinc, so they’re a perfect snack. If that doesn’t sound like your thing, then just save the seeds to plant them next year.
19 Grim Realities of Dating After 50 That Are Often Overlooked
19 Grim Realities of Dating After 50 That Are Often Overlooked
26 Things That Will Be Extinct Because Millennials Refuse to Buy Them
26 Things That Will Be Extinct Because Millennials Refuse to Buy Them
24 Outdated Slang Terms You Absolutely Shouldn’t Be Using Anymore
24 Outdated Slang Terms You Absolutely Shouldn’t Be Using Anymore
25 Hardest Parts About Getting Older That No One Ever Talks About
25 Hardest Parts About Getting Older That No One Ever Talks About
