Over the past several years, recycling has become a natural part of everyday life. It's simple to do and very accessible, with transfer stations and programs available almost everywhere you look. 

However, it can also be fun to take recycling into your own hands. The question is, where to begin? Not only is it a great opportunity to utilize your creativity, the sky's the limit with how far you can go as well. Here are five unique and inspiring ways to get started.

1. Tackle the Trickier Items

Some materials can be tricky to recycle. Oftentimes it's due to their size or material, or finding a place to process them.

For instance, maybe you have an old vehicle in your garage that will never see the road again, and you're not sure how to get rid of it. Have you heard of the metal casting process? This is a great way to ensure your metal is not only processed responsibly, but recycled and reused as well. And as a bonus, you'll get that space in your garage back.

Alternatively, if you're looking for a new hobby and can acquire the right equipment, doing this at home on a smaller scale could be very interesting.

2. Get Crafty 

If you're someone who loves to craft — whether it's on your own or with kids — improving your crafting game is always a good idea. And what better way to do this than incorporating as many recycled materials as possible?  

One of the neatest things about using recycled materials in your crafts is how far your creativity can take you. Guide your fantasy-loving little one through making cute forest fairies out of empty egg cartons, or make wine glass charms out of old bottlecaps before your next backyard gathering.

Once you're in the habit of saving everyday recyclables, you'll end up with a craft closet that's bursting at the seams with possibility.

3. Take It Outside

If you enjoy spending time outdoors tending to your gardens, making your lawn beautiful or simply taking in the sights and sounds of nature, getting creative with your recycling can be very rewarding.

Try thinking of ways you can get everyday jobs done using things you'd otherwise take to the recycling center. So when it's time for watering, don't worry about spending a lot on a brand new sprinkler. You can easily make one out of an empty plastic soda bottle. 

When you're ready to sit back and relax, try birdwatching. Attracting birds would be made easy, thanks to a homemade feeder. 

4. Give Your Furnishings a Unique Touch

One of the quickest ways to make updates to your home is to refresh its furnishings. However, this can be expensive and even unnecessary, especially if you've got some creativity brewing (and some spare time). 

Maybe you have an older home with an original door that needs to be replaced. Instead of getting rid of it, why not turn it into a headboard or coffee table? This would be a great way to preserve part of your home while also giving it a fresh look and unique feel.

Upcycling older furniture is another way to recycle. Think of taking a dresser that has seen better days and turning it into a showpiece that will bring a breath of fresh air into whatever room it's in.

5. Start Composting

Have you ever composted before? If you haven't, get a pail ready and start building your composting area.

Not only does composting cut down on the amount of trash produced, it's also a quick, easy and free (or low cost) way to recycle. As a bonus, you could regularly end up with a nutrient-rich garden if you compost properly. Making sure you're familiar with what's okay to recycle is important, so do your research first.

Whatever method(s) you choose for recycling, you can feel good knowing you're doing your part. You'll feel even better when you realize how much you're benefiting from it each day.