A growing segment of the population is aware of the environmental consequences of tossing their trash into landfills. Recycling capabilities are increasing in big cities and small towns across the country. However, no matter how well-intentioned people are, there are some items that are often overlooked when it comes to recycling. Before you take your bin to the curb, check to see if you are making the best use of it.

Electronics 

In many places, you are legally required to recycle all unwanted and junk electronics. Not that the trash police are likely to show up at the end of your driveway but, still, it just goes to show you how important this is. Many have heavy metals that can easily contaminate groundwater sources if they are not properly disposed of. Plus, there can be valuable materials inside some unwanted electronic devices. Before you toss an old television, dehumidifier, radio, computer or cell phone on the regular trash can, check to find a recycling facility nearby.

Old Cars

When it's time to shop for a new car, what do you do with the old one? For many people, the answer is simply to trade it into the dealer to save on the cost of its replacement. However, older cars may not be eligible for trade-in or the amount you get may not be worth the effort. In that case, recycling is a viable choice. Scrap yards will pay you for the metal components of your old vehicle, including those from the body, frame and engine. The casting process ensures that any metal you recycle this way can be reused for another purpose.

Cleaning Supply Containers

Take a peek inside your cleaning supply closet and then ask yourself when the last time you recycled one of the empty containers was. If you are like most people, it may have been a while. Most cleaning products are packaged in either plastic or cardboard that is almost entirely recyclable. Yet, when the bottle is empty or you hit the end of a roll of paper towels, the last thing you often think to do is head for the recycle bin. Having a small pail for these types of products in each room makes it easier to remember (and do) even if you are in the middle of some serious spring cleaning.

Health and Beauty Product Packaging

Just like your cleaning supplies, many health and beauty products come in recyclable packaging. Glass jars, plastic tubs and metal cans can all be recycled if properly prepped. A few of the most likely culprits to get overlooked include:

• Toothpaste tubes
  
• Shampoo and conditioner containers
  
• Perfume and aftershave bottles
  
• Deodorant cans and tube

Printer Cartridges

Now that you are thinking of taking your printer to the recycling facility, why not do the same for the ink cartridges it uses. Although they are considered consumables, ink cartridges and laser toners or drum units are generally made of plastic components that can be shredded, melted and remade into new products. Failing to recycle them can have serious consequences for the environment.

Register Receipts

Whether you shop in person or online, you will inevitably end up with a pile of receipts. Too often these get tossed into the trash along with any other packaging. After all, the paper will decompose in the landfill, right? While that is technically true, tossing receipts into the trash or on the ground can be dangerous to the environment. Ink can leach into groundwater supplies or get eaten by wildlife.

With a little careful planning and some forethought, you can increase your contribution to the environment through recycling. Look for the triangular recycling symbol on most plastics and metals. Also, be sure to only put clean items in the bin to avoid contamination that could make the whole load unusable.