The more mindful you are about what goes in the trash, the more you’ll reduce your carbon footprint. There are a wide range of items that belong nowhere near garbage bins because of factors such as toxicity and non-biodegradability. Here are four common items to recycle instead of throwing them out, most of which can be sold as scrap metal.

4 Items To Recycle Instead Of Throw Out

1. Aluminum Cans

Less than half of the over 100 billion aluminum cans sold in the United States every year get recycled. And since the aluminum industry accounts for millions of greenhouse gases released into the air annually, including carbon dioxide, reusing the material is much safer and efficient than creating the metal from scratch. Sell this 100% recyclable material that’s usable indefinitely as scrap metal to earn cash and help the environment.

2. Car Batteries

All batteries contain heavy metals and toxic acids requiring special recycling instead of standard disposal. Once the acid in car batteries gets neutralized, the remaining plastic and lead is broken down and reused to prevent environmental damage. Take your old car batteries to your local scrapyard, as they can also be sold for quick and easy cash.

3. Electronics

Some 80% of the laptops, cell phones, desktops, MP3 players, and other electronics produced worldwide end up in landfills, adding toxic materials such as mercury, lead, and chromium to soil and waterways. Reusing electronics also saves energy—for example, recycling 1 million laptops every year saves the electricity equivalent to what 3,500 American homes produce. Find stores that offer electronic recycling near you, such as home entertainment and office supply centers. 

4. Tires

When tires end up in landfills, their breakdown adds carbon dioxide to the air. They also provide nests for disease-carrying animals such as rats, mice, and birds while also creating stagnant water sources for mosquitoes. Tires offer endless recycling options, including use as mulch and playground equipment. If you have old tires taking up space in your garage, get cash for them at a scrapyard near you. 

T&S Automotive pays cash for tires, aluminum cans, car batteries, and other scrap metal and vehicle parts. The Thomasville, NC, scrapyard serves communities within a 40-mile radius, accepting all junk cars and selling car parts at deep discounts. Any vehicle over 10 years old without a title can also be sold for scrap metal. Call (336) 882-7989 today to schedule a scrap metal pickup or visit the website for information about accepted items.