Most people know they can recycle paper, plastic bottles, and cardboard—but what about air conditioners, phones, or vending machines? You’d be surprised how many items you throw away that could be recycled instead. In this guide, we’re breaking down 20 common (and not-so-common) items you might not have known were recyclable. It’s time to clear the confusion, cut down on waste, and learn how responsible recycling helps protect the planet and preserve valuable materials.
Air Conditioners
A bulky item you can recycle—just not on your own
Air conditioners are one item you can recycle, but they require special handling. These units are packed with metals like aluminum and copper, which can be recovered and reused.
- Refrigerants inside must be carefully removed and disposed of by licensed professionals.
- Tossing an A/C unit illegally can result in environmental harm and fines.
- Some utility companies offer rebates or incentives when you recycle an old unit during an upgrade.
Aluminum
A lightweight item you can recycle that saves big energy
Aluminum is a common item you can recycle every day—cans, foil, packaging, and even car parts.
- It’s endlessly recyclable without losing quality, which makes it a sustainability powerhouse.
- You’ll find it in everything from drink cans to furniture and electronics.
Batteries
A small item you can recycle with a big environmental impact
Batteries are a common household item you can recycle, but many people still toss them in the trash.
- Batteries contain toxic heavy metals like lithium, cadmium, and lead.
- Household battery recycling bins are available at many hardware and retail stores.
- Car batteries and larger industrial ones have their own dedicated recycling processes.
Dishwashers & Ovens
A large household item you can recycle with the right drop-off
Dishwashers and ovens are a heavy-duty item you can recycle instead of sending to the landfill.
- These appliances are mostly made of recyclable metal and internal wiring.
- Motors, heating elements, and control panels can often be salvaged or reused.
- For proper disposal, take them to an electronics recycling center—not the curb.
DVDs
An outdated item you can recycle with the right prep
DVDs are a plastic-based item you can recycle, even if they feel like ancient tech now.
- Discs are made from polycarbonate plastic that can be repurposed into other products.
- Remove and separate paper sleeves and plastic cases before recycling.
- Some specialty recyclers accept bulk DVD drop-offs or mail-in programs.
Hard Drives
A tech item you can recycle after protecting your data
Hard drives are another item you can recycle—but only after making sure your info is safe.
- They’re filled with metals and components that can be extracted.
- Drives should be wiped clean by an electronics recycling company who have the capability.
- Most computer recycling or e-waste programs accept hard drives as part of their intake.
Laptops and Computers
A common item you can recycle instead of hoarding in drawers
Laptops and desktop computers are a tech item you can recycle responsibly and securely.
- Internals include recyclable plastics, circuit boards, and recoverable metals.
- Companies like EACR Inc provide reliable data destruction when it comes to recycling laptops and computers.
Microwaves & Toasters
A kitchen item you can recycle (even if it sparked once or twice)
Microwaves and toasters are a household item you can recycle instead of tossing out on trash day.
- Built with recyclable materials like metal housing, glass, and internal wires.
- Many include motors and capacitors that can be dismantled and reused.
- Some municipalities offer appliance collection days or drop-off locations for small kitchen electronics.
Phones
An item you can recycle for parts
Phones are a compact item you can recycle that’s packed with materials.
- They contain metals like copper, and other earth elements.
- Old phones can be refurbished, reused, or stripped for parts.
- Many recyclers accept them at little cost
Projectors
A bulky item you can recycle through e-waste programs
Projectors are another item you can recycle—especially from schools or offices doing tech upgrades.
- Made of recyclable plastics, bulbs, metal, and wiring.
- Businesses and schools often recycle them in bulk during IT refreshes.
Propane Tanks
An item you can recycle only with care
Propane tanks are not something to toss in a bin—but they are an item you can recycle safely.
- Should never be thrown into regular recycling or trash due to explosion risk.
- Most tanks can be exchanged or returned to hardware or gas retailers.
- Specialized recycling programs remove the valve and recycle the metal shell.
Radios
A classic item you can recycle or even repurpose
Radios are a small electronic item you can recycle through e-waste programs.
- Include circuit boards, speakers, wiring, and metal/plastic casings.
- Easily accepted at most electronics recycling drop-off locations.
Refrigerators & Freezers
A large appliance item you can recycle with proper pickup
Refrigerators and freezers are a common item you can recycle, but they need expert handling.
- Contain refrigerants and compressors that require special disposal.
- Many utility companies and retailers offer pickup services with new appliance delivery.
Solar Panels
A sustainable item you can recycle after decades of use
Solar panels are a high-tech item you can recycle once they reach end-of-life.
- Contain recyclable glass, aluminum, and silicon cells.
- Panels usually last 20–30 years before needing replacement.
- Specialized facilities are equipped to safely break them down.
Televisions
A household item you can recycle—no matter the size
Televisions are a bulky item you can recycle through most electronics recyclers.
- CRT TVs contain leaded glass and need special handling.
- Flat screens include recyclable LED or mercury-based components.
- Local e-waste centers usually accept all TV types, including smart TVs.
Vending Machines & Ice Makers
A commercial item you can recycle in parts or whole
Vending machines and ice makers are a larger item you can recycle through appliance programs.
- Built with metal, motors, refrigerants, and internal wiring.
- Can be dismantled and scrapped similarly to HVAC or kitchen appliances.
- Many businesses recycle these when upgrading breakroom or kitchen equipment.
Video Cameras
An outdated item you can recycle after clearing memory
Video cameras are a tech item you can recycle instead of letting it collect dust.
- Built with metal, plastic, glass lenses, and internal batteries.
- Accepted at most e-waste recycling events and drop-offs.
- Always remove SD cards or internal memory before handing it over.
Video Game Consoles
A nostalgic item you can recycle
Old game consoles are another item you can recycle or even repurpose.
- Contain plastics, metals, and circuit boards.
- Often eligible for refurbishment or recycling through console manufacturers and professional recycling companies.
- Many brands and stores offer trade-in or take-back programs.
Washers & Dryers
A major appliance item you can recycle
Washers and dryers are another large item you can recycle responsibly.
- Contain high amounts of steel, motors, and electronics.
- Can be dismantled into scrap or processed as-is by recyclers.
- Many retailers will haul them away for recycling when delivering a new unit.
Water Coolers & Dispensers
A breakroom item you can recycle easily
Water coolers and dispensers are another item you can recycle when upgrading appliances.
- Built from recyclable plastic, wiring, and refrigeration components.
- Often accepted during appliance drop-offs or bulk pickups.
- Some working units can also be donated or refurbished before recycling.
Conclusion: Don’t Toss It—Recycle It with the Experts
From outdated electronics to bulky appliances, many of the items sitting in your basement, garage, or office can—and should—be recycled. Knowing what’s recyclable is just the first step. Partnering with a licensed electronics recycling company ensures your items are handled safely, legally, and sustainably.
EACR Inc. is your go-to expert for electronics recycling across New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, Washington DC, Virginia, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Connecticut, & Maine.. Whether you’re a business, school, government agency, or individual, we make it easy to recycle responsibly.
Ready to recycle the right way? Contact EACR Inc. today to schedule a pickup or get a free quote.
