This guide contains options for recycling beyond the usual paper and plastic.
If you're unsure about an item's recyclability, don't toss it in and hope for the best. "When in doubt, throw it out" is a good rule of thumb. Incorrectly placed items can cause problems with equipment at recycling facilities, possibly endangering workers and/or contaminating other materials.
Appliances - Large & Small
Donate (working appliances only):Salvation Army thrift stores
*Goodwill does not typically accept appliance donations in the Chicagoland area although they do in some other regions.
Recycle:
Best Buy accepts many large and small appliances.
Batteries
Remember, you can recycle all batteries at DePaul!
The EPA has deemed alkaline batteries suitable for landfill disposal.
Best Buy has rechargeable battery recycling kiosks within the doors of most locations.
Clothes & Other Textiles
Can be donated to
Demon Surplus With A Purpose (SWAP) held at the end of each academic year.
Many thrift stores accept clothing and textiles EVEN IF they're unwearable (call and ask your location to be sure). These items are sold to textile recyclers to be made into industrial rags, carpet fibers, insulation and more. Check out
Nearly New Thrift Store nearby!
Levi's now offers clothing and shoe recycling at all of its mainline and outlet locations in the US. Items must be clean and dry.
The North Face offers recycling for all clothing regardless of brand or condition.
Reusable bags often get thrown out when they become tattered and worn. Send your bags to
Chicobag instead (click on Zero Waste Program)! They'll be given to low income families or recycled through partnerships with artists, crafters, and nonprofits.
Electronics (E-Waste)
E
HS collects electronics (and household hazardous waste) once a year during Earth Week.
Municipal programs are usually for residents only, whereas private recycling options (Best Buy, Staples) are open to all.
Household Hazardous Waste (HHW)
HHW includes all types of household chemicals (cleaners,
pesticides) and products containing hazardous materials (smoke alarms,
batteries). These items should never be placed in household trash or recycling
bins.
EHS collects HHW (and electronics) once a year during Earth Week.
Some municipalities offer HHW collection exclusively for their residents – check first
with your local government. If no such local option exists, the following
facilities (as well as the Chicago one listed above) are available to all
Illinois residents.
Medication
EHS collects unwanted/expired medication once a year during Earth Week.
Personal Care Products
Cosmetics: Origins accepts empty containers of any brand/type for recycling in their stores. MAC, Lush, Kiehl's and Aveda take back their own empty containers. Bare Minerals, Stila and Jane Iredale offer refillable compacts which can reduce waste. TerraCycle has a Personal Care and Beauty Brigade mail in recycling program which accepts most items.
Nail Polish: Considered HHW and can be brought to HHW facilities that accept it. Chemwise runs a mail in recycling program.
Toothbrushes & Razors: These are not recyclable unless purchased from Preserve and recycled through their Gimme 5 Program.
Feminine Hygiene Products: Consider reusable menstrual cups and cloth pads instead of traditional, plastic-based, disposable products.
Shoes
Remember, you can recycle shoes at DePaul!
Nike Reuse-A-Shoe accepts no longer wearable athletic shoes for recycling into artificial turf and other products.
Vehicles
There are many great organizations you can donate a no longer needed car to: