Read on for the top 10 things you should reuse, recycle or dispose of safely instead of trashing – and find out how your efforts will help your community and the environment.

1. Computers

• Drop off at a not-for-profit firm like Reboot or Electronic Recycling Association for refurbishing/recycling
• Some manufacturers will recycle your computer when you purchase a new model (fee may apply)
• Donate your computer by calling Industry Canada's Computers for Schools toll-free at 1-888-636-9899 and receive a charitable tax receipt

2. Electronics

Currently, no recycling or safe-disposal programs exist.

• Donate working electronics to a Salvation Army, Goodwill or St. Vincent de Paul store
• Look for an electronics repair shop who will take old electronics for parts
• Keep them until they acquire vintage appeal

3. Batteries

• Take single use batteries to a hazardous household waste (HHW). Contact your city for locations and drop-off times.
• Recycle batteries from cellphones, organizers, cordless tools, electric razors, toothbrushes, and laptop computers in the Call2Recycle™ program (at Home Depot, Future Shop, Home Hardware, Sears and other stores)

4. Fluorescent Light Bulbs

Energy-saving compact fluorescent bulbs and tubes contain mercury, a hazardous toxin. Contact your city or municipality for HHW depot locations.

5. Household Hazardous Waste

- If a label warns the product is corrosive, flammable, explosive or poisonous, don’t toss it, flush it or pour it down the drain. Contact your city or municipality for HHW depot locations.

6. Prescription Drugs

Return your unused or expired medications to your pharmacy for safe disposal.

7. Eyeglasses

Drop off used prescription and non-prescription eyeglasses and sunglasses to your local LensCrafters store or participating Lions Club chapter, or mail your glasses to CLERC, Box 1530 Stn T, Calgary, AB T2H 3A3.

8. Major Appliances

• Many retailers will take your old appliance away when you purchase a new one ($20-30 fee may apply)
• Arrange for pick-up by your city’s waste management division (where available, fees may apply)
• Check if your hydro company picks up old appliances free of charge
• Find a store or recycling firm in your local phone book under Appliances – Major – Used, Recycling or Scrap Metal Dealers

9. Clothing & Household Goods

• New and nearly new items on eBay or at a consignment shop
• Call the Canadian Diabetes Association pick-up service at 1-800-505-5525 - Drop off at a Salvation Army, St. Vincent de Paul or Goodwill store

10. Furniture

• Re-upholster or refinish for reuse
• Post for sale on buy & sell website like eBay or Craigslist
• Sell at a used furniture consignment shop in your area
• Drop off at select Salvation Army and Goodwill stores (Call first, some locations cannot accept furniture)

Benefits:

• If this sounds like a lot of work, you can take it one item at a time and take pride in the fact that your efforts can:
• Provide resources to community groups and people in need
• Make you eligible for a tax receipt
• Save money when you refinish or re-use an item instead of buying something new
• Conserve natural resources and save energy
• Prevent corrosive, flammable, explosive and poisonous chemicals from entering ecosystems

Remember this list when you stand in front of the garbage can and reuse, recycle and dispose of waste safely. Tell other people you know and let them know their efforts can make a difference, too.