Cleaning out those closets and garages feels so good! Wouldn’t it feel even better to do it in an environmentally responsible way? Much of the waste we throw out is considered toxic and can leak chemicals into our air, soil and ground water. Check out our list below for some great ways to recycle common household items so we can keep them out of our landfills.

• Batteries of all sizes: WM* and NTRD*

• Bicycles in working condition: Working Bikes has a drop-off at George Garner Cyclery in Northbrook

• Block styrofoam: NTRD

• CFL lightbulbs: WM and NTRD

• Child car seats: Target has a bi-annual trade in event usually in the spring and fall

• Computer hardware and monitors: Abt Electronics and WM

• Contact lenses and their blister packs: Wanderlust Eyecare

• Electronics, wires, and cords: WM and NTRD

• Eye and sunglasses: Wanderlust Eyecare

• Furniture and beds/mattresses: The Chicago Furniture Bank or Honest Junk Company

• Garden, household, and automotive chemicals: WM and NTRD

• House paint: WM and NTRD

• Nail polish: Chemwise has a mail-in program

• Plastic bags, bubble wrap, case wrapping, and soft plastic mailers: Mariano’s, Jewel, Target, and Kohl’s

• Printer ink and toner cartridges: NTRD

• Textiles in any condition: drop in the USAgain bin located on the Sunset Ridge School loading dock at the southeast corner of the parking lot

• TVs: Abt Electronics

*WM— Waste Management. Click here to learn how to set up a free toxic household waste pick-up from your doorstep

*NTRD— Northfield Township Road District. Click here to see a full list of accepted drop-off materials for free recycling offered to Northfield Township residents

Explore recycling other everyday items with a TerraCycle Zero Waste Box