Still in the middle of spring cleaning? Let Earth Day be your reminder to recycle what you can. Keep this list in mind while you’re cleaning out your home. Give an old item new life, or at least keep it out of the landfill, with these Earth Day recycling tips.

You Can Recycle That?

Whether you’re purging your place of old furniture or getting rid of broken appliances and electronics, some items—especially larger ones—may automatically go to the curb. This could be a one-way ticket to a landfill. This Earth Day, make a pledge to consider more eco-friendly alternatives.

• Couches: Putting a couch on the curb may result in a neighbor picking it up. It’s even easier to sell it online or give it away to family or friends. Refurbish an old couch with a good cleaning and new upholstery. Or take it apart and use components for other products. It may take a little work, but it’s better for the environment.
• Mattresses: It’s harder to find someone to take an old mattress, especially one on the curb. However, 90% of the average mattress is recyclable. The foam and fabric padding can be turned into carpet padding. Scrap metal from the springs and frames can be melted down and reused. Wood frames can also be reconfigured or chipped for natural mulch.
• Electronics: Even if it’s old, it’s still valuable to someone if it still works. Throwing electronics away creates even more environmental distress than simply adding to the massive amount of trash. Products like TVs contain chemicals that can leak out and pollute the water and air quality. Even if it’s broken, electronics can be stripped for its valuable copper, glass, and plastic components.
• Appliances: If you can’t sell or donate your old appliance, recycling is the best alternative. Like electronics, appliances contain reusable metal, plastic, and glass, as well as harmful chemicals that can leach into the soil, atmosphere, and groundwater if disposed of improperly.

While setting an item out on the curb may seem like the easiest option, it’s also the least eco-friendly one. If you’re looking for ease and environmentally conscious, there’s another option.

Let JDog Junk Removal & Hauling Help with Earth Day Recycling

All it takes is one call to have your junk removed responsibly. From bulky couches and mattresses to broken electronics and appliances, we haul it all. When you call the Veterans at JDog, you can feel good knowing we donate and recycle 60% to 80% of the items we remove. Celebrate Earth Day by contacting 844-GET-JDOG to schedule a pick-up and help keep one less item out of a landfill.