Tier 3 · AI vision (last resort)
Show it
No barcode, no name? YOLO-class object recognition identifies the item — then its composition, so even new or discovered materials get an answer.
Planned
Recyclopedia · by Absolutely Plausible Solutions · Orlando, FL
Everything has a path. We know the way.
We are the most psychotic people on the planet when it comes to recycling. Nothing gets thrown away without a fight. Search, scan, and act — this is the recycling answer engine: any item in, an immediate plan of action out.
| Items answered | Reasoning tiers | Electronics we take | Items to landfill |
|---|---|---|---|
| 84and growing | 3search, scan, show | 187named on the donate form | 0the goal, every time |
What should be recycled?
Acceptable
Put these in your curbside recycling bin loose, empty, clean, and dry.
Not acceptable
Keep these out of the curbside bin. Most still have a path.
How the engine works
Identification escalates only as far as it needs to. Then everything funnels into the same answer: where this item actually goes, near you.
Tier 1 · Human input
Search it
Type any item — pizza box, battery, old TV, motor oil. Instant answer: recyclable or not, how to prep it, and where to take it. 84 items and growing.
Live now →
Tier 2 · Barcode
Scan it
Tap the camera on the search bar and point it at any barcode. We read it on your phone, then look up what the packaging is actually made of — no typing, no guessing which name we filed it under.
Live now →
Every tier funnels here
Your location, your district, the facilities near you: an immediate plan of action for proper disposal.
Ready to find out what actually goes where?
Search anything in the Recyclopedia. It's free, it's fast, and it's accurate.
What can you do with that?
Search any material or item, or tap the camera. Recyclable or not, how to prepare it, and exactly where it goes. 84 items across 11 categories.
Metal
Aluminum can
Endlessly reborn — this can comes back as a new can, again and again. Rinse it and send it home.
Best path ♻ Recycle in your curbside bin
Prep Empty and rinse. No need to crush.
Where Curbside recycling bin
Most valuable recyclable commodity. Can be recycled infinitely without quality loss.
Learn more 2.3 · Inside the MRF ↗ — how screens, magnets, and eddy currents sort a truckload, and what jams them
Metal
Steel / tin can
Strong and magnetic — steel returns to the foundry as good as new.
Best path ♻ Recycle in your curbside bin
Prep Empty and rinse.
Where Curbside recycling bin
Food cans, paint cans (empty and dry). Magnetic separators pull them out at facilities.
Learn more 2.3 · Inside the MRF ↗ — how screens, magnets, and eddy currents sort a truckload, and what jams them
Metal
Aerosol can (empty)
Emptied of its charge, it is simply valuable steel again.
Best path ♻ Recycle in your curbside bin, fully empty
Prep Must be 100% empty. Remove plastic cap.
Where Curbside recycling bin
Only when completely empty — no product or pressure remaining.
Learn more 2.3 · Inside the MRF ↗ — how screens, magnets, and eddy currents sort a truckload, and what jams them
Metal
Aerosol can (not empty)
Still pressurized and proud — it needs careful hands, not a crusher.
Best path ⊘ Dispose at a Household Hazardous Waste facility
Prep Never puncture or spray to empty into trash.
Where Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) facility
Pressurized and flammable. Never in regular trash or recycling.
Learn more 2.3 · Inside the MRF ↗ — how screens, magnets, and eddy currents sort a truckload, and what jams them
Metal
Aluminum foil (clean)
Ball it up so it cannot slip through the sorters — clean foil is still pure aluminum.
Best path ♻ Recycle curbside when clean and balled up (check local)
Prep Clean of all food residue. Scrunch into a ball at least 2 inches across.
Where Curbside (when clean and balled up)
Contaminated foil goes to trash. Clean foil bundles need to be fist-sized for sorting.
Learn more 2.3 · Inside the MRF ↗ — how screens, magnets, and eddy currents sort a truckload, and what jams them
Metal
Scrap metal
Heavy with worth — a scrap yard will weigh it and welcome it.
Best path ♻ Recycle at a scrap metal yard (often paid by weight)
Prep Separate from other materials.
Where Scrap metal yard or HHW event
Many scrap yards pay by weight for aluminum, copper, and brass.
Plastic
Plastic bottle #1 PET
One of the most wanted plastics — cap on, it heads straight for a new life.
Best path ♻ Recycle in your curbside bin
Prep Empty, rinse, replace cap.
Where Curbside recycling bin
Water bottles, soda bottles. One of the most commonly recycled plastics.
Learn more 1.2 · The Smartphone Sorting Guide ↗ — how to read the resin code instead of the myth
Plastic
Plastic jug #2 HDPE
Sturdy and sought-after — #2 is recycled almost everywhere.
Best path ♻ Recycle in your curbside bin
Prep Empty and rinse.
Where Curbside recycling bin
Milk jugs, laundry detergent, shampoo bottles.
Learn more 1.2 · The Smartphone Sorting Guide ↗ — how to read the resin code instead of the myth
Plastic
Plastic bag / film
Soft and sneaky — it strangles curbside sorters, but store bins welcome it.
Best path ↻ Reuse use it again first
Prep Clean and dry. No food residue.
Where Grocery store drop-off bins (Walmart, Target, Publix)
Other respectful paths
♻ Recycle at store film drop-off bins
NEVER in curbside bin — clogs and destroys sorting machinery.
Learn more 1.2 · The Smartphone Sorting Guide ↗ — how to read the resin code instead of the myth
Plastic
Styrofoam / foam #6 PS
Light as air, stubborn to process — special drop-offs give it a chance.
Best path ♻ Recycle at a foam drop-off program
Prep Clean of food.
Where Styrofoam drop-off programs, UPS stores, Earth911.com locator
Check Earth911.com for local foam drop-off. Not accepted curbside anywhere.
Learn more 1.2 · The Smartphone Sorting Guide ↗ — how to read the resin code instead of the myth
Plastic
Plastic straw
Too small to save this time — the kindest fix is skipping the next one.
Best path ⊘ Dispose in the trash — then refuse the next one
Prep N/A
Where Regular trash
Too small and light for sorting equipment. Contaminates loads and clogs machinery.
Learn more 1.2 · The Smartphone Sorting Guide ↗ — how to read the resin code instead of the myth
Plastic
Plastic utensils / cutlery
Too small for the sorters — a reusable set ends this cycle for good.
Best path ⊘ Dispose in the trash — switch to reusable
Prep N/A
Where Regular trash
Too small to be sorted. Switch to reusable utensils to eliminate the waste.
Learn more 1.2 · The Smartphone Sorting Guide ↗ — how to read the resin code instead of the myth
Plastic
Yogurt container #5 PP
Welcome in more places every year — check whether yours is one.
Best path ♻ Recycle curbside where #5 is accepted (check local)
Prep Empty and rinse.
Where Curbside (check your local program)
#5 PP is accepted in many but not all programs. Verify at earth911.com.
Learn more 1.2 · The Smartphone Sorting Guide ↗ — how to read the resin code instead of the myth
Plastic
Chip bag / snack wrapper
Layered foil and film, fused for freshness — sadly unsortable today.
Best path ⊘ Dispose in the trash (multi-layer, unsortable)
Prep N/A
Where Regular trash
Multi-layer films (plastic + foil + plastic) cannot be sorted or processed.
Plastic
Bubble wrap
Pop-worthy and reusable — then it joins the store film bin.
Best path ↻ Reuse reuse it for your next shipment
Prep Clean and dry.
Where Grocery store plastic film collection bins
Other respectful paths
♻ Recycle at store film bins
Goes in the same bin as plastic bags at most retailers.
Learn more 1.2 · The Smartphone Sorting Guide ↗ — how to read the resin code instead of the myth
Plastic
PVC / vinyl #3
Tough and chlorine-rich — almost no curb takes #3, so give it a second life first.
Best path ⇄ Repurpose reuse the pipe or vinyl for a project
Prep N/A
Where Reuse / repurpose; otherwise regular trash. Some PVC pipe accepted at scrap yards.
Other respectful paths
⊘ Dispose landfill if unusable (never curbside)
Almost never accepted curbside — PVC releases chlorine and ruins recycling batches. Give it a second job first.
Learn more 1.2 · The Smartphone Sorting Guide ↗ — how to read the resin code instead of the myth
Plastic
Produce / bread bag #4 LDPE
Thin film #4 — clean and dry, it belongs in the store bag bin, not the curb.
Best path ↻ Reuse reuse it for storage first
Prep Clean, dry, empty.
Where Grocery-store plastic film drop-off bins (never curbside).
Other respectful paths
♻ Recycle store film drop-off bin
Same stream as plastic grocery bags — soft #4 film belongs in store film bins, never the curbside cart.
Learn more 1.2 · The Smartphone Sorting Guide ↗ — how to read the resin code instead of the myth
Plastic
Clamshell / berry container #1 PET
Same PET as a bottle, thinner skin — many curbs welcome it, so check yours.
Best path ♻ Recycle curbside where #1 clamshells are accepted (check local)
Prep Empty, rinse, dry.
Where Curbside where #1 thermoform is accepted (check local).
Other respectful paths
⊘ Dispose trash if not accepted locally
Same PET as a bottle but thin thermoform — some programs accept it, many do not. Check yours.
Learn more 1.2 · The Smartphone Sorting Guide ↗ — how to read the resin code instead of the myth
Plastic
Take-out container #5 PP
Sturdy #5 — reuse it for leftovers a few times before the bin claims it.
Best path ↻ Reuse reuse for storage or leftovers
Prep Empty and rinse.
Where Reuse; curbside where #5 is accepted (check local).
Other respectful paths
♻ Recycle curbside where #5 is accepted (check local)
#5 PP is accepted in many but not all curbside programs, and these tubs are sturdy enough to reuse first.
Learn more 1.2 · The Smartphone Sorting Guide ↗ — how to read the resin code instead of the myth
Plastic
Disposable plastic cup
A few minutes of use, centuries as litter — a reusable cup ends this loop.
Best path ↻ Reuse switch to a reusable cup
Prep Empty and rinse.
Where Curbside if #1/#5 and accepted; otherwise trash. Best: a reusable cup.
Other respectful paths
♻ Recycle curbside if #1/#5 and accepted (check local)
⊘ Dispose trash if #6 or unmarked
Clear cold cups are often #1 or #5 (sometimes recyclable); soft #6 cups are not. A reusable cup ends the question.
Learn more 1.2 · The Smartphone Sorting Guide ↗ — how to read the resin code instead of the myth
Plastic
Plant pot / nursery pot
Built to grow life — refill it, or let a garden center take it back to grow more.
Best path ↻ Reuse reuse for seedlings
Prep Empty the soil.
Where Garden-center take-back (Lowe’s, Home Depot, local nurseries); reuse for seedlings.
Other respectful paths
♻ Recycle garden-center take-back
Usually #2, #5, or #6. Many garden centers take pots back for reuse; rarely accepted curbside.
Learn more 1.2 · The Smartphone Sorting Guide ↗ — how to read the resin code instead of the myth
Plastic
Loose bottle cap
Tiny and slippery alone — screw it back onto the bottle so both get recycled.
Best path ♻ Recycle on the bottle, in curbside
Prep Leave the cap on the empty, rinsed bottle.
Where On the bottle, in curbside.
Other respectful paths
⊘ Dispose loose caps fall through the sorters
Caps left ON a bottle get recycled with it; loose caps fall through the sorters. Keep caps on.
Learn more 1.2 · The Smartphone Sorting Guide ↗ — how to read the resin code instead of the myth
Plastic
Six-pack rings
Snip every loop so nothing gets caught — then choose ring-free next time.
Best path ⊘ Dispose cut up, in the trash
Prep Cut each loop.
Where Regular trash (cut up).
Not curbside-recyclable and a wildlife hazard. Cut every loop; choose ring-free or compostable packs next time.
Learn more 1.2 · The Smartphone Sorting Guide ↗ — how to read the resin code instead of the myth
Plastic
Compostable plastic / PLA #7
Made from plants, but only an industrial composter can finish it — never the curb.
Best path ⚘ Compost industrial/municipal compost that accepts PLA (check local)
Prep N/A
Where Industrial/municipal compost that accepts PLA, or trash. Never curbside recycling.
Other respectful paths
⊘ Dispose trash if no industrial composter
NOT recyclable and NOT home-compostable — it needs an industrial composter. In the recycling bin it contaminates; in a backyard pile it just sits.
Learn more 2.2 · Biopolymer Engineering ↗ — why PLA needs industrial compost and never the recycling bin
Plastic
Plastic toy
Still full of play — pass it to another kid before it ever becomes waste.
Best path ♡ Donate donate if usable
Prep Clean; remove any batteries.
Where Donate (Goodwill, shelters); trash if broken (mixed plastic).
Other respectful paths
⊘ Dispose trash if broken (mixed plastic)
Mixed plastics and embedded electronics make toys hard to recycle — but a working toy is wanted by another child.
Learn more 1.2 · The Smartphone Sorting Guide ↗ — how to read the resin code instead of the myth
Plastic
Plastic clothes hanger
Made to be used for years — hand it to a dry cleaner or thrift store to reuse.
Best path ↻ Reuse return to a dry cleaner to reuse
Prep N/A
Where Return to a dry cleaner / donate to a thrift store; trash if broken.
Other respectful paths
♡ Donate donate to a thrift store
⊘ Dispose trash if broken
Mixed-resin and a curbside-jammer. Dry cleaners and thrift stores happily reuse them; rarely recyclable.
Learn more 1.2 · The Smartphone Sorting Guide ↗ — how to read the resin code instead of the myth
Plastic
Toothbrush / toothpaste tube
Mixed materials, hard to split — a TerraCycle mail-in gives it the only real path.
Best path ♻ Recycle TerraCycle oral-care mail-in
Prep Squeeze out the tube.
Where TerraCycle oral-care mail-in program; otherwise trash.
Other respectful paths
⊘ Dispose trash if no program
Multi-material and not curbside. TerraCycle / Colgate mail-in programs are the only real recycling path.
Learn more 1.2 · The Smartphone Sorting Guide ↗ — how to read the resin code instead of the myth
Paper
Cardboard (clean, dry)
The most in-demand fiber after aluminum — flatten it and send it on.
Best path ♻ Recycle flattened in your curbside bin
Prep Break down flat. Remove packing tape.
Where Curbside recycling bin
Other respectful paths
↻ Reuse reuse the box first
Most in-demand recyclable after aluminum. Must be dry — wet cardboard is trash.
Learn more 2.3 · Inside the MRF ↗ — how screens, magnets, and eddy currents sort a truckload, and what jams them
Paper
Cardboard (greasy or wet)
Grease ruins the fiber, but the soil will still gladly take it.
Best path ⚘ Compost compost it if you can
Prep N/A
Where Compost or trash
Other respectful paths
⊘ Dispose otherwise the trash
Grease and moisture destroy paper fibers. Compost it if you can.
Learn more 2.3 · Inside the MRF ↗ — how screens, magnets, and eddy currents sort a truckload, and what jams them
Paper
Office paper
Staples and all — magnets pull the metal out downstream. Just recycle it.
Best path ♻ Recycle in your curbside bin
Prep No need to remove staples or paper clips.
Where Curbside recycling bin
Staples and clips are removed by magnets at facilities.
Learn more 2.3 · Inside the MRF ↗ — how screens, magnets, and eddy currents sort a truckload, and what jams them
Paper
Newspaper
Yesterday’s news, tomorrow’s newsprint — soy inks and all.
Best path ♻ Recycle in your curbside bin
Prep No prep needed.
Where Curbside recycling bin
Soy-based inks are fine. Don't bundle with rubber bands.
Learn more 2.3 · Inside the MRF ↗ — how screens, magnets, and eddy currents sort a truckload, and what jams them
Paper
Magazines / catalogs
Glossy is fine — only the plastic mailing sleeve needs to come off.
Best path ♻ Recycle in your curbside bin
Prep Remove plastic sleeve if present.
Where Curbside recycling bin
Glossy paper is recyclable.
Learn more 2.3 · Inside the MRF ↗ — how screens, magnets, and eddy currents sort a truckload, and what jams them
Paper
Shredded paper
Bag the confetti so it will not jam the works — then it still counts.
Best path ♻ Recycle bagged in your curbside bin (check local)
Prep Seal inside a paper bag. Staple or tape shut.
Where Curbside (bagged) or paper recycling drop-off
Other respectful paths
⚘ Compost or compost the shreds
Loose shreds jam sorting machinery. Always contain them in a paper bag first.
Learn more 2.3 · Inside the MRF ↗ — how screens, magnets, and eddy currents sort a truckload, and what jams them
Paper
Thermal paper receipt
Coated in BPA — better it never touches the recycling stream at all.
Best path ⊘ Dispose in the trash (BPA-coated)
Prep N/A
Where Regular trash
Thermal coating contains BPA/BPS — a known endocrine disruptor. Cannot and should not be recycled.
Paper
Pizza box (clean top half)
Tear it in two — the clean half still has a future ahead of it.
Best path ♻ Recycle clean top half in curbside (check local)
Prep Tear off the clean top — recycle it. Compost or trash the greasy bottom.
Where Top half: curbside bin
Other respectful paths
⚘ Compost greasy bottom to compost
The clean top of most pizza boxes is recyclable. Tear it off and use it.
Learn more 2.3 · Inside the MRF ↗ — how screens, magnets, and eddy currents sort a truckload, and what jams them
Paper
Paper coffee cup
A thin plastic lining hides inside — almost nowhere can split it apart.
Best path ⊘ Dispose in the trash (plastic-lined)
Prep N/A
Where Regular trash
Lined with plastic or wax. Almost no facilities process them. Lids are usually #6 PS — also not recyclable.
Paper
Paper bags
Good for many trips first — then flat into the curbside bin.
Best path ♻ Recycle flat in your curbside bin
Prep Remove rope or plastic handles.
Where Curbside recycling bin
Other respectful paths
↻ Reuse reuse them first
Clean, flat paper bags are fine for curbside.
Learn more 2.3 · Inside the MRF ↗ — how screens, magnets, and eddy currents sort a truckload, and what jams them
Glass
Glass bottle (clear)
Infinitely recyclable — if your program still takes it, or a glass drop-off does.
Best path ♻ Recycle curbside or a glass drop-off (check local)
Prep Empty and rinse.
Where Curbside (check local) or glass drop-off point
Other respectful paths
↻ Reuse reuse it first
Many programs no longer accept glass curbside due to contamination. Check earth911.com.
Glass
Glass food jar
A jar is a gift twice — store something in it, or recycle the metal lid apart.
Best path ↻ Reuse reuse it for storage
Prep Empty, rinse, remove lid (recycle metal lid separately).
Where Curbside (check local) or glass drop-off
Other respectful paths
♻ Recycle or recycle (lid in the metal bin) (check local)
Steel lids go in the metal bin. Verify your municipality accepts glass curbside.
Glass
Broken glass
Sharp and unsortable — wrap it kindly so no one downstream is hurt.
Best path ⊘ Dispose wrapped and labeled, in the trash
Prep Wrap in several layers of newspaper or a paper bag. Label: BROKEN GLASS.
Where Regular trash (safely wrapped)
A safety hazard and cannot be processed at most facilities. Wrap it and label it.
Glass
Ceramics / pottery
Whole, it can serve another table; broken, wrap it with care.
Best path ♡ Donate donate it if intact
Prep If intact, donate. If broken, wrap for trash.
Where Donation (intact) or trash (broken)
Other respectful paths
⊘ Dispose wrap and trash if broken
Different chemical composition than container glass. Will ruin a glass processing batch.
Glass
Mirrors / window glass
A different glass entirely — it cannot join the bottles, but it may still serve.
Best path ♡ Donate donate if intact
Prep Wrap safely for trash.
Where Regular trash (safely wrapped)
Other respectful paths
⊘ Dispose wrap and trash otherwise
Different chemistry than bottle glass. Not recyclable in standard glass streams.
Electronics
Smartphone
Gold, silver, and cobalt from the earth — and still more life in it. Let’s pass it on.
Best path ♡ Donate it still works src: US EPA ↗
Prep Back up data, factory reset, remove SIM and SD cards.
Where E-waste facility, manufacturer take-back, or Best Buy drop-off
Other respectful paths
↻ Reuse keep it as a backup or media device
⚒ Repair fix a cracked screen or battery
♻ Recycle recover the metals (certified e-waste) src: US EPA ↗
⊘ Dispose never — phones never belong in the trash
Contains gold, silver, cobalt. Apple, Samsung, and Google have take-back programs — some offer credit.
Electronics
Laptop / notebook computer
Wiped and willing, it can serve a student or a stranger before it is ever mined for metals.
Best path ♡ Donate it still works src: US EPA ↗
Prep Back up and wipe data (DBAN or factory reset + encrypt).
Where E-waste facility, Best Buy, Staples, or manufacturer take-back
Other respectful paths
↻ Reuse keep it as a backup machine
⚒ Repair upgrade the RAM or drive
♻ Recycle wipe and recycle the metals src: US EPA ↗
Dell, Apple, HP all have take-back programs. Working devices can be resold or donated.
Electronics
CRT television (tube TV)
Pounds of leaded glass inside — it needs a certified, careful goodbye.
Best path ♻ Recycle certified e-waste facility only src: US EPA ↗
Prep Do not break — contains lead glass. Handle upright.
Where Certified e-waste facility only (call ahead — some charge a fee)
Other respectful paths
⊘ Dispose never — illegal in the trash in most states
CRTs contain 4–8 lbs of lead. Illegal in the trash in most states.
Electronics
Flat-screen TV (LED/LCD)
Still glowing for someone, maybe — and if not, certified recyclers reclaim it.
Best path ♻ Recycle certified e-waste recycler src: US EPA ↗
Prep Remove remote and any attached cables.
Where E-waste facility or retailer drop-off (Best Buy charges a small fee)
Other respectful paths
♡ Donate donate if it still works src: US EPA ↗
Older LED backlights may contain mercury. Best Buy accepts TVs with a processing fee.
Electronics
Printer (inkjet or laser)
Pull its cartridges first, then let the e-waste stream reclaim the rest.
Best path ♻ Recycle e-waste (cartridges removed) src: US EPA ↗
Prep Remove ink/toner cartridges first (recycle those separately at Staples or Office Depot).
Where E-waste facility
Other respectful paths
♡ Donate donate if it still prints src: US EPA ↗
Staples and Office Depot recycle cartridges and earn you reward points.
Electronics
Ink cartridge / toner cartridge
Refilled, it lives again; returned, it earns you points either way.
Best path ↻ Reuse refill and reuse it
Prep Place in a resealable bag to prevent leaks.
Where Staples, Office Depot, or manufacturer mail-back programs
Other respectful paths
♻ Recycle return at Staples / Office Depot
Refilling is even better than recycling — ask about refill programs. Staples Rewards gives points for every cartridge returned.
Electronics
Tablet / iPad
Even dark and dead, Apple and others will take it back to mine its metals.
Best path ♡ Donate it still works src: US EPA ↗
Prep Back up data and perform factory reset.
Where E-waste facility, Apple store, Best Buy
Other respectful paths
↻ Reuse keep it as an e-reader
♻ Recycle take-back even if it is dead src: US EPA ↗
Apple's Trade In / Recycle program accepts all Apple devices — even non-functional ones.
Electronics
Desktop computer / tower
Gold in its board, your data on its drive — wipe it clean, then pass it on.
Best path ♡ Donate donate if it still runs src: US EPA ↗
Prep Back up and wipe the drive (or remove it).
Where E-waste facility, Best Buy, or manufacturer take-back.
Other respectful paths
↻ Reuse keep it as a backup or home server
♻ Recycle certified e-waste (wiped) src: US EPA ↗
Recoverable metals plus a drive holding your data. Wipe it, then donate working units or use certified e-waste.
Electronics
Computer monitor (LCD/LED)
A clear window for someone’s work still — donate it, or let certified e-waste reclaim it.
Best path ♻ Recycle certified e-waste recycler src: US EPA ↗
Prep Detach the stand and cables.
Where E-waste facility or retailer drop-off (Best Buy).
Other respectful paths
♡ Donate donate if it works src: US EPA ↗
Older backlights may contain mercury. E-waste only — it rides the same stream as TVs, never curbside.
Electronics
Keyboard & mouse
Plenty of keystrokes left in them — donate the set, or send it to e-waste whole.
Best path ♻ Recycle e-waste drop-off src: US EPA ↗
Prep Remove batteries from wireless models.
Where E-waste drop-off; donate if working.
Other respectful paths
♡ Donate donate working peripherals src: US EPA ↗
Plastic plus circuitry — not curbside. Working sets are donatable; otherwise e-waste.
Electronics
Charging cables & cords
Copper veins worth saving — bundle them for e-waste, never the curbside bin.
Best path ♻ Recycle e-waste or scrap yard (copper) src: US EPA ↗
Prep Bundle and tie them together.
Where E-waste drop-off or scrap-metal yard.
Other respectful paths
↻ Reuse keep a spare that still works
The copper inside makes them valuable scrap, but loose cords tangle curbside sorters. E-waste or scrap only.
Electronics
Headphones / earbuds
Small but never trash — their tiny batteries belong in e-waste, not a landfill fire.
Best path ♻ Recycle battery / e-waste drop-off src: US EPA ↗
Prep N/A
Where E-waste / battery drop-off (especially wireless).
Wired or wireless, they are e-waste; wireless buds hold tiny lithium cells that are a fire risk in the trash.
Electronics
Power bank / portable charger
A pocket of stored power — handle it gently and bring it to a battery drop-off.
Best path ♻ Recycle battery / e-waste drop-off src: US EPA ↗
Prep Tape the port; do not puncture.
Where Certified e-waste / Call2Recycle battery drop-off.
Built-in lithium-ion — never trash or curbside (fire risk). Treat it like any lithium battery.
Electronics
Game console
Hundreds of hours of joy left in it — sign out, wipe it, and pass it on.
Best path ♡ Donate donate if it works src: US EPA ↗
Prep Sign out of accounts; factory reset.
Where Sell / donate; e-waste if dead.
High resale and reuse value; otherwise e-waste. Wipe accounts and storage first.
Electronics
Router / modem / cable box
Likely your ISP’s on loan — return it first; if it’s yours, e-waste it whole.
Best path ↻ Reuse return leased gear to the ISP
Prep Factory reset; return leased gear to your ISP.
Where ISP return or e-waste drop-off.
Other respectful paths
♻ Recycle e-waste if you own it src: US EPA ↗
Often leased — return it to your provider first. Owned units are e-waste, never curbside.
Electronics
USB drive / external hard drive
Your data still lives inside — wipe it clean, then let e-waste reclaim the metals.
Best path ♻ Recycle e-waste drop-off (wiped) src: US EPA ↗
Prep Securely wipe or physically destroy first.
Where E-waste drop-off (after wiping).
Holds personal data — wipe or destroy it before recycling. E-waste, not curbside.
Electronics
Digital camera
Still ready to catch the light — sell or donate it before it’s ever mined for parts.
Best path ♡ Donate donate if it works src: US EPA ↗
Prep Remove and recycle the battery separately.
Where Sell / donate; e-waste if dead.
Working cameras hold real resale and donation value; the battery recycles separately. E-waste for dead units.
Batteries
Alkaline battery (AA, AAA, 9V)
Spent but not worthless — a drop-off keeps its metals out of the ground.
Best path ♻ Recycle at a battery drop-off src: US EPA ↗
Prep Tape the terminals of 9V batteries with electrical tape before dropping off.
Where Home Depot, Lowe's, Staples, Best Buy, or Call2Recycle.org drop-off
Now considered non-hazardous in most US states but should still be diverted from landfill.
Learn more 2.4 · RCRA & Regulatory Compliance ↗ — the four-letter test that makes a waste hazardous
Batteries
Rechargeable battery (NiMH, NiCd)
Made to be used hundreds of times — and recycled when it finally rests.
Best path ♻ Recycle Call2Recycle drop-off src: Call2Recycle ↗
Prep Tape terminals. Place in a clear plastic bag.
Where Call2Recycle drop-off (Home Depot, Lowe's, Best Buy)
Use Call2Recycle.org to find the nearest drop-off by zip code.
Learn more 2.4 · RCRA & Regulatory Compliance ↗ — the four-letter test that makes a waste hazardous
Batteries
Lithium-ion battery
Powerful and touchy — tape its terminals and hand it to people who know how.
Best path ♻ Recycle certified e-waste, terminals taped src: US EPA ↗
Prep Never puncture or expose to heat. Tape terminals with electrical tape.
Where Certified e-waste / hazardous waste facility
Fire risk if damaged, punctured, or improperly shipped. Never in regular trash or curbside.
Learn more 2.4 · RCRA & Regulatory Compliance ↗ — the four-letter test that makes a waste hazardous
Batteries
Car battery (lead-acid)
Almost 100% recyclable — and the store may even pay you a core refund.
Best path ♻ Recycle auto parts store (core refund) src: US EPA ↗
Prep Keep upright. Do not allow acid to leak.
Where Auto parts store (AutoZone, O'Reilly, Advanced Auto — usually gives a core deposit refund)
Auto parts stores are required to accept lead-acid batteries in most states.
Learn more 2.4 · RCRA & Regulatory Compliance ↗ — the four-letter test that makes a waste hazardous
Batteries
Laptop battery (removed)
A fire risk if bent — tape it, bag it, and bring it to e-waste.
Best path ♻ Recycle e-waste, terminals taped src: US EPA ↗
Prep Do not bend or puncture. Tape terminals.
Where E-waste facility or manufacturer take-back
Lithium batteries from laptops are a fire risk if mishandled or shipped improperly.
Learn more 2.4 · RCRA & Regulatory Compliance ↗ — the four-letter test that makes a waste hazardous
Batteries
Button / coin cell battery
Small, shiny, and dangerous to little ones — tape it and bring it to a battery drop-off.
Best path ♻ Recycle battery drop-off (taped) src: US EPA ↗
Prep Tape both sides; store out of reach of children.
Where Battery drop-off (Call2Recycle, retailers).
Tiny but a serious swallowing hazard and often lithium. Tape it, drop it off, and keep it away from kids.
Learn more 2.4 · RCRA & Regulatory Compliance ↗ — the four-letter test that makes a waste hazardous
Batteries
Power-tool battery pack
Packed with power and risk — tape the terminals and hand it to Call2Recycle.
Best path ♻ Recycle Call2Recycle / retailer drop-off src: Call2Recycle ↗
Prep Tape terminals; do not puncture.
Where Call2Recycle / tool-retailer drop-off (Home Depot, Lowe’s).
High-capacity lithium or NiCd — a fire risk. Call2Recycle and tool retailers take them back.
Learn more 2.4 · RCRA & Regulatory Compliance ↗ — the four-letter test that makes a waste hazardous
Batteries
Vape / e-cigarette
A battery and a toxin in one — never the trash; a take-back or HHW handles it safely.
Best path ⊘ Dispose HHW facility src: US EPA ↗
Prep Do not disassemble or puncture.
Where Vape-shop take-back, HHW, or e-waste — never the trash.
Other respectful paths
♻ Recycle vape-shop or e-waste take-back where it exists src: US EPA ↗
A lithium battery and nicotine residue welded together — both a fire risk and hazardous waste. Never trash or curbside.
Learn more 2.4 · RCRA & Regulatory Compliance ↗ — the four-letter test that makes a waste hazardous
Batteries
Hearing aid battery (zinc-air)
Spent zinc-air buttons — small, but a drop-off still keeps their metals in the loop.
Best path ♻ Recycle battery drop-off or audiologist src: US EPA ↗
Prep Collect in a small container.
Where Battery drop-off or audiologist.
Zinc-air buttons are low-hazard but still worth diverting from landfill. Many audiologists and drop-offs accept them.
Learn more 2.4 · RCRA & Regulatory Compliance ↗ — the four-letter test that makes a waste hazardous
Hazardous
Motor oil
Filtered and re-refined, used oil runs again — never let it touch a drain.
Best path ♻ Recycle auto store or HHW (re-refined) src: US EPA ↗
Prep Keep in original container or a clean sealed container.
Where AutoZone, O'Reilly Auto, Jiffy Lube, or municipal HHW facility
1 quart of motor oil can contaminate 250,000 gallons of drinking water. Never pour it down a drain.
Learn more 2.4 · RCRA & Regulatory Compliance ↗ — the four-letter test that makes a waste hazardous
Hazardous
Paint (latex / water-based)
Wet latex finds new life through PaintCare; dried, it can rest in the trash.
Best path ♻ Recycle PaintCare drop-off src: PaintCare ↗
Prep Keep lid on tightly. Do not dilute.
Where PaintCare drop-off (paintcare.org) — hardware stores nationwide
Dried-out latex paint can go in regular trash. Wet paint must go to PaintCare or HHW.
Learn more 2.4 · RCRA & Regulatory Compliance ↗ — the four-letter test that makes a waste hazardous
Hazardous
Paint (oil-based)
Flammable and fierce — only an HHW event should take it from here.
Best path ⊘ Dispose HHW event only src: US EPA ↗
Prep Keep in original container with tight lid.
Where HHW (Household Hazardous Waste) event only
Oil-based paint is flammable. Check your county's HHW event schedule.
Learn more 2.4 · RCRA & Regulatory Compliance ↗ — the four-letter test that makes a waste hazardous
Hazardous
Fluorescent bulb / CFL
Mercury sleeps inside — keep it whole and let a take-back reclaim it.
Best path ♻ Recycle hardware store take-back src: US EPA ↗
Prep Do not break — contains mercury vapor. Keep in original box or wrap in newspaper.
Where Home Depot, Lowe's, or HHW event
If a CFL breaks: ventilate room immediately, do not vacuum, follow EPA cleanup guidelines.
Learn more 2.4 · RCRA & Regulatory Compliance ↗ — the four-letter test that makes a waste hazardous
Hazardous
LED bulb
Small hazardous metals within — a drop-off keeps them out of the soil.
Best path ♻ Recycle hardware store or HHW
Prep No prep needed.
Where Home Depot, local HHW, or some curbside programs
LEDs contain small amounts of hazardous metals. Check if your curbside program accepts them.
Learn more 2.4 · RCRA & Regulatory Compliance ↗ — the four-letter test that makes a waste hazardous
Hazardous
Prescription medications
Never flushed, never landfilled — a pharmacy take-back protects the water.
Best path ⊘ Dispose pharmacy take-back — never flush src: US FDA ↗
Prep Remove personal info from labels.
Where Pharmacy drug take-back (CVS, Walgreens) or DEA National Take-Back Day
Never flush medications — they end up in waterways and affect aquatic life.
Learn more 2.4 · RCRA & Regulatory Compliance ↗ — the four-letter test that makes a waste hazardous
Hazardous
Pesticides / herbicides
Toxic to soil and stream — only an HHW facility should handle it.
Best path ⊘ Dispose HHW facility only src: US EPA ↗
Prep Keep in original labeled container. Do not mix.
Where HHW facility
Never pour on ground or down drains. Highly toxic to groundwater, soil, and wildlife.
Learn more 2.4 · RCRA & Regulatory Compliance ↗ — the four-letter test that makes a waste hazardous
Hazardous
Antifreeze / coolant
Sweet-smelling but deadly to animals — recyclers can clean and reuse it.
Best path ♻ Recycle auto store or municipal facility
Prep Keep in original or a clean sealed container.
Where Auto parts stores, some municipal facilities
Toxic to animals but has a sweet smell that attracts them. Never pour down drains.
Learn more 2.4 · RCRA & Regulatory Compliance ↗ — the four-letter test that makes a waste hazardous
Hazardous
Smoke detector (ionization type)
A speck of radioactivity, sealed and safe — a take-back or HHW is still the kindest path.
Best path ♻ Recycle First Alert take-back (own brands, up to 4)
Prep Do not disassemble.
Where First Alert take-back (its own brands, up to 4), HHW facility, or household trash (EPA: no special instructions)
Other respectful paths
⊘ Dispose HHW facility (other brands)
⊘ Dispose household trash — EPA: no special instructions (check local) src: US EPA ↗
Contains a trace of Americium-241, sealed so it poses no radiation risk handled properly. EPA says household trash is allowed; First Alert still takes back its own-brand alarms (Kidde no longer accepts mail-ins — verified 2026-07-13).
Learn more 2.4 · RCRA & Regulatory Compliance ↗ — the four-letter test that makes a waste hazardous
Textiles
Clothing (wearable)
Worn or torn, every thread has a next use — wear it, share it, or shred it.
Best path ♡ Donate donate it (any condition)
Prep Clean and dry.
Where Goodwill, Salvation Army, H&M take-back bins, or local textile collection
Other respectful paths
↻ Reuse wear or hand it down again
♻ Recycle shredded into rags / insulation
Even worn or torn clothing is accepted — what can't be resold is shredded into insulation or rags.
Learn more 1.6 · The Circular Wardrobe ↗ — fibre literacy and the repair mindset
Textiles
Shoes
Another mile left in them for someone — or ground into a playground.
Best path ♡ Donate donate wearable pairs
Prep Tie pairs together.
Where Goodwill, Nike Reuse-A-Shoe, or local textile bins
Other respectful paths
♻ Recycle Nike Reuse-A-Shoe grind
Nike's Reuse-A-Shoe program grinds old sneakers into sports court surfaces.
Learn more 1.6 · The Circular Wardrobe ↗ — fibre literacy and the repair mindset
Textiles
Textiles / fabric scraps
Too far gone to wear, still perfect as rags and insulation.
Best path ♻ Recycle textile recycling
Prep Clean and dry. Any condition.
Where Textile recycling bins or thrift stores
Other respectful paths
⇄ Repurpose reuse as cleaning rags
♡ Donate thrift store textile bin
Torn or stained textiles are still useful as industrial rags and insulation filler.
Learn more 1.6 · The Circular Wardrobe ↗ — fibre literacy and the repair mindset
Organics
Food scraps / organics
Yesterday’s meal becomes tomorrow’s soil — give it back to the earth.
Best path ⚘ Compost home or municipal compost
Prep No meat, dairy, or oils for home composting.
Where Home compost bin or municipal composting program
Food waste is ~30% of what goes to landfill. Composting returns critical nutrients to soil.
Organics
Cooking oil (used)
Strained and cooled, it can fuel an engine as biodiesel.
Best path ♻ Recycle grease / biodiesel drop-off
Prep Cool completely. Strain food particles. Seal in a container.
Where Some municipalities, biodiesel programs, or grease recycling drop-off
Used cooking oil can be converted into biodiesel fuel.
Rubber
Tires
Built to roll for years — reborn as playgrounds, tracks, and roads.
Best path ♻ Recycle tire retailer or amnesty event
Prep No rims required.
Where Tire retailer (when buying new tires) or municipal tire drop-off event
Other respectful paths
⇄ Repurpose reuse as planters or swings
Recycled tires become playground surfaces, athletic tracks, and road asphalt.
Bulky Goods
Mattress
Up to 90% recyclable — steel, foam, and fiber all find new beds.
Best path ♻ Recycle mattress recycling facility
Prep Bag in a mattress bag if possible.
Where Mattress recycling facility or retailer take-back (byebyemattress.com)
Other respectful paths
♡ Donate donate if still usable
Mattress Recycling Council runs programs in CA, CT, and RI. Check for local retailer programs elsewhere.
Give your devices a second life
Working or broken, we accept all electronics. Every device you donate is refurbished or properly recycled instead of going to a landfill.
What can you donate?
We take these
Working or broken. If it plugs in or runs on a battery, bring it.
- Phones and tabletsSmartphones, tablets, e-readers, smartwatches
- Computers and screensLaptops, desktops, monitors, TVs of any kind
- Audio, video, gamingSpeakers, headphones, players, consoles, controllers
- Office and networkingPrinters, scanners, routers, modems, drives, cameras
- Appliances and toolsKitchen and large appliances, electric power tools
- Cables, chargers, batteriesBundled cables and adapters, power banks, batteries taped and bagged
Not this way
Not part of an electronics donation. Each has a path of its own. Tap one to see it.
Donating now happens at Lettuce Beet Grapefruit
Donated electronics become teaching material at Lettuce Beet Grapefruit’s repair workshops, so the donation form lives there now. Tap any item on the sign above, or open the form directly.
Throwing it out instead?
If a device is past saving, look it up for its safe path. Batteries and anything that leaks need their own drop-off, never the bin.
Zero waste. No exceptions. Ever.
Recyclopedia is a project by Absolutely Plausible Solutions, an Orlando consultancy built on one non-negotiable: zero waste, 100% sustainable, in everything we do.
The Mission
We want to be the most complete recycling resource on the internet — for anything and everything that can be recycled, repurposed, or properly disposed of.
The name says it all: a Recyclopedia — an encyclopedia for recycling, where every item, every material, and every question has one clear answer. If it exists, we'll tell you what to do with it.
- Recycle everything that can be recycled
- Repurpose everything that can be repurposed
- Properly dispose of everything that must be disposed
- Send as close to zero as possible to landfill
Built by Absolutely Plausible Solutions
Recyclopedia is one of AP's own projects — not a client engagement. It's built to the same zero-waste standard that AP applies to every project, event, and system it touches.
Absolutely Plausible Solutions is an Orlando, FL based consultancy operating under a strict zero-waste, 100% sustainable founding policy since 2008.
What's coming next
Four phases. Two are live, one is being built, one waits on data we can stand behind.
Phase 1 — Tier 1 foundation
Recyclopedia search with 84 items, electronics donation intake, deployed on Cloudflare. The human-input tier of the engine, live.
Phase 2 — Camera on the search bar
Tier 2 barcode scanning is live: read on your phone, packaging facts from open data. Tier 3 AI vision comes next, for anything without a name or a code — with top-3 guesses when it is unsure, never a guess into the landfill.
Phase 3 — Installable & material-first
An installable web app that works offline, plus a materials layer under every answer — the same table the Academy teaches from.
Phase 4 — Local resolution
District rules and nearby facilities, so every answer becomes a local plan of action. Verified data is still the goal; meanwhile, an experiment: Florida scrap yards and county drop-offs from public records, unconfirmed and clearly marked.
Questions, partnerships, or drop-off coordination