Not sure what to do with all of those packing supplies? How about that old microwave? Your smoke detector? Here, you'll find ways to recycle or properly dispose of nearly everything in your home, including city-by-city links to several communities in the Valley of the Sun.
It is important to use rechargeable batteries whenever possible. Not only will you get more use out of them, but they are recyclable when they’ve outlived their usefulness. In order to keep your batteries functioning to the best of their abilities:
- Follow manufacturer instructions for use.
- Be sure your battery is at room temperature before charging it.
- Drain batteries as much as possible before recharging.
- Do not charge batteries that still have a significant charge.
- Do not leave your batteries in the charger when they are not charging.
Cellphones contain a huge quantity of toxic materials, and some valuable metals as well. When your cell phone has outlived its usefulness, it’s important to have it taken care of in a responsible fashion.
- If your phone still works, you might want to consider selling it to GreenPhone.com. GreenPhone purchases still-working phones and sells them in developing countries, giving you part of the profits. While they can only offer money for working phones, they have programs in place to recycle all of the phones they receive. In addition, they plant a tree for every check they write!
- While Collective Good won’t pay you to recycle your cell phone, they will let you decide which charity you would like your donation to benefit. Phones that are still functional are sold overseas and ones that aren’t are mined for their scrap value. The funds from the sales are then donated to a charity you choose – anything from the Humane Society to the Captain Planet Foundation.
- If you don’t want to worry about the carbon emissions created by individual shipping, think about donating your cell phone at a store drop-off point. The good news is that these are popping up all over the place – everywhere from Target to Radioshack. Look into your closest drop-off point at Earth911.org, but do call first, because some of the programs listed are no longer in operation.
E-waste is one of the most rapidly-growing problems in waste disposal, and it’s one that needs immediate attention. An old computer model can contain up to seven pounds of lead, not to mention other chemicals, and it’s important to prevent those materials from contaminating ground water.
- Donate old computers to organizations like AZStRUT, (Students Recycling Used Technology). AZStRUT uses old computers (broken or otherwise) to teach students technological skills, then donates the refurbished computers to schools or other nonprofit organizations. The main drop-off location is at:
1720 W. Broadway Rd., Ste. 101
Mesa, AZ 85202
Tuesday and Thursday, 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
For more information, see azstrut.org.
Packing peanuts can be dropped off for reuse at the following locations:
AIM MAIL CENTER
15090 NORTH NORTHSIGHT BLVD., STE 105
SCOTTSDALE, AZ 85260
480-368-0999COOKIES IN BLOOM
3939 EAST CAMELBACK RD
IN SHOPPING CENTER
PHOENIX, AZ 85018-2609
(602) 955-3030I SOLD IT
8402 EAST INDIAN SCHOOL RD, STE 102
NORTHEAST CORNER @ GRANITE REEF
SCOTTSDALE, AZ 85251-2869
(480) 947-4312I SOLD IT
5830 WEST THUNDERBIRD RD, STE B-7
SAFEWAY SHOPPING CENTER
GLENDALE, AZ 85306-
(602) 324-5500MAIL WORKS
3320 SOUTH PRICE RD, B-114
SOUTHWEST CORNER/SOUTHERN & PRICE (101)
TEMPE, AZ 85282-
(480) 777-1770PAK MAIL
3941 E. CHANDLER Blvd., #106
PHOENIX, AZ 85048
(480) 759-5533PAK MAIL
3218 E. BELL RD.
PHOENIX, AZ 85032-2727
(602) 971-2300POSTNET
2925 EAST RIGGS RD #8
ALBERTSONS SHOPPING CENTER
CHANDLER, AZ 85249
(480) 895-7611POSTNET
10869 NORTH SCOTTSDALE RD #103
NORTHEAST CORNER/ SCOTTSDALE & SHEA BLVD
SCOTTSDALE, AZ 85254-5280
(480) 348-1015STOROPACK, INC
77 NORTH 45TH AVENUE
PHOENIX, AZ 85043-3931
(602) 484-0831THE UPS STORE
5350 WEST BELL RD, STE C-122
IN THE KOHL'S/HENRY'S SHOPPING CENTER
GLENDALE, AZ 85308-
(623) 298-5411
Habitat for Humanity’s local ReStore accepts donations of new and gently used building materials and household goods such as lighting, sinks, bathtubs, furniture, doors, windows, hardware, tools, kitchen cabinets, appliances and home accessories.
Donations are accepted Monday-Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at:
115 E. Watkins
Phoenix, AZ 85044
To schedule a pick-up, call (602) 268-4266.
ReUseAZ is a free service from the Arizona Environmental Strategic Alliance designed to reduce waste in Arizona. If you have reusable/recyclable materials or need them, ReUseAZ will locate a user or supplier for you.
For more information, call (602) 325-4705