In a magazine my mom gave me, Family Circle, there was an article about places to recycle just about everything if you can't find where to properly dispose of things from around the house. Of course there are always local organizations that will take certain things, but if not, here you go:
>For Formal Wear: you can log onto http://donatemydress.org/ to find a dress drive in the area.
>For Winter Jackets: http://onewarmcoat.org/ Most of these drives start in October, and you can search on this website for local coat drives. They also accept sweaters, sweatshirts, hates, and gloves.
>For Most Old Tech Supplies (Computer and Parts): They matche used tech equipment with local organizations like school or non-profits http://www.cristina.org/donate.html. The site also will take a lot of things http://www.gazelle.com/ ALONG WITH this one http://nextworth.com/
***For those of you in the Oak Park area, I know the last Saturday of every month (excluding the winter months) they collect old electronics at the OAK PARK PUBLIC WORKS 201 S. Blvd. from 9 am til 1 pm
>For VHSs and Old Floppy Disks: You can send it to this organization http://actrecycling.org/donations/ which is a non-profit based out of Columbia, Missouri that trains and employs disabled people.
>For Cell Phones: http://wirelessfoundation.org/ProgramsAndInitiatives/GreenWireless.aspx gives charities the proceeds from selling cell phones.
-Donate cell phones for calling cards for overseas soldiers at http://cellphonesforsoldiers.com/
-http://digitaltips.org/green/default.asp
-Retailers like Target and Best Buy also have drop boxes for used cell phone equipment.
>CDs and Other Media: You can sell or swap them at sites like http://www.gamestop.com/gs/specialty/tradeins/ OR http://www.secondspin.com/. Best Buy also has a program where you can recycle them for free.
>TVS, DVD Players, iPods, Camcorders, Remotes, Speakers, or Video Game Equipment: All these things can be brought to Best Buy for free. TV's larger then 30" cannot be hauled away, but can be in exchange for purchasing a new set. If you trade in an old iPod for a new one, you will recieve 10% off. Certain items can be traded in for gift cards or cash. You can visit http://www.bestbuytradein.com/bb/ for more details. More recycling questions on these types of items can be found on http://earth911.com/
>Batteries: RadioShack, Lowe's and Home Depot recycle RECHARGEABLE batteries for free, as well as Ikea. For other drop off centers near you, check http://www.call2recycle.org/home.php?c=1&w=1&r=Y
***A FUN FACT: Single use batteries no longer contain toxic metals, so it is ok to trash them. Although, the acid can leak through the casings so before you do trash them please do seal them in a plastic bag.
>CFL (compact florescent) Lightbulbs: These light bulbs do have mercury in them, so please seal them in a plastic bag and toss them in a designated bin at Lowe's, Home Depot, or Ikea. For more places you can check http://earth911.com/
Of course always support your local non-profit organizations, but hope this list helped with items that you just didn't know what to do with.
--Sarah
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