Appliances

Refrigerators, stoves, dishwashers, water heaters, freezers, air conditioners, washing machines, dryers, microwaves, and garbage disposals should all be properly recycled.

They contain valuable materials that can be reused.

They, also, contain harmful chemicals that can pollute the soil and ground water if illegally dumped or sent to a landfill which later fails.

By weight, most appliances are 75% steel. The Steel Recycling Institute saves the equivalent of 18 million households' worth of electric energy every year by recycling steel.

In addition, the plastic, glass, refrigerant, oil, and blowing agent in old appliances can be salvaged and recycled for use in new products.

Mattresses and Box Springs

More than 15 million mattresses are disposed of annually in the United States, taking up valuable landfill space. They are difficult to compact, creating air pockets. If methane gas builds up in the pockets, dangerous landfill fires can result.

Landfill space and safety make it important for individuals and companies to choose to recycle these items. The good news is that up to 90% of the materials in mattresses and box springs is recyclable. The metal, wood, and unsoiled fabric and foam can be used to make new products.