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Can you recycle used braces?

02.11.2008

Submitted by tmeronek on Mon, 02/11/2008 - 1:27am.
The Bite:
Ask your dentist (seriously, sometimes they can reuse the brackets). Keep reading for other metal items you probably thought you couldn't recycle, but can - metal-mouth or not.
The Benefits: 
  • Easier than remembering to put in your retainer. In many places, you can chuck your metal items in your curbside recycling bin.
  • Less energy use. According to the EPA, 75% of trash can be recycled, but only 25% actually is, and metal recycling results in 74% less energy use.
  • Less mine waste. Metal recycling creates 97% less mine waste than producing virgin metal.
Personally Speaking: 
On April Fool's day one year, Jenifer's mom put a layer of foil on her PB&J.
Wanna Try: 
  • Earth911 - enter your zip and the item you wanna recycle to find local recyclers.
  • Aerosol cans - most curbside programs will take them.
  • Aluminum foil - most curbside programs will take them.
  • Autos - donate them to nonprofits like Habitat for Humanity; it's tax-deductible.
  • Caps and lids - most curbside programs will take them if you separate them from the container.
  • Construction items (pipes, siding) - some curbside programs take them; if not, contact a building materials reuse organization.
  • Household items (appliances such as refrigerators, curtain rods, lawn chairs, pots, pans, tools) - some curbside programs will take them, but in most areas you have to drop them off at a recycling plant.
  • Paper clips - most curbside programs will take them if they are kept together (put them inside a small cardboard box you are recycling anyway).
  • Staples - hard to recycle, but note that you don't typically need to take them out when recycling paper.
  • Wire hangers - take them to your dry cleaner; some curbside recycling programs will take them.

Cocktail Fact

More than 60% of teen braces-wearers have matched outfits with the bands on their braces.

Bang For The Bite

Recycling is way less resource-intensive than producing new materials, especially with metal, so recycle everything you can.

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samantha  on November 13, 2009 at 05:10 AM 1
According to the EPA, 75% of trash can be recycled, but only 25% actually is, and metal recycling results in 74% less energy use. games adventure games

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