Ideal Bite

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.