Some of the stuff you’re tossing in the trash actually has a second life.
Recycling seems straightforward—paper, plastic, glass, and cans go in the bin, and everything else heads to the landfill. But a lot of what people consider garbage is actually recyclable, just not in the way they’d expect. From old sneakers to broken crayons, plenty of everyday items have hidden recycling options that most people never take advantage of.
Instead of letting useful materials pile up in landfills, they can be given a second life through specialized recycling programs, drop-off locations, or creative reuse projects. Some of these items even have buyback programs or donation opportunities that help people in need. The less waste, the better, and recycling isn’t just about what fits in a curbside bin. These surprising items can be recycled in ways that benefit both the planet and the people around us.
1. Your old toothbrush has a future—it’s not in the trash.
Most people toss their used toothbrushes without a second thought, but they don’t have to go straight to a landfill. The Colgate Oral Care Recycling Program, as noted by Colgate, collects used toothbrushes and repurposes the plastic into new household products. Since traditional toothbrushes take centuries to decompose, keeping them out of the trash makes a real impact.
If recycling isn’t an option, an old toothbrush still has plenty of uses. Its small bristles make it perfect for scrubbing grout, cleaning jewelry, and reaching tricky corners in appliances. Even bike chains and car interiors can benefit from a toothbrush’s precision. Looking to reduce plastic waste entirely? A bamboo toothbrush is a compostable alternative that breaks down naturally. Whether you repurpose, recycle, or swap for something more sustainable, keeping toothbrushes out of landfills is an easy way to cut down on waste.
2. Worn-out sneakers can hit the ground running in a whole new way.
That worn-out pair of sneakers doesn’t have to be trash. Certain companies collect old athletic shoes and transform them into materials for running tracks, playground surfaces, and even new sneakers. Sporting goods stores often have collection bins where people can drop off used sneakers for recycling.
If the shoes are still in decent shape, donation is a better option. Per Soles4Souls, their organization distributes secondhand shoes to people in need, including victims of wildfires. Meanwhile, shelters and community centers welcome gently used pairs. Some running clubs also collect sneakers to extend their life before they’re recycled.
Even shoes that seem too beat up for wear can be processed into industrial materials instead of heading to a landfill. Before tossing them, check for donation programs or recycling locations that can put them to better use.
3. Dried-up markers aren’t useless—they’re just waiting for a second chance.
A dried-out marker might seem like an automatic trash item, but it doesn’t have to be. Certain mail-in recycling programs accept old markers, highlighters, and dry-erase pens, turning them into repurposed materials. According to Staples, they offer a take-back program for used markers, making it easy to recycle them instead of tossing them in the trash.
Reviving a marker at home is possible, too. Soaking the tip in rubbing alcohol or warm water can reactivate the ink and extend its life. If a marker is beyond saving, creative projects offer another alternative—some artists use empty barrels for DIY crafts or storage. Schools and libraries occasionally run marker recycling programs to keep plastic waste out of landfills. Instead of tossing that dried-up Sharpie, check if it still has a little more life left or if it can be properly recycled.
4. CDs and DVDs are relics, but their materials are still worth saving.
Stacks of old CDs and DVDs may be collecting dust, but they don’t have to end up in the trash. Made from polycarbonate plastic and aluminum, they contain materials that can be recycled into automotive parts, construction materials, and even new discs.
E-waste recycling centers and organizations like GreenDisk accept CDs, DVDs, and plastic cases for processing. If the discs are still functional, donation is an even better option. Libraries, thrift stores, and community centers may take movies, music, or audiobooks for continued use. Old discs also have DIY potential—some people turn them into mosaic art, coasters, or reflective garden décor. Since CDs and DVDs take hundreds of years to break down, keeping them out of landfills is worth the extra effort.
5. Wine corks aren’t done working after the last pour.
That little cork you pop from a wine bottle is made from a renewable resource and has plenty of repurposing potential. Natural corks are biodegradable, but instead of tossing them, they can be sent to recycling programs that transform them into eco-friendly flooring, insulation, and even shoes.
Many wine shops and grocery stores have collection bins for used corks, keeping them out of landfills. At home, they can be upcycled into DIY projects like coasters, trivets, or bulletin boards. Gardeners use cork as mulch since it resists mold and decay, offering a sustainable alternative to synthetic fillers. Before throwing them away, consider recycling or finding a creative way to reuse them—because cork still has plenty of life left after the last sip.
6. Brita filters don’t have to filter straight into a landfill.
Water filters might not seem recyclable, but some brands offer take-back programs to keep them out of landfills. Brita, for example, partners with TerraCycle to collect used filters, pitchers, and dispensers, breaking them down into plastic pellets and repurposing them into household goods. Even if a manufacturer doesn’t have a recycling program, local e-waste centers may still accept used filters.
Some stores also have drop-off locations for water filter recycling, reducing the number of plastic cartridges that end up in landfills each year. With millions of filters discarded annually, taking the extra step to recycle them helps reduce unnecessary waste. Instead of tossing yours, check for return or recycling options near you—it’s a small action that makes a big difference.
7. Those dead holiday lights can shine again—just not on your tree.
Broken string lights don’t belong in the trash, but they also can’t go in standard curbside recycling. They contain copper, glass, and plastic that can be repurposed if sent to the right place. Many hardware stores offer seasonal recycling programs, collecting old lights to strip them down for reusable materials.
Replacing a few burnt-out bulbs can extend the life of a strand instead of tossing everything. Some DIYers repurpose old lights for garden décor or indoor crafts, keeping them out of landfills in a creative way. Holiday lights may not last forever, but their materials still have value. Before stuffing that tangled mess into the garbage, check for drop-off bins at local stores or recycling facilities—they might just get a second life.
8. Crayons never disappear, but they can melt into something new.
Crayons are made of paraffin wax, which never decomposes. That means every crayon ever thrown away still exists somewhere. Fortunately, broken and unwanted crayons can be melted down and recycled into brand-new ones. Organizations like the National Crayon Recycle Program collect old crayons and turn them into fresh coloring tools for kids.
Schools and daycare centers often welcome crayon donations, keeping them in use rather than sending them to landfills. At home, they can be melted into new multicolored crayons, candles, or wax art. With millions of crayons discarded each year, repurposing them reduces waste while keeping art supplies in circulation. Instead of tossing those waxy stubs, consider recycling or upcycling them into something useful.
9. Empty pill bottles have more life left than you think.
Prescription pill bottles may seem easy to recycle, but many curbside programs reject them due to their small size and tinted plastic. Charities that provide medical supplies in underserved areas sometimes accept them for cleaning and reuse. Pharmacies and clinics occasionally collect them as well, redistributing them where they’re needed.
At home, these sturdy containers are useful for organizing small items like buttons, safety pins, and travel-sized toiletries. Gardeners often repurpose them for seed storage, while crafters use them to hold beads or paint.
Certain specialty recycling programs also accept pill bottles, ensuring that the plastic gets repurposed instead of discarded. Since billions of these containers are thrown away each year, finding a way to reuse or properly recycle them helps cut down on unnecessary plastic waste.
10. Foam packing peanuts don’t belong in the trash—they have places to go.
Packing peanuts are made from polystyrene, a material that’s notoriously difficult to recycle through standard curbside programs. However, many shipping centers and packaging stores accept them for reuse, keeping them in circulation instead of sending them to landfills.
Rather than tossing them, packaging them up and returning them to a shipping center is an easy way to ensure they get reused. Some specialty recycling facilities break them down into new materials, preventing them from sitting in landfills for hundreds of years. At home, they can be used as lightweight filler for potted plants or incorporated into craft projects. Keeping them in use rather than throwing them away makes a significant difference in reducing waste.
11. Broken ceramic and tile can still piece together something great.
Shattered plates, old tiles, and broken pottery don’t have to be trash—they can become part of something new. While most curbside recycling programs don’t accept ceramics, reuse centers, artists, and even construction companies may take them for repurposing.
Mosaic artists often seek out colorful broken pieces for creative projects, and some cities use crushed ceramics in road construction. Old tiles can also be used for stepping stones, decorative garden borders, or unique tabletops.
Instead of sweeping broken ceramics into the garbage, consider checking for donation or recycling programs that can put them to better use. Giving old materials a new purpose helps reduce waste and preserves valuable resources.
12. Old mattresses are stuffed with recyclables—literally.
Mattresses are bulky, hard to dispose of, and take up massive amounts of landfill space. Beneath the fabric cover, they’re packed with recyclable materials, including steel springs, foam padding, and wooden frames that can all be processed and reused.
Many cities run mattress recycling programs, breaking them down into raw materials for new products. Some furniture stores even offer take-back programs when delivering a new mattress, making disposal easier. When a mattress is still in decent shape, donation is another great option—shelters and nonprofit organizations sometimes accept them for people in need. With over 20 million mattresses discarded annually, recycling or donating them helps keep valuable materials out of landfills and puts them to better use.
13. Shredded paper is more useful than just clogging your trash bin.
Paper is one of the most commonly recycled materials, but once shredded, it often becomes difficult to process. Many curbside programs don’t accept shredded paper because it’s too small to be sorted properly. That doesn’t mean it’s useless, though.
Animal shelters often use shredded paper as bedding for small pets, and composters add it to their bins as a carbon-rich ingredient. It also works well as packing material, making it a great alternative to bubble wrap.
Gardeners sometimes use shredded paper as mulch since it breaks down quickly and enriches the soil. Instead of bagging it up for the landfill, check if local recycling programs, farms, or shelters can put it to better use. Keeping shredded paper in circulation ensures that even the smallest scraps stay useful.