10 Surprising Items You Didn’t Know You Could Recycle

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We all know the basics when it comes to recycling – paper, plastic bottles, and glass jars are a given. But what about those everyday items that don’t have a clear place in your bins? You might be surprised to learn that many things we throw away could actually be recycled or repurposed in ways you never imagined!

If you’re looking to reduce waste and be a little kinder to the planet, here are 10 surprising items you can recycle instead of tossing in the bin.

1. Toothbrushes & Toothpaste Tubes

Your old toothbrush has done its job, but don’t send it straight to landfill! Many brands now offer recycling schemes where you can send back used toothbrushes, electric brush heads, and even empty toothpaste tubes. Terracycle, for example, has partnered with Colgate to make dental waste recycling easy.

2. Crisp Packets

Ever wondered what to do with all those empty crisp packets? They’re not typically accepted in household recycling bins, but specialised schemes will take them. Some supermarkets and brands have drop-off points where they’re collected and transformed into reusable plastic products.

3. Tights & Stockings

Those old laddered tights may seem like destined-for-the-bin material, but they can actually be recycled. Brands like Swedish Stockings offer take-back schemes, where old hosiery is turned into industrial materials such as insulation.

4. Broken Ceramics & Old Mugs

Dropped your favourite mug? Before you throw it out, check if your local recycling centre accepts ceramics. Some places repurpose them into road materials or drainage systems! Alternatively, broken ceramic pieces can be used for craft projects or even as drainage layers in plant pots.

5. Mattresses

Did you know that around 7.5 million mattresses end up in UK landfills each year? Instead of adding to the problem, look for a local mattress recycling service. Many companies now strip them down and recycle the metal springs, foam, and fabric. Some charities even take used mattresses in good condition.

6. Bras & Underwear

Your old bras and undies don’t have to go to waste! Organisations like Smalls for All and Against Breast Cancer collect gently worn bras and redistribute them to women in need. If they’re too worn out, some clothing banks will recycle the fabric.

7. Wine Corks

Natural cork from wine bottles is biodegradable, but it can also be recycled! Some charities and eco-brands accept cork donations to turn them into sustainable products like flooring, insulation, or even yoga blocks.

8. Contact Lenses & Blister Packs

Most people don’t realise that used contact lenses and their plastic blister packs can be recycled. Opticians such as Boots and Specsavers now offer drop-off points where these tricky little items are collected and processed.

9. Pet Food Pouches

If you’ve got furry friends at home, you’ve probably gone through countless pet food pouches. These aren’t accepted in standard recycling bins, but some brands (like Whiskas and Felix) have partnered with recycling schemes to collect and repurpose them.

10. Old CDs & DVDs

In the streaming age, CDs and DVDs are becoming obsolete. But don’t just bin them! Many charity shops still accept them, or you can send them to specialist recycling facilities where they’re broken down into raw materials for reuse.

Final Thoughts

Recycling isn’t just about the usual suspects – there are plenty of hidden opportunities to keep waste out of landfill. Whether it’s through brand-specific schemes, creative upcycling, or using a professional house clearance service to ensure unwanted items are disposed of responsibly, taking that extra step makes a big difference for the environment.

Got any other surprising recycling tips? Share them in the comments below!