Top Ten Lesser-Known Recyclables

In our daily lives, we’re familiar with common recyclables like plastic bottles, cardboard boxes, and aluminum cans. However, there are many other items that can also be recycled and reused, but they often go unnoticed. This article highlights ten lesser-known recyclable items, all of which can be handed over to The Loops for recycling! Let’s work together to contribute to environmental protection!

10th Place: Energy-Saving Light Bulbs

While energy-saving bulbs help conserve energy, they contain trace amounts of mercury, making them hazardous waste. Never dispose of them in regular trash bins. Instead, hand them over to The Loops for proper recycling and disposal.

9th Place: Aluminium Foil Packaging

Whether it’s chip packaging, beauty products, or other food pouches, aluminum foil pouches that are translucent can be recycled after being thoroughly cleaned. However, note that non-translucent foil pouches cannot be recycled.

8th Place: PVC Credit Cards

After enjoying the welcome offers from a credit card, don’t throw it away! Cut out the chip to protect your personal information, and the card can then be recycled as PVC plastic by handing it over to The Loops.

7th Place: Ice Packs / Gel Packs

Many restaurants and retail stores have a high demand for ice packs. If used ice packs are still intact, they can not only be reused but also donated to businesses in need, reducing resource waste.

6th Place: Wooden Cutlery

With the rise of takeaway culture, the use of wooden forks, knives, and chopsticks has increased. After use, these wooden utensils can be recycled as wood, which can be processed into wood charcoal, providing renewable energy for the city.

5th Place: Ceramic Items

Broken ceramic bowls and plates may no longer be usable, but they can be crushed and repurposed as construction fill or foundation materials. These resources can still be put to good use.

4th Place: X-Ray Film

Many people discard X-ray films after medical checkups, which is a pity. X-ray films contain silver that can be extracted, making them valuable for recycling. Hand them over to The Loops for proper processing.

3rd Place: Stuffed Toys

Stuffed toys are our best friends—how can you just throw them in the trash? The cotton inside can be disinfected and reused to stuff new toys, giving them a second life.

2nd Place: Tennis Balls

Even when tennis balls lose their bounce, they’re not useless. After processing, they can be used to make shock-absorbing mats for sports flooring or other elastic construction materials, extending their functional value.

1st Place: Used Tea Leaves

Hong Kongers love yum cha is well-known, so don’t throw away used tea leaves! They can be used to manufacture furniture boards, turning everyday waste into a useful household helper. Why not give it a try?

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Recycling isn’t limited to plastics, paper, and metals—many seemingly useless items in our lives can be given a new lease on life through various methods. We hope this article inspires you to pay closer attention to recycling opportunities around you and contribute to environmental conservation. The next time you come across these items, ask yourself:

“Does it really have to become trash?”