Recycling Uncommon Goods

There are a few household items that can't be recycled at the Hebron Transfer Station, but that doesn't mean they can't be recycled elsewhere! Below is a list of some of these items and where/how to recycle them in our area. Don't see an item here (or on the DEEP site) that you need recycled, or know of a local place with other recycling programs that you'd like to see on the list? Drop us a line! 

Paint

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that about 10% of all paint purchased in the United States becomes leftover – around 64 million gallons annually. (ct.gov) Find a location to drop off both oil and latex paints by going to PaintCare.org. This includes year round locations to recycle your paint! (You can also bring paint to Hazardous Waste Collection, but Hebron ends up paying per gallon so we recommend the PaintCare link above.) 

Carpets and Rugs

Depending on the condition of your rug or carpet you have a couple options. If the rug is in good condition and fairly clean, consider donating it to Habitat for Humanity's ReStore center (donations per location may vary, call before dropping). But if the item is heavily soiled and dirty, it can be dropped at the Hebron Transfer Station's bulky waste. 

Appliances

Appliances don't last quite as long as they used to and most people will have to get rid of one at some point. Have you thought about donating? Or reselling? If these don't work for your situation, check out the EPA's Responsible Appliance Disposal program. 

Cars

Most junk and salvage companies will take cars and sell them for scrap or parts. But you could also consider donating your car. There are many organizations that take automobiles as donations, a good place to start is Wheels for Wishes or Vehicles for Veterans. You can also dial 2-1-1 and ask for information about vehicle donations. 

Batteries

Different batteries are comprised of different materials. And the kind of battery you need to throw away will determine how and where it can be recycled. Visit the CT DEEP site for more information about batteries and how to recycle them. 

Clothing, Textiles, Shoes

There are many local bins designed to collect used clothing. The Charities of Hope bin next to the RHAM tennis courts takes clothing and textiles in good condition as well as worn (but clean) textiles and clothing, which is then recycled into things like insulation! There is also a bin in the Butterballs parking lot, Teds and another at CVS. Fabric can be recycled in almost any form, that includes bedding, curtains or shoes! DEEP is a great resource for all things textile recycling and more information regarding recycling and donating can be found on their site. 

Cell Phones

There are several programs that take cell phone donations whether it's for veterans or women's shelters (Verizon Wireless also takes donations). But there is also a general cell phone and cell phone battery recycling program nationwide called Call2Recycle. Some Wal-Marts and Home Depots have Call2Recycle collection boxes outside their stores.

Mattresses

Hebron residents can recycle their old mattresses at no-cost at the Hebron Transfer Station/Recycling Facility. The mattresses must NOT BE: severely damaged, twisted, wet, frozen, infested with bed bugs or any other organisms. This program is for mattresses and box springs only. They cannot accept futon mattresses, sofa beds, car beds, toppers, juvenile products (crib mattresses, changing pads, etc.), water beds or loose bedding. More information can be found at byebyemattress.com. Check it out!

Computers and Electronics

Technology changes fast. And that means that a lot of electronics are ending up in landfills. Connecticut is working hard to make sure every town has the ability to collect eWaste. The Hebron Transfer Station has a container for eWaste at the bottom of the hill. Most Staples and Best Buys offer recycling of electronics no matter where you purchased them and Craigslist is a great option for electronics still in working order. And the Electronics Take Bake Coalition is a great resource for information about recycling eWaste.
Click here if you’re looking for information about Recycling and Donating Electronics in apartments and condos.

Plastic Film

Plastic bags and film cannot be placed in the single stream recycling because it clogs the machines at the recycling facility. However, they can be recycled at approximately 200 grocery stores in the state! What do you mean by film? Film can be bread bags, ziplock bags, newspaper bags, produce bags, plastic grocery bags, bags that your dry cleaning comes in, 'air pillows' in Amazon shipments and plastic wrap around paper towels, toilet paper, and cases of water or soda.  

Drop off locations include Ted's (white bin near shopping carts) ShopRite, Price Chopper, Lowes, Target, Whole Foods, Kohls and Walmart. Check out plasticfilmrecycling.org to find a location most convenient for you. 

Donate!

There are many charities that accept a variety of used items benefitting our community. It only takes a few minutes to do some research and the benefits to those in need is immeasurable. It is also a more kind option for our environment. Need some ideas for local options? Click here and let us know if you'd like to see your local organization on this list!