Recyclopedia is your go-to guide to recycling common household items. As the smallest state, Rhode Island has the least landfill space, and recycling is an important way to reduce the amount of waste going into the central landfill. But sometimes it's not always clear just what can and can't be recycled, and what the options are for items that can't be recycled but seem like they could or should be.
Recyclopedia answers all your recycling questions. Select "Rhode Island" from the home page to view an alphabetical list of items. If you don't see the item you're looking for, you can ask them about it.
Surprisingly, one suggestion I didn't see for any of the appropriate type of items was to donate them to Habitat for Humanity's Restore right here in Charlestown, which helps Rhode Islanders in need and helps you get a tax deduction. Anytime you're redecorating or remodeling, consider calling Restore at 401-213-6716 or e-mailing them through their web site to find out whether they can use any of the items you're replacing. They'll even pick them up.
Purchasing household items at the Restore is another great way to keep items out of the waste stream—including packaging materials, many of which cannot currently be recycled here in RI—while simultaneously helping Rhode Islanders in need. Now that's a win-win.
Author: Linda Felaco
(Hat tip to Beth Richardson.)