6 Smartphone Apps that Make Recycling Easy

Most people are well aware of the benefits of recycling, but taking care of this regular chore isn’t always easy. If you’re not familiar with what your local recycling facility accepts, or are unsure about proper disposal methods, recycling can seem like a daunting task. Fortunately, all you need is a smartphone, the right apps, and a few extra minutes to figure it all out.

iRecycle — Fast Solutions for Every Material

iRecycle, developed by Earth911, is one of the most comprehensive recycling apps on the market. The app offers a clean, attractive interface that provides simple recycling solutions for nearly everything, including automotive items, paint, electronics, batteries, and hazardous materials. Just select your category, narrow down your search by item, and iRecycle will return a list of area facilities that meet your needs. The app offers all the essential information for each location including the facility’s hours, website, phone number, and a list of all materials accepted so you can streamline your recycling trips.

Recyclebank — Earn Points for Green Activities

Recyclebank offers added incentives for recycling in the form of points. You can earn points by learning more about recycling online or through the app. In some communities, taking your items to a local recycling center earns you points as well. Use your points for discounts or gift cards from both local and online retailers. Recyclebank makes recycling easier by marking your recycling days on the calendar, providing handy reminders, and helping you locate your nearest recycling facilities.

1-800-Recycling — Find the Best-Rated Facilities

The 1-800-Recycling app offers interactive maps to help you locate recycling facilities throughout the U.S. and parts of Canada. You can search for groups of materials when you want a one-stop solution, or seek out specialized facilities for specific items. One of the app’s most unique features is its reviews and ratings. Users can share information about their experience with various recycling facilities to help others pinpoint the best local options. Users can even share their own locations via Facebook, Twitter, email, or text.

Waste Sorting — Recycling Tips for Kids

Get your children involved in your recycling efforts with an app designed just for them. Waste Sorting from Panda Games teaches children about proper waste sorting and disposal. It elaborates on eight categories of waste sorting, explains the process of composting, and emphasizes the importance of cleaning up the earth using cute graphics and engaging games. Use this kid-friendly introduction to get your children involved with real-world efforts. And with family plans from providers like T-Mobile, you won’t have to worry about your kids using up all of your data, since each family member receives more data on these plans. You will, however, want to use a phone with a large screen to view this app, since it is interactive. The reinvented Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge has a 5.1” Quad HD Super AMOLED® display, so your child will have tons of screen space to fully enjoy the app.

Do It Yourself Recycling — Creative Options for Unwanted Items

The Do It Yourself Recycling app offers over 200 ideas for recycling common items around the house. This app is ideal for things that don’t fall into a clear-cut category, such as old suitcases or lamps. If you have an item you no longer need in its current form, but you don’t want to send it to the dump, browse through these bright solutions. You may find that you can repurpose the things in your trash pile to give them new life.

Local Recycling Apps — Your City’s Smart Solution

Google Play features dozens of apps specific to local recycling programs. Connect with your city to see if there’s an app available for your area or go to ReCollect Systems Inc. for a list. As examples, Recycle First is an app for Greensboro, N.C. residents that lets you find the nearest site for recyclable items. If an item cannot be recycled, the app will offer tips for proper disposal. Loveland Recycling and Trash provides recycling schedules and reminders for Loveland, Colo. residents. Denver Trash and Recycling offers several types of reminders to make sure you never miss recycling day. You can sign up for emails, telephone calls, or Twitter reminders through the app.

Handy apps like these will give you all the information you need to add recycling to your regular routine. Whether you’re looking for a local facility to take all your basic items, or you’re searching for a specialty center to help with paint and chemicals as you clean out the garage, these apps can point you in the right direction.