You already know the importance of recycling paper, aluminum cans, plastic bottles and other common household items. However, you might not be aware of the many other materials that might be around your home that can be recycled. Here are four surprising household items that you can recycle.

Plant Pots

If you’re tempted to discard old plant pots that you no longer need in the trash, you should think again. Most plant pots are made from plastic and other recyclable materials that can be used to make new pots or other items. Many municipal curbside recycling programs allow plant pots to be included in recycle bins for pickup. Another option is to take old pots to a hardware store that accepts them for recycling.

Mattresses

The mattresses that you use on the beds in your home can also be recycled when you’re ready to replace them. Some mattresses contain chemicals that are potentially harmful to the environment, so giving them to a recycler that accepts old mattresses will be a good idea. The springs in mattresses along with old bed frames can be recycled as well.

Refrigerators

Even though it may initially seem easier to have an old refrigerator hauled away to the dump, you should be aware of the chemicals that are found in refrigerators that can negatively impact delicate ecosystems if they’re released into the environment. Many of the metals that refrigerators contain can be given to scrap metal services for recycling. Other components of a refrigerator can be recycled at a recycling center. You’ll want to make sure that any recycler you’re thinking of giving your old refrigerator to removes Freon. If they don’t remove Freon, you’ll need to have a professional remove it first before your refrigerator can be recycled.

Crayons

Coloring crayons that children often use can be recycled by either giving them away to other children who are in need or using old bits to make new crayons. In certain recycling facilities, old crayon bits are divided into smaller pieces and placed in an oven with high heat. The heat from the oven melts the wax into a liquid substance, which is then poured into molds to make new crayons.

There are many ways to do your part for the planet by recycling. Making yourself aware of all the items and other materials around your home that are recyclable can help you adopt better green living habits.