Whether you are just environmentally conscious, or you are just someone who is on a tight budget and hates wasting materials, it's common knowledge that recycling is very important. Fortunately, there are dozens of things you can recycle. However, there are several things that you can re-use that most people aren't aware of. Here are just a few things you may not have known you can recycle:

Athletic Shoes

If you have a pair of shoes that are too beat up to give away to charity or use anymore, do not throw them away. Companies like Nike will happily take in old shoes and recycle them, using them to make sports surfaces all over the country.

Electronics

If you're like most people, you upgrade your technology from time to time, though you're left with outdated items. Computers contain several harmful chemicals, so most people don't know you can recycle them. However, most major computer factories will take used parts and re-process them. GreenDisk will alos take your unwanted electronics and use them to make new gadgets.

Metal

Over time, people can gather scrap metal in their garage from auto updates and home remodels. Copper, brass, stainless steel and aluminum can all be recycled by companies that will buy it from you, such as Federal Metals Inc.

Mattresses

Although mattresses are often refused by charities if they are in too poor condition, many people will gladly take them off your hands. Through programs like Freecylce Network, you can find someone to take that old mattress off your hands.

Wire Clothes Hangers

After numerous visits to the dry cleaners and countless visits to the clothes outlets, chances are that you have an excess of hangers laying around. Fortunately, most of the places that you got them from in the first place are more than willing to take them back, as it saves them money.

Dirty Glass

You don't have to have clean glass to recycle it. Would companies really accept a sticky jelly jar? Fortunately, yes. They will take it an and sanitize it before reusing the jar. Carpets

Most people don't think twice about throwing their old carpets away. However, many carpet manufacturers have recycling programs, so you can just give yours over to the company that you bought it from and see if they will take it. If not, organizations like Carpet America Recovery Effort can help you find someone who will.

There are definitely some recyclable items that will surprise you. From dirty glass to old shoes, they can be reused.