Nine Interesting Recyclables

Plastic bottles, aluminum cans, glass and cardboard are among the most popular recyclables, but there are many more that can contribute to helping protect the environment.

Earth911.com --an agency that provides a recycling directory to consumers across the country -- recently compiled a list of some other recyclables that aren't so well known.

1. Human hair can be composted and it is recyclable. Experts say it can be used to help clean up oil spills. San Francisco nonprofit Matter of Trust collects human and pet hair for recycling purposes.

2. Jeans are recycled by some companies like Green Jeans Insulation and Bonded Logic into natural fiber insulation that can be used for interior and exterior walls and ceiling applications.

3.Wine is a great recyclable because its bottle can by recycled in a glass program and ReCORK America has drop-off locations for corks at local Whole Foods stores. The wine itself can also encourage the composting process.

4.Cotton swabs can also be added to the compost bin.

5. Crayons that are broken or unwanted can be recycled into new crayons. The National Crayon Recycle Program has already diverted more than 47,000 pounds of crayons from landfills.

6.Surfboards can be recycled by ReSurf Recycling into numerous products including asphalt and concrete for paving city roads.

7.Keys tend to sit in the bottom of our drawers, but you don’t have to toss them in the trash. They’re made of valuable metal!

8.Most golf balls are made in two or three parts. A two-piece ball is made of rubber and plastic, and is mostly used by the casual golfer. You can mail in golf balls to Dixon Golf for recycling. OnlyGolfBalls.com will also buy old golf balls in bulk. Also, check out LostGolfBalls.com to purchase recycled and used golf balls.

9.Trophies Total Awards & Promotions, Inc. has a trophy recycling program to benefit charities. Through a mail-in program, the company recycles your defunct awards or re-engraves and donates them to nonprofit organizations.

To find local recycling centers in Newport Beach, visit Earth911.com.