Today, newspapers are made primarily from recycled paper; 20 years ago, only 10 percent of a newspaper's overall content was actually recycled, according to Waste Management. This uptick in recycled content means the fiber strands in newspaper are weaker, so they can be recycled into only a few new products, like insulation, cereal boxes and newspapers. But one product that is gaining ground is called hydro-seeding. It’s a slurry of newsprint and seeds, which are sprayed all over hillsides and used by highway departments to quickly create wildflower fields. So, when you’re done with the Sunday paper, recycle it and help beautify America.

Aluminum is a material that can be recycled almost infinitely into new metal products. But aluminum isn’t just limited to beverage cans. Aluminum foil used for baking and covering dishes is 100 percent pure metal, which can be easily recycled. Metal covers used in food packaging -- like those found on yogurt cups and cream cheese containers -- can be removed, cleaned and recycled, too. All you need to do is crumple the foil into a ball and toss into the bin. Make sure it’s clean, since food particles can contaminate a load of recyclable metal.

Do you have old computers or desktops you want to give away? If they're less than five years old, it’s best to donate the computers to a refurbisher, who can update the software and get them running in the best possible condition. Microsoft-registered refurbishers (msregrefurb.com) take both PCs and Macs, upgrade them and hand them off to charities like schools and organizations that help people around the world get their hands on updated technology. Older computers and equipment you donate can be given to charities like Goodwill and recyclers who strip them and sell the materials to raise money and keep old technology out of landfills.