Recycling has become a part of daily life. When discarding items, people of all ages now know to deposit trash like food waste into traditional trash bins while items like cans and glass jars are placed in bins designated for recyclables. Many communities even have separate collection days for recyclables.

Such routines have become rote, but there might be more to recycling than people realize. Many more items than bottles, cans and cardboard can be recycled. Keep America Beautiful, a nonprofit organization that aims to reduce litter and increase recycling, notes the following are some recyclable items that people may not recognize can be disposed of differently.

Batteries: There are many different types of batteries, and they can each be recycled in different ways. Keep America Beautiful notes that recycling batteries helps to prevent toxic leaks in landfills. The Environmental Protection Agency reports that the metals found in batteries, which include mercury and lead, pose a threat to human health and the environment. The EPA also notes that some batteries contain critical minerals like cobalt, lithium and graphite that have a high supply risk potential. Recycling such batteries can ensure those materials are available to future generations. Because each type of battery, from lithium-ion batteries to alkaline batteries, is different, it’s best that individuals contact their local public works department to determine the best way to recycle each one.

Mattresses: It’s not uncommon to see a mattress sitting at a curb on garbage collection day. But the Mattress Recycling Council notes that up to 75 percent of a mattress can be recycled and repurposed into another product. For example, the ticking on a mattress, which is the outermost decorative layer of a quilt panel, can be shredded and re-used in carpet padding.

Plastic grocery bags: Plastic grocery bags are recyclable, but it’s important to recognize that they cannot be placed in curbside recycling bins, as Keep America Beautiful notes that the bags can easily get caught in recycling center machinery. Many grocery stores have their own in-store plastic bag recycling bins, and shoppers can take used bags with them and deposit them in the bins each time they go shopping.

Electronics: Electronics are a major component of daily life in many households, but devices like tablets, laptops and smartphones do not last forever. The EPA notes that recycling electronic devices helps to conserve natural resources and reduce air and water pollution. When recycling electronics, the EPA urges users to first remove the batteries, which will need to be recycled separately. Many manufacturers have their own recycling programs, and the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) is a great resource for people looking to recycle devices.

These are just a handful of the many common household items that can be recycled. Many towns and municipalities have their own unique recycling measures, and individuals are urged to contact the appropriate authorities for information on how to recycle these and other less traditional recyclables.