Between the confusing numbers on containers and the ever-changing rules, it can sometimes feel like recycling just isn’t worth the effort. We’re here to show you why that isn’t the case.

If your community has a curbside program, chances are this group of materials will always be OK to drop into the bins. For recycling guidelines specific to your area, visit earth911.com.

To prep, just empty, rinse, and remove the caps, which are made from a thicker plastic that can literally clog up the works at the plant. Those ubiquitous polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic beverage bottles are generally shredded, washed, and melted; the resulting material can be spun into a polyester yarn used for clothing and accessories. The thicker, high-density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic -- used for milk and laundry jugs, and for shampoos and cleaning-product bottles -- gets shredded, ground, melted, and molded into such items as pipes, playground equipment, and outdoor furniture.

A recycling superstar, glass retains its integrity when crushed and heated, meaning it can be reused indefinitely. Most recycled glass is turned into new glass containers and bottles, but a small percentage is used to make items like jewelry and countertops. Make sure you degunk the insides and remove lids and bottle caps. (They can be tossed in the bin with your steel cans.)

Recycled paper (staples removed, boxes flattened) is shredded and mixed with water to create pulp. That pulp is cleaned, mixed with additives, and pumped onto a moving screen that drains the water. The resulting sheet is pressed and heated. Office paper and cardboard often get made into more paper and boxes, as well as tabletops and cutting boards. Glossy paper can become newsprint, paperboard, tissue, or stationery.

Prep by rinsing out the insides and cleaning any residue off the outside. Old cans are condensed, shredded, and crushed into potato-chip-size pieces that are melted and blended with virgin aluminum to create new cans.

If your can opener creates sharp edges, leave lids partially attached and rinse out all contents. The steel is melted down, poured into casters, and rolled into flat sheets, which might in turn be molded into more cans, or used for fire hydrants, bridges, or cars.

Though some areas of the country have impressively comprehensive curbside programs (we’re looking at you, San Francisco), the materials below are less likely to be accepted with your regular recyclables. With some know-how and a little effort, though, you can save them from the doom of the landfill.

Includes: Yogurt cups, some bottle caps, and lidded containers

Why It’s Hard to Recycle: Polypropylene (PP) has a melting point between that of PET and HDPE, the most commonly recycled plastics. Plants may be reluctant to adjust their equipment.

Where It Should Go: Either drop these plastics in Preserve’s “Gimme 5” bins at Whole Foods stores or follow the mail-in instructions at preserveproducts.com.

What It Becomes: Toothbrushes, razors, tableware, cutting boards, and food storage containers

Why It's Hard to Recycle: These cartons are made of mixed materials -- paper, plastic, and aluminum linings -- that require some effort to separate.

Where It Should Go: First, check recyclecartons.com to see if your city accepts them curbside. If not, follow the site’s mail-in instructions.

What It Becomes: Tissue and other paper products

Includes: Shopping bags

Why It's Hard to Recycle: Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) has a melting point too low for some recycling plants to accommodate.

Where It Should Go: Bags are accepted at many large grocery, drug, and retail chains. Check plasticbagrecycling.org for locations.

What It Becomes: Bike racks, eco-friendly “lumber,” and (fittingly) reusable shopping bags

Includes: Shower curtains

Why It's Hard to Recycle: A brittle material, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) can’t readily be made into new plastic. It also releases toxic chemicals, such as dioxins and phthalates, when heated.

Where It Should Go: Search for local recyclers by entering your zip code and “PVC” at earth911.com.

What It Becomes: Vinyl flooring, siding, and piping

Why It's Hard to Recycle: The discs are considered #7 polystyrene (high melting point), and the cases are #6 polycarbonate plastic mixed with metal (materials that need to be separated).

Where It Should Go: Certain places will recycle both the discs and the cases. Check out cdrecyclingcenter.org to find one in your community.

What It Becomes: Office equipment, street lights, and automotive parts

Why It's Hard to Recycle: Found in phones, laptops, and digital cameras, these batteries might contain such toxic heavy metals as nickel, cadmium, lithium, and lead.

Where It Should Go: Major retailers, including The Home Depot and Staples, accept the batteries. Visit call2recycle.org to find other stores with recycling programs.

What It Becomes: New batteries and various stainless-steel products

Why It's Hard to Recycle: These contain small amounts of mercury, which can escape when the bulbs are broken.

Where It Should Go: IKEA, The Home Depot, and many hardware and lighting chains have collection boxes.

What It Becomes: New fluorescent bulbs

Why It's Hard to Recycle: Expanded polystyrene foam (EPS) -- often identified with a #6 stamp -- is manufactured from petroleum and therefore highly flammable.

Where It Should Go: Check with your local UPS stores or search “polystyrene” in your zip code at earth911.com to find local recyclers.

What It Becomes: New polystyrene products

Why It's Hard to Recycle: The cartridges contain recyclable plastic, metal, rubber, foam, and toner, which require effort to be separated.

Where It Should Go: Most printer manufacturers have their own recycling programs, but you can also drop cartridges at an Office Depot.

What It Becomes: New printer cartridges

Whether it’s recognizing the value of a used material (the absorbency of old coffee grounds or the softness of a worn sneaker sole, for example) or considering the entire life cycle of their products, the following innovative brands are taking reuse to a whole new level.

Coffee Grounds into Athletic Gear

Using S.Café, a fabric containing recycled coffee grounds, the Seattle-based company has created odor-absorbing athletic apparel. (movingcomfort.com)

Old Carpeting into Automobile Engine Parts

Engine-part covers in Escapes, Fusions, Mustangs, and F-150s are made of EcoLon, a nylon resin fashioned from 100 percent recycled carpet. (ford.com)

Plastic Bottles into Pens

The B2P roller-ball pen is 89 percent recycled PET. Most of the company’s pens are also refillable, which cuts down on the plastic used. (pilotpen.us)

Old Rug Tiles into New Rug Tiles

Customers can mail the company’s modular carpet tiles back when they’re done with them. The fibers and backing get recycled to create new tiles. (flor.com)

Worn Shoes into Athletic Surfaces

Parts of your old kicks can become track surfacing and indoor and outdoor court cushioning. Drop them at Nike or Converse stores. (nikereuseashoe.com)

Outdated Electronics into New Electronics
Finished with your iDevice? Send it back to the manufacturer. If the product is still functional, you might even receive a gift card. (apple.com)

Want a better local recycling program? Petition your solid-waste management department, city council representatives, and mayor. Go to neighborhood board meetings, and let your voice be heard!