Is your propane tank for your backyard grill no longer refillable or simply broken? Most refillable propane tanks last about seven years. When it's time for replacement, they are typically not accepted by normal trash haulers for recycling or landfill, but they are recyclable. Most household hazardous waste (HHW) collection sites (or HHW events in your community) will accept them for proper disposal. Major brands like AmericaGas and Blue Rhino will accept the tanks for recycling, and the local retailer where you purchased your tank may take them back, too.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

When it comes to beer, is it better to go with canned or glass-packaged brews? The answer is aluminum. While both materials are easily recyclable, the likelihood that an aluminum can put into the recycling stream will actually get recycled is much higher than glass. And while it does take more energy to make cans, they are infinitely recyclable, lighter to transport and worth more to recyclers. And of course, drinking from the can or bottle is a greener alternative to single-use cups.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

More than 20 billion paper catalogs are mailed every year in the United States. Many are unread and unrecycled, going straight from the mailbox to the trash can and on to the landfill. If there are some catalogs you enjoy receiving and browsing through, think digital instead. Many major retailers are now offering free downloadable versions of their catalogs to smart tablet devices like the iPad. You can subscribe just like a magazine; when new ones are available, they'll be updated automatically and ready to browse immediately. Paperless catalogs are one more way technology is helping to green our lives.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION