Household batteries are sent to recyclers where the lead, acid and plastic are recovered and recycled.
Eye (reading) glasses are sent to third world countries through the Lions Recycle for Sight program.
Fluorescent light globes and tubes contain mercury. Recyclers crush the tubes to separate the phosphor powder from the glass. They feed the powder through receiving containers, where it is filtered to capture fugitive mercury emissions. The mercury is then separated by distillation and sold for a range of industrial uses. The metals are also recycled.
Mobile phones are recycled through MobileMuster, preventing hazardous materials from entering the environment.
Printer ink cartridges are recycled through Close the Loop® in Melbourne. The cartridges are sent back to the manufacturer for reuse in new cartridges.
X-rays are processed in a refinery to extract the silver. The silver is then reused for silver solder, jewellery, electrical components and film manufacture.