We all have keys. Keys for the house front and back doors, office keys, cabinet keys at work… the list of keys is endless. Some keys we use and some we don’t. We’re talking about the keys we keep but don’t remember what they were for. They could be from an old apartment you moved out of 10 years ago or from a lock that was changed yet the keys still hang on your key-chain or hide in a kitchen drawer.

Over the last few years many businesses have switched from old-fashioned metal keys to keyless entry systems with programmable keycards, but there are still plenty of places with keys. The question is, what can you do with all those unused keys?

If you’re in spring cleaning mode and feel like emptying out your drawers or making your key-chain lighter you’d be happy to know that you can actually recycle old metal keys. You can’t put them into your curb-side blue bins, you’ll need to find a metal recycler near you. Most recycling centers accept metal keys in their mixed metal bins. It’s probably a good idea to give them a call first to make sure that they will take the keys so you don’t waste your time driving there only to find that they won’t.

Or, you could hold a “key drive” and collect not just your unused keys but those of friends, neighbors and co-workers as well and donate the keys to a charitable organization such as Key for Hope. Key for Hope will take your keys, recycle them for scrap metal and use the proceeds to stock food pantries across the country (100% of the donation will go to stock a food pantry of your choice). Nearly 13 million families in the United States are struggling to make ends meet and often go without food. Your unused keys could help make a difference. Find out more at the organization’s website: www.keyforhope.org.

Jim is a CT licensed Master Locksmith with over 30 years experience. He’ll repair and install a new lock at your Connecticut home or business, just email or give him a call at 860-678-9797.