Pens & Markers Trash Consider DonationIf the item is still usable, please donate. Office supplies can usually be dontated to schools and community groups. Visit Athens’ Material Reuse page for ideas. Ways to Reduce Choose Refillable Pens and Markers When buying new writing utensils, opt for refillable. Refillable pens and markers produce less waste than single-use pens and markers. Did You Know? Eco-Friendly Pens While a truly recyclable pen doesn’t seem to have been created yet, some pens are more eco-friendly than others. Paper Mate, for instance, developed a line of biodegradable pens and pencils that will break down in soil or a home compost pile in a year.