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One anxiety when you’re signing up for a dating site, especially one of the more spicy ones like AdultFriendFinder, is the paper trail or, in this day and age, the digital paper trail.

Maybe you’re married or in a relationship, or maybe you and your ex still haven’t separated your financial lives, or maybe you just don’t like the idea of your bank teller or financial advisor knowing about your online activities — whatever the reason, it’s perfectly natural to worry about what your dating app subscription will look like on your bank statement, especially if that subscription service contains the word “adult.”

Opens in a new window Credit: AdultFriendFinder AdultFriendFinder   Learn More

Thankfully, AdultFriendFinder has already anticipated this concern. If you do decide to upgrade from a free membership to a paid one, whether you opt for their Gold or VIP subscription, your monthly billing statement will only show up as FFNHelp.com*FRIENDF, a relatively cryptic and innocuous line that won’t arouse undue suspicion or judgment. Do be aware, though, that AdultFriendFinder subscriptions default to “auto renew,” so if you purchase a membership and want to cancel, you’ll have to actively disable the auto-renew function. Otherwise you risk having the mysterious FFNHelp.com*FRIENDF statement showing up once again.

But what if even that isn’t good enough for you?

If you’re especially cautious — or especially paranoid — you can bypass the bank statements entirely by paying with a gift card or a cash, check, or money order (available only to users in the U.S.). You can even use an e-wallet option like AirTM. Residents of the UK can opt to pay by SMS.

SEE ALSO: The best sexting apps for discreet and NSFW chats

If avoiding a digital paper trail is your top priority and privacy is paramount, you’re much better off using these payment options and never handing over your credit card details to begin with.

SAVE OVER $200: As of April 15, the LG 27-inch Ultragear QHD OLED gaming monitor is on sale for $749.99 at Amazon, marking its lowest-ever price.

Opens in a new window Credit: LG LG 27-Inch Ultragear QHD OLED Gaming Monitor $749.99 at Amazon
$999.99 Save $250   Get Deal

2026 is a huge year for gaming, especially if you're counting down the days to Grand Theft Auto VI. If you're among the many who can't wait to play it later this year, it's time to prep your setup.

For PC players, that means having a high-quality monitor to see every little detail in what will surely be one of the most detailed open worlds ever created. If you're looking for something new, the LG 27-inch Ultragear QHD OLED gaming monitor is discounted right now at Amazon. As of April 15, this LG monitor has dropped to $749.99 at Amazon, a $250 discount from its list price of $999.99. What's even better is this deal marks its lowest-ever price.

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This LG monitor's OLED display with QHD (3440 x 1440) resolution is sure to make the games you play really pop with vibrant colors, contrast, and clear details. It's a very responsive display as well, with a Dual Mode feature that lets you switch between QHD resolution at a 540Hz refresh rate or 1080p HD resolution at a 720Hz refresh rate by tapping a hotkey.

Add to that a 0.02ms response time and you'll be able to enjoy speedy, input lag-free performance in your favorite games. Plus, this LG monitor's display has five UL safety certifications for Anti-Glare, Flicker-Free, Low Blue Light, Reduced Blue Light, and Reduced Circadian Stimulating Blue Light, so it's nice and easy on the eyes.

Just be aware that the LG 27-inch Ultragear QHD OLED gaming monitor is currently marked as a limited time deal at Amazon. So if you're hoping to add it to your setup, act fast to take advantage of this great deal.

SAVE $600: As of April 15, the EcoVacs Deebot X11 robot vacuum is on sale for $899 at Amazon. That's a 40% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: EcoVacs EcoVacs Deebot X11 Robot Vacuum $899 at Amazon
$1,499.99 Save $600.99   Get Deal

We can't ignore a great robot vacuum deal, especially one as good as this latest bargain on the EcoVacs Deebot X11. As of April 15, this model is down by $600, bringing the price down from $1,499.99 to $899. Not only is this a huge saving, but it's the best-ever price according to price tracker camelcamelcamel.

And this isn't just a robot vacuum, it's a mop too. But this doesn't mean more maintenance for you, quite the opposite. The mop system uses a high-density roller designed to improve scrubbing and reach closer to edges and corners. When it's done with cleaning, it returns to the dock where it handles mop cleaning with hot water, refilling the tank, and drying.

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The same can be said for the vacuum. After combining its strong, 19,500Pa suction with an anti-tangle brush system to pick up dirt and pet hair, it can continue to store dirt in its bagless auto-emptying station.

It self navigates too, and uses a wheel system to move between rooms with small steps or thresholds. When on mixed surfaces, it can lift or adjust its mop and brushes automatically to avoid wetting carpets. Home mapping is handled through a combination of sensors and AI-based mapping, so you really have no work to do at all.

Pick up this robot vacuum deal at Amazon now.

SAVE $55: As of April 15, the Shokz OpenRun Pro headphones are on sale for $124.95 at Amazon. That's a 31% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: SHOKZ Shokz OpenRun Pro $124.95 at Amazon
$179.95 Save $55.00   Get Deal

If you’ve been thinking about upgrading your running headphones, now’s a good time to do it because the Shokz OpenRun Pro are $55 off at Amazon. This brings the price down from $179.95 to $124.95. You can choose between four colors: black, blue, pink, and beige.

Bone conduction headphones use a different approach to deliver sound while keeping you aware of what’s around you. Instead of playing audio through your ears, they send vibrations through your cheekbones straight to the inner ear. This means your ears stay open, so you can listen to music or podcasts and still hear what’s happening around you.

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These are a comfortable set of open ear headphones, with a wraparound titanium frame that, despite being lightweight, is designed to stay secure during workouts. Sound is powered by Shokz’s bone conduction technology with enhanced bass and clarity, so you can expect great sound for all your playlists.

And the battery life is impressive too, promising to last up to 10 hours. S, for even your longest runs, you won't be left without sound.

You can find this Shokz deal at Amazon now. It's a limited-time deal, so don't miss out.

SAVE $20: As of April 15, the Amazon Fire Stick 4K Max is on sale for $39.99 at Amazon. That's 33% off the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Fire Stick 4K Max $39.99 at Amazon
$59.99 Save $20   Get Deal

If you’re looking for a powerful streaming device with extra space for downloads, the Amazon Fire Stick 4K Max is the product for you. It provides you with sharp 4K playback and comes with 16GB of storage, giving you room for more apps and games than usual. And as of April 15, it's on sale for $20 off at Amazon. Right now, you can take it home for just $39.99.

The Fire TV Stick 4K Max is a faster performing streaming stick, with a powerful processor for smooth navigation. It streams in 4K Ultra HD with Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and Dolby Atmos audio, so sound and image quality will seriously impress.

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If you're a gamer, you'll be pleased to know it also supports cloud gaming through Xbox Game Pass and Amazon Luna, allowing you to play games without a console when paired with a compatible controller. It also features Alexa voice control for searching content with voice commands.

Navigation of the device and your TV is controlled with the included remote. This has shortcut buttons for your favorite streaming platforms and controls for live TV.

Get this streaming deal online at Amazon now.

TL;DR: The Sony WH-CH520 wireless headphones are down to $38 at Amazon and Walmart. That’s $31.99 off their $69.99 list price and the lowest price we’ve seen so far in 2026.

Where to buy Sony WH-CH520 wireless headphones: Best Amazon deal Sony WH-CH520 Wireless Headphones $38 at Amazon (save $31.99) Shop Now Best Walmart deal Sony WH-CH520 Wireless Headphones $38 at Walmart (save $31.99) Shop Now

Sony's WH-CH520 headphones are among the best budget-friendly headphones you can buy, and both Amazon and Walmart are letting you save more than ever before in 2026.

As of April 15, you can grab the Sony WH-CH520 wireless headphones for $38 at Amazon and Walmart, down from $69.99. That knocks $31.99 off the usual price, which works out to a 46% discount — also the lowest price we’ve seen on Amazon this year via price tracker camelcamelcamel. Amazon currently has more colors to choose from, including cappuccino, black, blue, pink, white, and yellow, while Walmart appears to be limiting stock to the black model.

For the price, these headphones check off a lot of boxes that led to their high score in our Mashable review. You’re getting up to 50 hours of battery life, which is well beyond what you’d expect from a pair of sub-$40 headphones, plus a quick-charge feature that gives you up to 90 minutes of playback from just three minutes of charging. That makes them a particularly good pick for commuters, students, or anyone who regularly forgets to plug their tech in until the last second.

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Sony also packs in a few extras that help these feel less bare-bones than the price would normally suggest There’s multipoint connectivity, so you can switch between two paired devices without a bunch of fiddling, as well as hands-free calling via the built-in microphone. If you like tweaking your audio, the Sony Headphones Connect app lets you customize the EQ to better suit whatever you’re listening to, and DSEE is onboard to help restore detail in compressed music files.

In the event you feel like really splashing out, the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones are available for only $248. As for other brands, you can also grab the Bose QuietComfort headphones for under $220.

TL;DR: Walmart has the Magic: The Gathering Avatar The Last Airbender Beginner Box listed for $18.99, while Amazon sellers are starting at $23.66.

Where to buy the Magic: The Gathering Avatar The Last Airbender Beginner Box: Best Walmart deal Magic: The Gathering Avatar The Last Airbender Beginner Box $18.99 at Walmart Shop Now Best TCGplayer deal Magic: The Gathering Avatar The Last Airbender Beginner Box $23.34 at TCGplayer Shop Now Best Amazon deal Magic: The Gathering Avatar The Last Airbender Beginner Box $23.66 at Amazon Shop Now

MTG’s Avatar: The Last Airbender expansion is one of the best ways to get into the trading card game, and now you can jump in for under $20.

As of April 15, Walmart has the Magic: The Gathering Avatar The Last Airbender Beginner Box listed for $18.99, down from $24.39. Over at Amazon, the lowest current third-party listing is $23.66. TCGplayer has listings as low as $23.34, with its market price also sitting at $23.34. That means Walmart is now nearly $5 under both Amazon’s lowest available price and TCGplayer’s market value. 

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The Beginner Box is built as a perfect learn-to-play entry point to Magic: The Gathering, with two 20-card tutorial decks themed around Aang and Zuko, plus eight additional 20-card themed half-decks that can be mixed together into full 40-card decks. It also comes with two playmats or playboards, two Spindown life counters, two learn-to-play guides, five double-sided tokens, and a rules reference booklet. 

Crafted for two people in mind, you can use this to either have a friendly MTG player help show you the ropes (or vice versa), or learn together at the same time. 

You can still grab the Magic: The Gathering Avatar The Last Airbender Play Booster Box for around $120. Elsewhere, the Lorwyn Eclipsed Play Booster Box is available to buy for under $110. 

TL;DR: Walmart has the Pokémon TCG Scarlet & Violet Destined Rivals Booster Bundle listed for $59.95, while Amazon sellers are starting at $67.99.

Where to buy the Pokemon TCG Scarlet and Violet Destined Rivals Booster Bundle: Best Amazon Deal Pokémon TCG Scarlet & Violet Destined Rivals Booster Bundle $67.99 at Amazon Shop Now Best Walmart Deal Pokémon TCG Scarlet & Violet Destined Rivals Booster Bundle $59.95 at Walmart Shop Now Best TCGplayer deal Pokémon TCG Scarlet & Violet Destined Rivals Booster Bundle $69.48 at TCGplayer Shop Now

Ascended Heroes has been taking off in price and Perfect Order has been dipping, but what about other Pokémon TCG expansions like Destined Rivals?

As of April 15, Walmart has the Pokémon TCG Scarlet and Violet Destined Rivals Booster Bundle marked down to $59.95, down from $69.94. Amazon's third-party listings are currently starting at $67.99 with free shipping, while TCGplayer shows a $67.11 market price for the bundle. The cheapest unopened booster bundle at TCGplayer is currently at $69.48.

Like with the recent price drop on the 36-pack Perfect Order Display Box, that leaves Walmart with the best price by a pretty comfortable margin.

At Walmart’s current listing, the six-pack bundle works out to about $9.99 per booster pack. Compare that with Amazon’s $67.99 starting price, which comes to roughly $11.33 per pack, and the savings start to look a lot more tempting.

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For those who’ve been out of the trading card game scene for a while, Destined Rivals is themed around Team Rocket and various well-known Trainers throughout the franchise. The expansion features high-value chase cards like Cynthia’s Garchomp ex, Ethan’s Ho-Oh ex, Arven’s Mabosstiff ex, along with the coveted Team Rocket Mewtwo ex. Each of the six booster packs in the Destined Rivals Booster Bundle contains 10 cards and one Basic Energy.

Among other six-pack bundles you can buy right now, the Pokémon TCG’s Perfect Order Booster Bundle is now available for under $40. The Perfect Perfect Order Build and Battle Box — containing four boosters, a promo card, and a pre-built 40-card deck — can be bought for as low as $35.80 at TCGplayer.

The Mini is a bite-sized version of The New York Times' revered daily crossword. While the crossword is a lengthier experience that requires both knowledge and patience to complete, The Mini is an entirely different vibe.

With only a handful of clues to answer, the daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it.

So, when a tricky clue disrupts a player's flow, it can be frustrating! If you find yourself stumped playing The Mini — much like with Wordle and Connections — we have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: How to play Pips, the newest NYT game

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Wednesday, April 15, 2026:

AcrossFabric used for casino tables

• The answer is Felt.

Pulling the ___ (outdated idiom for voting)

• The answer is Level.

Togetherness

• The answer is Unity.

Many emails with urgent, all-caps requests

• The answer is Scams.

Basic belief

• The answer is Tent.

DownWhat you might be "on" when you're undecided

• The answer is Fence.

Bottled water brand

• The answer is Evian.

"Here, I can do it"

• The answer is Let me.

Romantic rendezvous

• The answer is Tryst.

What might lead to a romantic rendezvous

• The answer is Lust.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to today's Mini Crossword.

To skip down to a certain product category in this recycling guide, use the table of contents dropdown at the top of this story.

When you really think about it, life is just a constant cycle of acquiring new stuff and figuring out what to do with the old stuff. And when there's little straightforward guidance on how to properly get rid of the old stuff, it quickly turns into clutter — or trash.

Most of us have been conditioned to recycle things like aluminum cans and cardboard boxes. But past those traditional curbside recyclables, other everyday items like batteries, beauty empties, toys, and even clothes can feel impossible to get rid of sustainably. Is throwing them away the only option?

SEE ALSO: Texas resident used Apple AirTags to track her recycling. It ended up in the middle of nowhere.

All of those everyday items can actually be recycled. It just requires some research and an extra step or two. But I've already done the first part for you, and compiled everything into a straightforward "how to" recycling guide.

Why does it feel like nothing is recyclable?

Perhaps you've Googled "how to recycle insert item here" just to be given some vague instructions like "Check locally." If you did check locally, you probably learned that most municipal recycling programs max out at trash-like recyclables. This isn't because recycling everything else is impossible on a technical level — it often just costs more than most local authorities feel like covering.

But that doesn't mean the items not mentioned in your county's recycling PDF have to be thrown away or forced upon an overflowing thrift store. Straightforward recycling options do exist for famously tricky product categories, like skincare, cleaning supplies, electronics, and the other junk you've crammed under the bed or in that one drawer.

Most involve easy (and free) mail-in programs or quick drop-offs at chain stores — much more reliable methods than plopping junk in the recycling bin and hoping the recycling fairy whisks it away to the right place.

SEE ALSO: How to recycle Amazon packaging purchases (yes, all of it)

That's called wishcycling, but you're out of that phase of your life now. Because below, I'm breaking down how and where to recycle all of those famously hard-to-recycle items.

How to recycle electronics

As is the case with plastic pollution, a good chunk of e-waste (the umbrella term for improperly discarded electronic devices and the toxins they leak into the ground) comes from big tech corporations. But as a species that has treated our personal devices as extra limbs for almost two decades, it's also our individual responsibility to deal with our old gadgets in the most sustainable way possible.

To be fair, people aren't exactly given clear instructions on how or where to safely recycle old devices. A CNET survey found that over 30 percent of U.S. adults hold onto old phones, tablets, and chargers simply because they don't know what to do with them. So here's your crash course.

How to recycle cellphones, laptops, TVs, and more tech

You're probably aware of the trade-in promos that your smartphone carrier offers. Similar incentives exist for devices like iPads and tablets. But even if the device in question isn't exactly in trade-in or sell-on-Mercari condition, there are still super accessible ways to recycle the gadget without smashing it for parts.

Best Buy and Staples have robust in-store recycling programs for everyday e-waste. Both stores can recycle the following tech products and accessories for you:

• Laptops and monitors

• Keyboards and mice

• Cellphones and landline phones

• Chargers, cables, and dongles

• Headphones (wireless or wired) and speakers

• Hard drives

• Surge protectors

• Routers and modems

• Printers, plus ink and toner cartridges

• Gaming consoles and controllers

• Digital cameras and camcorders

• Car GPS devices and dash cameras

• Calculators

Stores may limit the number of items in a certain category that one household can recycle per day — don't just dump years' worth of junk drawer tech into a few cardboard boxes and drop them off.

Once received, recyclers disassemble the tech to pull out and properly get rid of ozone-depleting chemicals like PCBs, mercury, and insulation, then separate materials like plastic, glass, and metal to be repurposed when possible.

Samsung has its own e-cycling drop-off centers, often located at Best Buy and Staples, and sometimes even at your local solid waste authority. Apple offers its own recycling program for old Apple devices and chargers, and you can even get a prepaid shipping label.

Where Staples and Best Buy's lists differ

Tech products that are strictly recyclable at Staples include discs like CDs and DVDs and phone cases. Tech products that are strictly recyclable at Best Buy include TVs 50 inches or smaller, drones, and some small appliances like fans and heaters (scroll down for a deeper dive into that list). You can also pay Best Buy to come haul away larger items, like TVs over 50 inches, an old fridge, or a treadmill.

How to recycle batteries

Old batteries can be recycled for free at stores like The Home Depot, Lowe's, and Staples through a partnership with call2recycle. Head to the website and enter your zip code to find the closest drop-off location to you. Note that not all participating locations accept every type of battery, so be sure to check the box of the battery type you've been collecting (i.e., lithium vs. rechargeable).

If no collection boxes are popping up in a practical distance, call2recycle also has a mail-in battery recycling program — though at $80 for the smallest battery and cellphone recycling kit, it's not exactly the cheapest route.

How to recycle clothes and shoes

If you take one thing from this recycling guide, let it be this: Goodwill is not a bottomless pit, or a one-size-fits-all solution to get rid of clutter fast. Instead of forcing more stuff upon stores with no hangers to spare, there are more thoughtful ways to clean out your closet.

If the garments are in decent enough condition, consider trying to sell your stuff online. It requires a bit of extra time than dropping off a garbage bag, but it ensures each piece is going to someone who specifically searched for it. The secondhand apparel market is going to pop off in 2026 even more than it already did in 2025, according to ThredUp's latest sale report — so now is definitely a good time to get into resale apps.

SEE ALSO: Zero Waste Daniel is drag's sustainable fashion pioneer

You don't need a ton of followers or an inventory of vintage holy grails to get eyes on your items on Depop, Mercari, or Poshmark. Just take well-lit, clear photos of items that aren't covered in pet hair, write a detailed and honest description, and add a reasonable price.

If you don't feel like reselling, a mail-in donation option could be easy. Give Back Box is a non-profit that partners with a slew of small charities from which you can choose to send your items, depending on what they need (i.e., kids' shoes or gently used women's clothes). Once you find a good fit, Give Back Box will just ask for $20 to cover the pre-addressed shipping label and the weight of the box. Pack your items in any random box you were going to recycle anyway, and send it off.

Is your pile of doom riddled with clothes that are too worn to donate? Viral sustainable clothing brand Girlfriend Collective works with SuperCircle (a growing textile recycling platform) to facilitate ReGirlfriend: an amazingly easy mail-in garment recycling program. Shipping labels are free, and you can pack multiple pieces in each bag, regardless of brand. As a "thank you" for not contributing to the pile of textiles in landfills, Girlfriend offers credits to girlfriend.com. Trashie is another clothing recycling program where you fill a Take Back Bag and mail it back — you'll get rewards to shop at partnering brands.

How to recycle vacuums and other appliances

Your local Goodwill actually is not home to a fleet of magic-working repairpeople who know how to revive every busted gadget manufactured in the past few decades. Instead of trying to donate rusty, sticky, straight-up broken appliances, see if Best Buy's in-store recycling program can take them off your hands. Fans, robot vacuums, upright and canister vacuums, personal heaters, and pod-only coffee makers are a few of the appliances that Best Buy can recycle for free. There's a limit of three per household per day.

For a $199.99 haul-away fee, Best Buy can pick up larger appliances like refrigerators, air conditioners, microwaves, dishwashers, washing machines and dryers, ovens and ranges, and ice makers for recycling.

SEE ALSO: We tested the most popular Ninja appliances in our own kitchens. Here's what we found.

Black+Decker kitchen appliances and home cleaning products can be recycled for free through TerraCycle.

If you're not ditching the appliance for a functional reason, perhaps it'd be a good contender for Facebook Marketplace or resale apps. Gently used countertop appliances like air fryers and blenders are popular on Mercari. It's OK if it's old, too: Vintage collectors would be overjoyed to come across a listing for your grandma's vintage yellow hand mixer, as long as it's not dilapidated.

How to recycle cleaning supplies and more household junk or trashFood wrappers, cleaning supplies, and other packaging

The concept of disposable plastic household items seemed like the most genius idea ever in the 1950s. Guess what? Virtually all of the plastic products thrown away since then are still decomposing in landfills today.

And we're adding to the problem every single day. Swiffer pads come to mind when I think about the dire disposables situation. They're super convenient, but they're not recyclable through the standard plastic or paper system. For all of those everyday household items that we mindlessly trash, more people need to know about TerraCycle's free mail-in recycling programs.

SEE ALSO: I've tested 30+ robot vacuum and mop combos, including CES 2026 models. Here are the top 5 to buy.

These give consumers a rare, yet easy way to recycle everyday "trash" items from big household brands — items that most local recycling authorities don't accept in the regular bins.

Participating brands include Swiffer, Tide and Downy, Pop-Sockets, Arm + Hammer, and Mr. Clean. You can recycle air fresheners or scented plug-in products from any brand for free via Febreze's TerraCycle program. Some food and snack brands are also on the list: Collect wrappers and bags from Babybel, Gatorade, Kroger brands, and Takis. Plastic drink pouches from any brand can be recycled for free through Honest Kids' program, and sauce packets from any brand can be recycled for free through Taco Bell's program.

It's not cheap, but you can recycle nearly anything with TerraCycle's All-In-One Zero Waste Box. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable All of these items can be recycled for free by mailing them to TerraCycle. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable

The idea is to collect enough from each brand's program to fill up a box that you can then mail back to TerraCycle. (Some programs have a weight minimum, but it could be as little as three pounds.) The cost of the shipping labels is covered by the brands themselves, who also fund the tricky sorting process required to recycle their products.

Coffee pods

Nespresso has a ton of drop-off points across the country to recycle pods. You can also request free pre-labeled recycling bags on Nespresso's website to fill and eventually mail back to Nespresso. (Each mailer can hold up to 200 Original Line pods or 100 Vertuo pods.)

Keurig has a similar setup, but it's not free — and Keurig only describes the program through the lens of office use (like "use the small box in offers that brew 24 K-Cups or less in day") with no mention of keeping a box at home in a Keurig-heavy household.

Water filters

Your collection of used Brita filters and old filter pitches themselves can be mailed to TerraCycle for free recycling.

ZeroWater filters can be properly discarded with a mail-back recycling program as well, but you'll have to cover shipping up front. Fill out the recycling form ahead of sending your used filters back to the address provided. You'll then receive a $20 coupon for your next round of replacement refills. It's a more convoluted process than Brita's, but if it's the difference between drinking microplastics, I'll do it Zerowater's way.

Old writing utensils

Drop off pens, markers, and mechanical pencils at Staples to be recycled for free.

How to recycle beauty empties and bathroom stuffMakeup and skincare

The majority of beauty brands are way too comfortable using packaging that looks recyclable, while conveniently forgetting to tell consumers that it's not. Many skincare bottles that feel like glass aren't the same easy type of glass as a beer bottle or jelly jar, and many plastic containers and plastic pumps are actually a peculiar type of mixed plastic that doesn't fall under the number system used to sort at recycling plants.

For beauty empties with a non-accepted number or no number at all, beauty-centric take-back programs are the move. Both Ulta and Sephora have partnered with Pact Collective to offer recycling bins for your empties in a ton of stores across the country. Nordstrom has a partnership with TerraCycle, offering a similar in-store drop-off option for beauty packaging.

My bag of beauty empties was so full, I had to take this Pact bin's lid off. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable

Project Beauty Share is one great option for giving opened skincare products a new home, as long as they're not expired. Accepted gently-used beauty items include moisturizers and serums, cleansers, body lotions, shower gels, perfumes, and sunscreens. Squeeze tubes of foundation or primer and pressed eyeshadow, blush, and highlighter are accepted if they're open but only barely used.

Hair tools

Beauty brand Mane partners with Pact Collective to take your unwanted hot hair tools, whether they work or not. Hair tools in good working condition will be properly sanitized and shipped off to be distributed to young women through Project Glimmer, an organization dedicated to helping end gender and racial inequality for women and girls. Hair tools that don't work will be taken apart and processed for proper recycling. Labels are prepaid by Mane, as long as you use your own box.

SEE ALSO: I found 5 Dyson Supersonic dupes that are almost as good as the real thing Toothbrushes

National Geographic clocks around one billion plastic toothbrushes ending up in landfills annually, and toothpaste tubes are a similar story. If you use Colgate, Arm & Hammer, or Tom's of Maine products, there's a free mail-in TerraCycle program for that. Old toothbrushes, electric toothbrush replacement heads, mouthwash bottles, used flossers, and toothpaste tubes from Crest, Oral-B, or Fixodent can be recycled by mail via TerraCycle or Oral-B's direct recycling program.

SEE ALSO: The Suri recyclable electric toothbrush is my favorite eco-friendly self-care swap Razors

Sure, most disposable razor handles are plastic, and razor blades are metal. Both materials are technically recyclable separately, but mixed materials like that bar disposable razors from being curbside recyclable. Luckily, TerraCycle has a free recycling program for common shaving brands like Gillette and Venus, from handles to blades to the bags the replacements come in. If people caught on to collecting their dull razors for eventual recycling, just think of the dent we'd put into the estimated two billion disposable razors thrown out each year.

SEE ALSO: Yes, there is a plastic bag at the bottom of the Mariana Trench How to recycle toys

Like everything else on this list, getting rid of toys isn't as easy as tossing them in the regular recycling bin — no matter how perfectly plastic they feel.

Hasbro, VTech and Leapfrog, and Spin Master all have free mail-in recycling programs through TerraCycle. TerraCycle's recyclers will ensure that toys and games are broken down and properly sorted for recycling of different parts and materials. If a toy's condition wouldn't be up to your gifting standards for a friend or family member's kid, it's better off being recycled than donated.

Lego bricks can be recycled for free via Lego Replay. Pack up Lego System Bricks, Duplo and Technic bricks, minifigures, baseplates, tires, rims, and axles, download a free shipping label, and send it off.

SEE ALSO: YouTube AI slop is a generational threat, child safety experts warn in new petition

Yard sales aren't the only way to make a few bucks off of gently-used toys. Toys are consistently a top-selling category on Mercari — if you're not sure if a brand or model is in demand, just do a quick search to see what listings are out there (Pokémon, Barbies, and toys from the '90s are usually safe bets.) There's a surprisingly bumpin' market for spare game pieces sold by themselves, like replacement Monopoly tokens or Sorry! pawns.

Wired earbuds used to be a staple with a new phone. Apple stopped including wired earbuds with iPhones as of 2020, citing environmental benefits. That means you have to do your own research to find the best pair of wired earbuds. Things to consider include what input your phone has: Do you have USB-C, or are you stuck in the past with a Lightning or aux cable? And, do you take calls when wearing earbuds? If so, you'll need a mic.

Plus, the best wired earbuds brands might not be the same you'll find in our guides to the best headphones or best earbuds. We're looking to old-school favorites (hello, Skullcandy!) to find affordable, comfortable, and great-sounding earbuds. Luckily, we have great models for every budget. But don't fear — the wired earbuds on this list are all $60 or under.

These are the best wired earbuds of 2026.

Other wired earbuds we tested

In testing wired earbuds, I learned there are plenty of great options out there. The four earbuds on this list are our favorites, but we also tested other options. We tested another set of Skullcandy earbuds and options from JLab and Sony, too.

The Skullcandy Set are still a great pair of earbuds, but we prefer the Skullycandy Jib earbuds. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable The Sony IER-EX15C earbuds have high quality sound but unruly cords, which tangle easily. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

JLab's JBuds Pro are a decent option, especially if you need a lightning cable. Unfortunately, the fit was off, and if the cord moved at all while in use, the sound reverberated loudly in my ears. The Sony IER-EX15C were another great pair of USB-C earbuds, but the cord is too thin and long, which is a pain to wear and makes them tangle too easily. Skullcandy's Set earbuds nearly made the list as a mid-tier option, but they couldn't beat the Jib's great fit and overall value.

TL;DR: Be super productive from anywhere with this Lenovo ThinkPad, on sale now for just $299.99 (reg. $1,299.99).

Opens in a new window Credit: Lenovo Lenovo ThinkPad 14-Inch 2022 (Certified Refurbished) $299.99
$1,299.99 Save $1,000   Get Deal

Looking for a laptop that won’t weigh you down? While it sometimes feels like you have to sacrifice power for portability, the Lenovo ThinkPad 14″ marries both flawlessly. And while it would usually set you back $1,299.99, if you act fast, you can snag one for just $299.99.

When it comes to business, not all laptops are created equal. So if you’re looking for one that helps you get things done, the Lenovo ThinkPad fits the bill.

Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!

An Intel Core i7 processor delivers fast, reliable performance, while 16GB of RAM lets you run multiple apps at once. A 512GB SSD also lets you easily store important files right on the device.

Intel Iris Xe Graphics deliver clear, smooth visuals for work tasks and for when you want to take a break and catch up on your favorite shows. There’s an integrated webcam and microphone available when you need to hop on a Zoom call or video chat with friends and family.

You can tackle a full work day with the battery’s 10-hour life on a single charge. You can also easily connect via USB-C, USB 3.0, HDMI, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.0.

You’re saving $1,000 on this device thanks to its Grade A refurbished rating. That means it will arrive in near-mint condition, with minimal to zero scuffing, while you get a deep discount.

Grabbing this deal? Score a Microsoft Office 2021 license for free when you apply a code at checkout through 4/19: GWP4MAC (for Mac) or GWP4WIND (for Windows). 

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Bring the party with you wherever you go with this ION Portable HD Outdoor Projector with Bluetooth, Speakers, and Microphone, now only $67.99 (reg. $84.99).

Opens in a new window Credit: ION Audio ION Portable HD Outdoor Projector with Bluetooth, Speakers & Microphone $67.99
$84.99 Save $17   Get Deal

The weather is warming up, and if you’re looking for a fun way to pass the time outside, look no further than the ION Portable HD Outdoor Projector with Bluetooth, Speakers, and Microphone. This device lets you bring entertainment wherever you go, and right now it’s just $67.99.

Whether you’re planning on hosting movie nights in the backyard or you want to get a gaming marathon going in the basement, the ION Portable HD Outdoor Projector is ready to help you bring the fun. Its Plug-and-Play setup makes it easy to get going anytime.

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This projector provides a portable 720p HD display with 1280 x 720 resolution on demand, so you’ll enjoy entertainment anywhere with clear visuals and powerful audio. Pretend you’re at the drive-in with 100 ANSI lumens of brightness and adjustable projection that goes up to 150 inches.

You don’t need to worry about bringing speakers, too — the ION Portable HD Outdoor Projector has a built-in 70W stereo sound system with Bluetooth, HDMI, USB, and AUX input options. Dual mic inputs also make it easy to fit in some karaoke, too.

A full charge on the rechargeable battery gives you up to two hours of video playback or 100 hours of music.

Liven up your days and nights with this ION Portable HD Outdoor Projector with Bluetooth, Speakers, and Microphone, now only $67.99 (reg. $84.99).

Grabbing this deal? Build your cart to $100+ and score a lifetime license to Microsoft Office 2021 free with code GWP4MAC (for Mac) or GWP4WIND (for Windows) through 4/19.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

YouTube is the go-to platform for vloggers, content creators, musicians, and anyone who loves to share their life through the art of video.

The most-followed channels on the platform have amassed huge subscriber counts, well into the millions, showing just how many of us enjoy sitting back and relaxing with a good YouTube video. From celebs to entertainment giants, influencers to creators, these channels dominate YouTube with viral videos and their dedicated fan bases.

SEE ALSO: YouTube channels to help keep your mind calm

But have you ever wondered who holds the acclaim of top spot for the most subscribed channel? Wonder no more, here are the 10 YouTube channels with the most subscribers, according to Social Blade.

1. Mr Beast - 477 million subscribers

MrBeast’s YouTube channel is known for its over-the-top challenges, massive cash giveaways, philanthropy, and jaw-dropping stunts, making it one of the platform’s biggest and most influential channels.

2. T-Series - 311 million subscribers

T-Series is India's largest Music Label & Movie Studio, and the YouTube channel features a vast collection of Bollywood music videos, movie trailers, and songs.

3. Cocomelon - Nursery Rhymes - 200 million subscribers

Cocomelon Nursery Rhymes' YouTube channel is a favorite among parents, featuring colorful, educational animations and catchy songs for young children. Engaging colors and fun storytelling aim to help toddlers learn letters, numbers, and life lessons.

4. YouTube Movies - 197 million subscribers

The YouTube Movies channel is the go-to spot for renting and streaming new movie releases, shorts and trailers. You can choose between renting, buying, or watching select titles for free with ads.

5. SET India - 189 million subscribers

SET India’s YouTube channel offers full episodes, clips, and promos from Sony Entertainment Television’s popular Indian shows. Featuring drama series, reality shows, crime thrillers, and comedy programs.

6. Vlad and Niki - 149 million subscribers

Vlad and Niki’s YouTube channel is a popular kids’ channel full of imaginative playtime adventures, toy reviews, and family-friendly challenges. The channel tells the stories of two brothers through educational content and exciting adventures.

7. Stokes Twins - 139 million subscribers

The Stokes Twins' YouTube channel features a mix of pranks, challenges, comedic skits, and vlogs. Run by Alex and Alan Stokes, the pair have become known for their stunts and antics.

8. Kids Diana Show - 138 million subscribers

Kids Diana Show’s YouTube channel features fun, colorful videos of young Diana playing imaginative games, reviewing toys, and other family-friendly adventures. This channel focuses on storytelling, games, and learning.

9. Like Nastya - 132 million subscribers

Like Nastya's YouTube channel is another family-friendly account that follows the exciting adventures of a young girl named Nastya. Videos include fun toy reviews, imaginative games, and educational content.

10. 김프로KIMPRO - 131 million subscribers

김프로KIMPRO is run by cousins Kim Dong‑joon and Yu Baek‑hap. Their channel features both videos and shorts. The content varies from cooking and mukbang videos to challenges and everyday scenarios.

TL;DR: Score a free iPhone 17e when signing up for a T-Mobile plan with no trade-in required. Alternatively, you can get the iPhone 17 for free from T-Mobile when signing up for an Experience More plan and trading in an eligible device.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple T-Mobile: Apple iPhone 17 for free   Get Deal

In the mobile world, the word "free" is usually followed by a list of caveats that make you wish you never started looking for a deal. You usually need to sign up for the most expensive plan or trade-in a premium phone to get your hands on what you really want. But that's not the case with the latest T-Mobile offer.

T-Mobile is offering a rare deal on the newly-released Apple iPhone 17e. For a limited time, you can pick up this A19-powered device for free by simply opening a new line.

You’ll need to activate a new line on T-Mobile’s Experience Beyond or Experience More plans to get the iPhone 17e for free. The phone’s full retail price is covered via 24 monthly bill credits, and since you aren't trading in your old phone, you can keep it as a backup, give it to a kid, or sell it on a third-party site to actually make money on this deal.

If you need something a little more powerful, you can also pick up the iPhone 17 for free from T-Mobile when signing on for 24 months of an Experience More plan and trading in an eligible phone. That gets you unthrottled 5G data, 4K streaming, and enough international roaming for even the most adventurous of travellers.

SEE ALSO: Apple's iPhone Fold launch might happen later than we thought (updated)

Mashable's Stan Shroeder got his hands on the iPhone 17e and said "The combination of having Apple's latest chip and a decent amount of storage means this phone will be relevant for at least four to five years." That's an impressive lifespan for a budget-friendly phone, particularly when it's free.

It's important to note that T-Mobile will charge taxes on these free deals and a $35 device connection fee. Is this really "free" when you need to sign up to something or pay an upfront fee? It's a gray area — we're doing our best, OK?

Score an iPhone 17 for free this week with T-Mobile.

OpenAI has unveiled GPT-5.4-Cyber, a new AI model that may be willing to accept seemingly malicious prompts in the name of cybersecurity. Fortunately, the ChatGPT developer won't let just anyone play with its less restrictive, more freewheeling AI.

SEE ALSO: Is Anthropic's Claude Mythos a big stunt, or a real security threat? What the experts say.

Announced via a blog post on Tuesday, GPT-5.4-Cyber is a variant of OpenAI's publicly available GPT-5.4 large language model. According to OpenAI, its frontier AI models such as GPT-5.4 have safeguards against clearly malicious use, making them refuse harmful user requests such as stealing credentials or finding vulnerabilities in code. In contrast, the company's new GPT-5.4-Cyber model is trained to be more lenient, and potentially accept these prompts instead. 

Describing GPT-5.4-Cyber as "cyber-permissive," OpenAI states that this change is to allow the AI to be used for defensive cybersecurity measures, such as helping researchers find vulnerabilities to be addressed.

"We want to empower defenders by giving broad access to frontier capabilities, including models which have been tailor-made for cybersecurity," wrote OpenAI. "This is a version of GPT‑5.4 which lowers the refusal boundary for legitimate cybersecurity work and enables new capabilities for advanced defensive workflows."

Given the potential danger posed by GPT-5.4-Cyber's lowered safeguards, not everyone will be able to immediately dive in to push the AI's arguably flexible ethical limits even further. OpenAI states that it is starting with "limited, iterative deployment to vetted security vendors, organizations, and researchers." As such, only members of its Trusted Access for Cyber⁠ (TAC) program will be given access to GPT-5.4-Cyber at present, and only those at its highest tiers. 

Introduced in February, TAC is a network of users who have been through OpenAI's automated identity verification process, including completing a government ID check. Once approved, users in OpenAI's TAC program are allowed access to versions of its AI models with fewer safeguards, such as GPT‑5.4‑Cyber. OpenAI states that this is intended to enable cybersecurity research, education, and programming. 

Not every TAC-approved user will immediately get their hands on GPT-5.4-Cyber, however. OpenAI states that users who aren't already part of TAC's higher tiers may request access to it, which will require going through further authentication to verify themselves as "legitimate cyber defenders." 

GPT-5.4-Cyber's reveal comes just one week after OpenAI competitor Anthropic announced Project Glasswing. Like TAC, Project Glasswing is an initiative that restricts Anthropic's cybersecurity-focused Claude Mythos Preview AI model to select approved organisations. Claiming that Claude Mythos Preview "has already found thousands of high-severity vulnerabilities," Anthropic stated that Project Glasswing was an effort to ensure its AI model was used for solely defensive cybersecurity purposes.

"Given the rate of AI progress, it will not be long before such capabilities proliferate, potentially beyond actors who are committed to deploying them safely," Anthropic wrote.

Disclosure: Ziff Davis, Mashable’s parent company, in April 2025 filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging it infringed Ziff Davis copyrights in training and operating its AI systems.

Your AI strategy won’t deliver results until the people executing it are set up to succeed. Focus on closing the gap between long-term vision and day-to-day reality with these actions.  Diagnose before you prescribe. Start by assessing where your organization truly stands. Identify where teams are aligned, where they’re resistant, and how managers perceive the strategy. Don’t rely on top-level optimism—get a clear, ground-level […]

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If you like playing daily word games like Wordle, then Hurdle is a great game to add to your routine.

There are five rounds to the game. The first round sees you trying to guess the word, with correct, misplaced, and incorrect letters shown in each guess. If you guess the correct answer, it'll take you to the next hurdle, providing the answer to the last hurdle as your first guess. This can give you several clues or none, depending on the words. For the final hurdle, every correct answer from previous hurdles is shown, with correct and misplaced letters clearly shown.

An important note is that the number of times a letter is highlighted from previous guesses does necessarily indicate the number of times that letter appears in the final hurdle.

Mashable 101 Fan Fave: Nominate your favorite creators today

If you find yourself stuck at any step of today's Hurdle, don't worry! We have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Hurdle: Everything you need to know to find the answers Hurdle Word 1 hint

Merry.

SEE ALSO: Apple’s new M3 MacBook Air is $300 off at Amazon. And yes, I’m tempted. Hurdle Word 1 answer

JOLLY

Hurdle Word 2 hint

Cowardly.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for April 15, 2026 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

WIMPY

Mashable 101 Fan Fave: Nominate your favorite creators today

Hurdle Word 3 hint

Sheared.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for April 15 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 15, 2026 Hurdle Word 3 answer

SHORN

Hurdle Word 4 hint

To cut off.

Hurdle Word 4 answer

SEVER

Final Hurdle hint

To fasten.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Games available on Mashable Hurdle Word 5 answer

BELAY

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

The New Moon is just around the corner, and over the next few nights the Moon will be almost invisible. For keen Moon gazers, this means less, if anything, to spot on its surface. Keep reading to see what's happening tonight.

What is today’s Moon phase?

As of Wednesday, April 15, the Moon phase is Waning Crescent. Tonight, 7% of the moon will be lit up, according to NASA's Daily Moon Guide.

Despite still some Moon on display, the percentage illuminated it too low to be able to spot any features on its surface.

When is the next Full Moon?

The next Full Moon is predicted to take place on May 1, the first of two in May.

What are Moon phases?

NASA explains that the Moon takes around 29.5 days to complete a full orbit around Earth, moving through eight distinct phases in the process. Although we always see the same side of the Moon, the portion lit by the Sun changes as it travels, creating the familiar cycle of full, partial, and crescent shapes. These changing views are known as the lunar phases, and there are eight:

New Moon - The Moon is between Earth and the sun, so the side we see is dark (in other words, it's invisible to the eye).

Waxing Crescent - A small sliver of light appears on the right side (Northern Hemisphere).

First Quarter - Half of the Moon is lit on the right side. It looks like a half-Moon.

Waxing Gibbous - More than half is lit up, but it’s not quite full yet.

Full Moon - The whole face of the Moon is illuminated and fully visible.

Waning Gibbous - The Moon starts losing light on the right side. (Northern Hemisphere)

Third Quarter (or Last Quarter) - Another half-Moon, but now the left side is lit.

Waning Crescent - A thin sliver of light remains on the left side before going dark again.

Today's Connections: Sports Edition will test your knowledge of multiple sports. If you love both professional and amateur competitions, then you'll have an easier time of it.

As we've shared in previous hints stories, this is a version of the popular New York Times word game that seeks to test the knowledge of sports fans.

Like the original Connections, the game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier — so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for the latest Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable What is Connections: Sports Edition?

The NYT's latest daily word game has launched in association with The Athletic, the New York Times property that provides the publication's sports coverage. The sports Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

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Each puzzle features 16 words, and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.

If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake — players get up to four mistakes before the game ends.

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Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. Here's a hint for today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

Want a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:

• Yellow: Keeping score

• Green: Mascots

• Blue: Ball knowledge

• Purple: A winter sport

Here are today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:

• Yellow: MLB Teams, on Scoreboards

• Green: Tigers

• Blue: Members of the Los Angeles Lakers

• Purple: Curling Terms

Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.

Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections: Sports Edition #569 is...

What is the answer to Connections: Sports Edition today?

• MLB Teams, on Scoreboards — CIN, MIL, PIT, STL

• Tigers — CLEMSON, DETROIT, LSU, MEMPHIS

• Members of the Los Angeles Lakers — DONCIC, JAMES, SMART, VANDERBILT

• Curling Terms — BONSPIEL, END, HOUSE, STONE

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new sports Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to today's Connections.