Readers can participate in nationwide recycling programs this month by bringing used pens and flip-flops to area Office Depot and Old Navy locations. Between April 17 and 23, shoppers can bring in 10 used pens, markers or mechanical pencils to Office Depot and receive a coupon toward new Sanford products (maker of Sharpie, Expo, PaperMate). The used writing instruments will be sent to TerraCycle to be recycled into new office products such as trash cans and desk organizers. Office Depot has stores in St. Charles and Algonquin.