You know it doesn’t go in the trash, so how do you dispose of it properly?
We’ve handled more than a few decluttering jobs where the homeowner didn’t know how to get rid of stuff. The stuff you know doesn’t belong in the regular trash. But where does it go? How do you manage the safe disposal of items you’re not sure how to dispose of? More often than not, it gets tucked back wherever you found it, to be dealt with at a later date. Like when you hire a professional organizer to help you get organized.
We’ve put together a list of some of the most common items that are notoriously difficult to dispose of, and where you can safely get rid of them.
Batteries
Nobody knows, right? Wrong! Big Green Box offers a simple and affordable recycling program. Dump all your drained household batteries into the box and ship them back to them for a reasonable rate. Some office supply and home goods stores like Staples and Home Depot accept rechargeable batteries for recycling.
If all else fails, it’s probably OK to toss your old 9-volt, AA, AAA, C, and D batteries. According to the EPA, “in most communities, alkaline and zinc carbon batteries can be safely put in your household trash.”
Cleaning Supplies
The EPA has a lot to say about cleaning supplies (they refer to them as “household hazardous waste,” or HHW) because of their potential to cause injury and/or contamination. Improper disposal of HHW can include pouring them down the drain, on the ground, into storm sewers, or in some cases putting them out with the regular trash. Search “household hazardous waste” in the Earth911 database to find a collection program near you.
Expired Medicine
The FDA recently hosted a National Prescription Take Back Day, but if you missed that, you can still safely dispose of your unwanted or expired prescriptions. Click here to search for a disposal location near you.
If an authorized collector isn’t available in your community, check with the FDA for safe ways to dispose of your meds.
Leftover Paint
Your first stop should be with Earth911 to discover if there’s a paint recycling program near you. Oil-based paint will need to be taken to an approved disposal site. More commonly, though, are water-based acrylic paints, which can safely be mixed with kitty litter or newspaper in the paint can. Wait until it’s dried before putting it in the trash, though. If you have a lot of paint that is still good but you don’t need anymore, check with local drama departments or an organization like Habitat for Humanity’s Re-Store about donating it.
Computer Equipment and Other Electronics
Most computers contain hazardous materials that don’t belong in a landfill. Electronic products are made from valuable resources and materials, including metals, plastics, and glass, all of which require energy to mine and manufacture. Donating or recycling consumer electronics conserves our natural resources and avoids air and water pollution, as well as greenhouse gas emissions that are caused by manufacturing virgin materials.
Before donating your electronics:
- For your computer or laptop, consider upgrading the hardware or software instead of buying a brand-new product.
- Delete all personal information from your electronics.
- Remove any batteries from your electronics; they may need to be recycled separately.
- Lithium-ion batteries and devices containing these batteries should not go in household garbage or recycling bins.
- Check for recycling facilities in your state or community.
Manufacturers and retailers offer several options to donate or recycle electronics. You can search for options on the following organizations’ websites:
Artificial Christmas Trees
(Bookmark this for after the holidays!)
Artificial trees can typically be reused, so consider donating your artificial Christmas tree if you don’t need it anymore. If your artificial tree is broken, you can usually throw it out by using curb pickup or placing it in a dumpster. Call your local waste management department to make sure this is the case for your community. Do not recycle your artificial Christmas trees, as usually they will not be accepted.
If you’ve purchased a real tree this year, make sure to remove all decorations first, then check Earth911.com to find a tree recycling facility near you. If none is available, contact your trash collection provider to make sure it’s ok to bag up and leave out with your regular trash.
Cardboard Boxes
Believe it or not, you could be sitting on a gold mine (figuratively) if you have a lot of cardboard boxes piling up. Consider listing them on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or Nextdoor so they can get a second, third, or fourth use before being recycled. Otherwise, break them down and add them to your weekly recycling.
What about everything else?
If you’re unsure of how to dispose of anything in your home, Google it or check with Earth911 first. There is a wealth of information on how, where, and why you can dispose of just about anything. Also, Curtis E Organizing can help you identify what can be recycled, donated, or thrown away, and then make a plan to properly dispose of your stuff. Give Tina a call today at 847-421-8651.
Get Ready for Stress-Free Holidays!
Holiday Organizing Special
Now through Dec. 31, when you purchase our 5-hour professional organizing bundle, receive a one-hour consultation for free!
Save $50!
Offer valid through Dec. 31, 2022. Services must be redeemed within 30 miles of LaSalle/Peru
