5 Tips for Safely Disposing of Household Items
Whether moving or clearing out space, getting rid of your household items isn’t as simple as placing them on the curb. Landfills are horrible for the environment, and are some of the leading producers of methane and other dangerous gasses. Don’t contribute to the existing problems when it’s time to get rid of your old stuff.
Fortunately, there are several ways to safely get rid of household items, while keeping the environment in mind. Here, we will discuss 5 methods for safely disposing of household items.
Have a Plan in Place
If you’re considering a move, refurbishment, or even spring cleaning, spend some time and develop a game plan. Some old appliances, like HVAC systems, will have to go to special hazardous waste disposal centers because of dangerous refrigerants and oils. In fact, many appliances will benefit from a professional making the final disconnection, especially if gas or water is involved.
If you are remodeling, you will likely have a lot of demolished scraps and old items. Consider renting a mini-dumpster to store your house waste safely. Often, these can be directed to recycling centers, or the recycling centers themselves may offer bins or even collection services.
If you are downsizing or decluttering, your old items may still have plenty of use. Think about donating your items. Old bedding and fabrics can go to consignment shops, but homeless and animal shelters will often take them as well. Old books and games can fetch some money on online marketplaces, but they can also be donated to children’s programs.
Knowing what to do with your items before you get into the actual work is vital to staying organized. And staying organized allows you to ensure your old articles and scrap are going to environmentally (and human-friendly) destinations.
Utilize Junk Removal Services
For big jobs, you may want to call in some professional help. Junk removal services are great for removing bulky, dangerous, or heavy objects. Plus, they will haul away your junk and take them to the appropriate locations.
Junk removal services are great for:
- Heavy items such as old appliances and furniture.
- Dangerous objects, including old swing sets and building waste.
- Odd items like carpets with metal fibers, or old mattresses that won’t fit in your vehicle.
Junk removal services will cost more than DIY methods. Still, many household items carry risks when removed. A professional team will have the experience and fortitude to haul the items out of the house and away to be processed appropriately.
When searching for a junk removal service, look for ones that align with your needs. Some will haul to various recycling centers. Some may pick up at the curb, but not go into the house. As stated before, having a plan in place beforehand is crucial. With junk removal services, though, you can cut out most of the grueling work.
Handle Hazardous Items With Care
We all have hazardous items in our homes. Many things will need special care when it’s time for disposal, from cleaning chemicals to old batteries.
Most hazardous waste can be recycled, or safely collected and destroyed to not pollute the environment. Common hazardous items include:
- Automotive fluids, including oil, fuel, and system fluids.
- Paints, paint thinners, stains, and other wood-conditioning agents.
- Batteries, including automotive and marine batteries and standard household batteries.
- Fluorescent lighting and other vaporous or aerosolized products, like cleaners or lubricants.
If you are using a junk hauling service, be sure they accept hazardous waste. Many do, but you must let them know when you schedule the appointment. Otherwise, look up the local laws regarding dangerous disposal in your area. Most locations will have a hazardous waste dropoff and recycling location.
Whatever you do, always treat these items with care. Never pour dangerous fluids onto the ground or down the drain. This can be disastrous for the local environment, and it’s typically illegal. If you’re disposing of the items yourself, wear protection. Gloves, masks, and goggles should be on hand at all times.
If hauling the items yourself, consider making multiple trips. Many chemicals can be dangerous and deadly if mixed. And carrying a trunk full of assorted chemicals doesn’t exactly scream safety.
Look Out for Fees
Though recycling and safe handling of old items are essential, it isn’t always free. Many items, especially those that are hazardous, come with extra processing and handling fees.
For instance, many states prohibit old tires from entering landfills. They charge tire fees on old reclaimed tires and new tires sold to ensure their recycling programs are funded. These fees are typically low, with most states charging around $1 per new tire. Disposal fees can vary based on the size of the tire and any particular components. In other words, these fees shouldn’t break the bank.
With that said, be sure to research all of your disposal methods for hidden fees. Different locations and services may charge a cost where others don’t. Often, fees go to the continued operation of the service, such as tire recycling. Reputable recycling options will be upfront about any fees and what the costs are for.
In the end, most service fees won’t be enough to dissuade you from properly recycling. These fees are essential and help the service continue existing. Let’s face it, when the alternative is landfills and further destruction of the environment, a small fee is a suitable price.
Upcycling and Recycling
When it comes to getting rid of stuff, the first thought should always be, “Can I use this in another way?” Upcycling, as it is known, is the act of taking an old item and repurposing it for a different means. For example, you can turn old, cracked mugs into garden planters, or refurbish an old TV into a quirky pet bed.
The benefits of upcycling are similar to recycling, except you’re keeping the items in your house. While this may not work for those looking to downsize, not every old item needs to be eliminated. Many of the things in our homes can serve various purposes with a bit of ingenuity, and by doing so, you keep items from going to a landfill.
If you have nothing to upcycle, you should ensure your items will be recycled. However, not everything can be recycled. For instance, food containers can’t be recycled due to food contamination and wax coatings. Pillows, on the other hand, can be recycled through special pillow recycling services as they contain both recyclable and non-recyclable materials.
Both upcycling and recycling keep material out of landfills. When you upcycle, you know that, eventually, you can recycle the item once it has served its purpose. Both techniques allow your items to see continued use for many more years. Some materials, such as aluminum, glass, and paper, can be recycled many times.
The mindset of “reuse first, recycle second” is a powerful way of thought.
Final Thoughts
If you have items to dispose of, you must know how to do so. Some items are hazardous and require special handling; others might be too big to remove safely. Thus, a professional junk removal service, which can be found using Billy.com, will be the best choice. No matter how you remove your old items, however, always place the environment at the forefront. Stopping additional trash from reaching landfills is an easy step we can take to keep environmental harm from spiraling out of control.
