Let’s Clean House and don’t be surprised how fast you can empty your drawers and fill up a roll-off container or nearest recycling bin.
Maybe you are entering into a new chapter of your life, or it’s a New Year or it’s just time for a good, old fashion spring cleaning, whatever the reason, there is no better time than the present to de-clutter your house. Where do you start and what’s the best way to purge your closets and junk drawers? Below is a list of things to start tossing.
Old and/or scratched CDs
Did you know CDs are made of a blend of polycarbonate, bauxite and aluminum? The CD Recycling Center of America highly recommends that you recycled your unwanted CDs.
Accounting papers
If you follow consumerist.com – then you know there are only a few rules of thumb for keeping or disposing of financials.
• The only monthly bills you should keep are the ones you plan on writing off at the end of the year.
• Hold on to credit card receipts for large ticket items, especially if there is a warranty.
• Toss medical bills that have already been paid by your insurance company.
• Any tax returns or bank statements older than 7 years can be added to the trash pile.
Use a shredder to keep your information secure!
Crayons
How many of us have drawers filled with crayons and no kids at home any longer? A great way to find a new home for your crayons is to send them to Crazy Crayons. “The Crayon Recycle Program is a perfect “educational tool” for Elementary School teachers and community service project educators to use for teaching kids about the 3 R’s (Reduce ~ Reuse ~ Recycle). It’s very easy to participate, check out the “Recycle Program” Page. Crayons don’t need to end up in the landfills anymore! “
Cellphone and all their accessories
Several cell phone companies will take all phones as a trade-in. They in turn will refurbish and/or donate to the phone to a charity or sell it at a lower price. Some companies will even give you an in-store credit. Use EBay or Craigslist to cell or give away old cords and cases.
Greeting Cards
If you think you can take your old holiday and birthday cards to the recycle bin think again. If they have any glitter, foil or ribbon on the card they will not be accepted. Paper only! Instead, ask your local school if they would like them for the children’s art class.
Manuals for household appliances
Now a day’s most appliance manuals are available online either in a pdf or on the manufacturer’s website. If you are like most people you have one whole drawer designated to manuals. Now, there is no need to hang on to them. Out they go!
Electrical cords, cables and wires
These items can’t be recycled curbside. They need to be dropped off at a recycling center. The cords are dismantled and the metal inside the cord is recycled.
Batteries
Batteries are full of heavy metals used to create power; materials like lead, mercury, cadmium and nickel. Please recycle these your old batteries instead tossing them in the trash.
Porcelain and Knick-Knacks
Because porcelain, ceramic and Pyrex can’t be recycled like glass, it’s best to dispose of them in your roll-off container. Or donate them to someone who might want to fix them or recreate a different form of art.
We hope this gives you some idea of how to de-clutter your house – what items you can toss and what items you should recycle.
