If you’ve found odds and ends piling up within your home, then it might be time to declutter. It’s great for rejuvenating your home with a new look. In fact, decluttering is beneficial for your mental and physical health. Clutter can hinder concentration, and that can lead to stress. Plus, the physical act of cleaning is a great way to work out that irritation.
When your home is due for some organization and tidying, you’ll likely throw some things out. However, when you need to get rid of household items, not everything can or should go into the trash. Here’s how to safely get rid of 25 of the most common household items.
Appliances
Whether you’re remodeling the home, moving, or just upgrading, appliances can be a pain to get rid of. In good condition, many appliances will have some resale value. Others can be donated. But some may just need to be disposed of.
1. Refrigerators
Contact your local trash service before setting a fridge out on the curb. Certain days of the week may be devoted to bulk pickup services. Earth 911 provides local drop-off locations to ensure your item is recycled. Or, if it’s clean and in good shape, consider selling your fridge on local online marketplaces to make extra money.
2. Microwaves
Like a refrigerator, a microwave can be recycled at a drop-off recycling center. Clean models in good working condition can also be sold or donated. Consignment stores will accept donations in good condition. Or, you can sell it yourself; just be sure to clean it first.
3. Washers and Dryers
When you need to replace a washer or dryer, contact the manufacturer. Many, like Maytag, will uninstall, haul away, and recycle your old appliance. Like other appliances in good condition, these can be donated or resold. If they are old or you’re unable to get rid of them otherwise, then drop them off at a local scrap metal yard.
4. Kitchen Stoves
Often, stoves won’t be worth reselling. They are bulky, heavy, and potentially dangerous. It can be done, but be sure to call in a professional to disconnect the gas first if it’s a gas range.
If it’s destined to be recycled, then call a junk hauler. They can handle the heavy lifting and deliver the stove to the recycling center.
5. HVAC Systems
HVAC systems should be disassembled and removed by professionals. They can contain chemicals, and they might be hooked up to gas lines. Junk haulers will be able to take these off your hands. However, some locations may require specific recycling centers because of chemical refrigerants in the system.
Common Household Items
Most of your decluttering may come from everyday household items that have been collected over time. If you have multiple “junk drawers” or closets full of old stuff, then it’s time to get rid of them.
6. Light Bulbs
When it’s time to get rid of light bulbs, contact local recycling centers. Some accept light bulbs, but others don’t. Many hardware stores will take old light bulbs for recycling. You can also look into mail-in recycling programs. This can be a sensible idea after a recent home remodel has left you with a small pile of old bulbs.
7. Food Cartons
Even though they’re made of paper, food cartons are rarely recyclable. These products are destined for the trash because of food contamination and wax coatings. This includes fast food packaging.
8. Backpacks
Backpacks in working order can be donated to schools or local backpack drives. Volunteers of America provides Operation Backpack for many communities across the country. This provides schoolchildren with donated backpacks filled with school supplies.
9. Books
As they are mostly paper, old books can be recycled. Remove any hardcovers beforehand. For most books, though, consider donating them. Libraries may also take books in good shape. Check with your local branch about donation opportunities.
10. All-Purpose Cleaning Products
Plastic containers can be recycled, but the cleaning product must be emptied and rinsed out beforehand. Always read any disposal warnings for each product. Many can go down drains, but others can’t. As well, you should never mix products when disposing of them.
11. Kitchen Supplies
Kitchen supplies can be sold, donated, or recycled. High-quality items like pots or certain kitchenware pieces can be resold to collectors. Items such as cups and plates will have to be in great condition. Local donation centers often take gently used kitchen supplies.
Anything damaged or discolored should be recycled.
12. Bedding
Bedding in good condition can be donated or sold. There can’t be any damage or stains. If there is, or if the items are just too old, then donate them to animal shelters.
13. Pillows
Like bedding, gently used pillows can be recycled. Not all of the materials in pillows can be recycled, though, so check the tag before you get rid of it. You can also contact the American Textile Recycling Service to recycle or even donate your pillow.
14. Prescriptions or Medicine
Always finish your entire prescriptions. Bring them to local collection events if you need to get rid of medications. They shouldn’t be flushed down the drain. For the containers, they can often be recycled. Check your local recycling guidelines if they accept the plastics used to make medicine bottles.
15. Holiday Decorations
Many holiday decorations can be recycled. Local organizations will often have recycling drives after holidays. Also, hardware stores will usually take faulty strings of lights. Christmas trees can be left at most curbsides.
16. Toys
Used toys can be sold, but only those in perfect condition are usually sought after. Consider donating toys that are no longer used. Second Chance Toys will take gently used toys for recycling and donations.
17. Board Games
Like toys, donate board games that are in decent condition. You might be able to donate them to local shelters, schools, and even libraries. If they are damaged or missing pieces, then recycle whatever you can.
18. Old Magazines and Newspapers
MagLiteracy will accept clean and gently read magazines for all ages. Some thrift stores will take old magazines, as will some libraries. The items must be in good condition. However, not every magazine is wanted or accepted. These items can be recycled.
19. Batteries
Batteries are considered hazardous materials. Therefore, they should be taken to hazardous waste disposal facilities. They can be appropriately recycled or disposed of without contaminating the environment. Call2Recycle can help find where to recycle batteries of all types.
Furniture
Furniture can be sold, donated, or recycled. However, unless it’s ready for the trash, most furniture should have plenty of life after one owner.
With that said, junk hauling services are great for removing and disposing of old furniture. Contact local recycling centers to see if they offer pickup services.
20. Patio Furniture
Outdoor patio furniture in good condition can be donated to thrift stores. Some second-hand furniture stores might take them for resale. Many charities will also accept patio furniture, and some will even pick the items up at your curb.
21. Chairs
Heirloom-quality chairs that are taking up space can still be valuable. Contact local upholsterers or carpenters for a list of collectors. Chairs are also popular items to restore. You might have great luck selling quality chairs on online marketplaces. If you have a chair ready for disposal, disassemble it first. This will make it easier to pick up and sort for recycling.
22. Dining Tables
Dining tables are another item that can be resold to collectors or restorers. They can be a pain to move, so consider hiring a removal service. Gently used tables can be donated to thrift stores for a second home.
23. Bookshelves
Bookshelves in good condition can have second uses in schools and daycares. Therefore, consider donating bookshelves to a local school or daycare. You may also want to contact local shelters to see if they need them.
24. Desks
Like other pieces of furniture, desks can have a future life. Those in good condition can be resold. Others can be donated to local charities and second-hand shops. Junk desks can be left on the curb.
25. Rugs
Rugs and other carpet pieces will go to a landfill if thrown away. At the very least, contact your local recycling services to find out if they accept rugs. If the rug is handmade or otherwise a quality item, it can be resold or donated to second-hand home goods stores.
Closing Thoughts
Always try to avoid throwing items away. Landfills destroy the environment, so if an item can be recycled, then it should be. Still, one should also consider donating goods to those in need. Your old stuff could be just what someone else is looking for.
