How do I know which items can be recycled?

Different materials have different recycling requirements, so it’s important to check with your local waste management or recycling center to find out which items can be recycled. Most common recyclable materials include paper, cardboard, plastic containers and bottles, glass containers and jars, metals (such as aluminum cans), food scraps and yard trimmings. Additionally, some centers may accept electronic waste such as computers, TVs and monitors for recycling.

Are my clothes nice enough to resell?

Depending on the condition of the clothes, you may be able to resell them. Check for rips and stains, and make sure all buttons are accounted for, as these factors can impact the resale value. To maximize your earnings from selling clothes, opt to sell brand-name items in good condition at secondhand stores or online.

What’s the best way to donate items?

Donating items is a great way to help others while reducing your waste. When donating, make sure to check that the charities or organizations you give to accept the items you have before dropping off donations. You can also contact local churches and schools in your area to find out what items they need. Additionally, many donation centers also accept goods such as books, furniture and electronics.

How do I dispose of hazardous materials?

Hazardous materials such as paint, automotive fluids, household chemicals and electronic waste must be handled carefully and properly disposed of in order to protect the environment. Contact your local waste management facility to find out what hazardous materials they accept and how they should be disposed of. Some facilities may also offer special recycling programs for hazardous materials.

Alternatives to Renting a Dumpster

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Alternatives to Renting a Dumpster

Nov 19, 2020

Before making your Thanksgiving menu or pulling out the Christmas decorations and ordering gifts, take time this holiday season to clear the decks and get rid of the junk cluttering up your home.

If you have a lot of junk to declutter, you are not alone. Americans spend $1.2 trillion annually on nonessential goods. Americans also spend more on shoes, jewelry, and watches, than on higher education. It’s no wonder our homes are full to the brim. Our penchant for purchasing has spawned an entire industry dedicated to organizing and decluttering. Marie Kondo’s book, “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up,” helped people minimize junk by tossing items that didn’t spark joy. The National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals has more than 3,500 members worldwide.

The outbreak of COVID-19 changed the trajectory of 2020, and more Americans are being forced to create new holiday traditions and forgoing their typical family gatherings. Getting rid of some of the junk in your house can help improve your mental health and add joy to your holidays at home. Studies indicate people with clean homes are healthier physically and mentally, which is especially important to consider during this unprecedented time. For example, a survey conducted by the National Sleep Foundation revealed people who regularly changed their sheets were 75 percent more likely to sleep better. Another study revealed women who described their home as “cluttered” or “full of unfinished projects” were more likely to be depressed and fatigued. Conquering your home’s clutter will help your family get in the holiday spirit and enjoy the season.

Ready, Set, Go!

Sometimes getting started decluttering is the biggest hurdle to tackle. Most of us have items stuffed in our attics or garages simply because we didn’t have another place to put them. Setting guidelines before you start to declutter will give you and your family members parameters to follow and help streamline the process. Experts recommend getting rid of items you have not used in a year and only keeping important memories that bring you happiness. For example, you don’t need to keep every baby outfit your children wore but holding on to a couple will help remind you of how adorable your babies were when your kids are rebellious teenagers.

Dumpster Alternatives Abound

Once you’ve separated out your junk and are ready to purge, Count Junkula can help remove all of the boxes, old furniture, and broken toys from your property. The junk-removal company can drop a dumpster off in your driveway to make it easy to toss out your junk. But, renting a dumpster does require you to do the heavy lifting, and they take up space in your driveway. And in some homes renting a dumpster requires a special permit.

If a dumpster clashes with the winter wonderland you are creating in your yard to impress your friends and neighbors, there are numerous alternatives to consider.

Donate it to charity. During the season of giving, blessing those in need with gently-used items you no longer want is a great option to use when decluttering. Animal shelters will even take old towels, blankets, and sheets for needy pets.
Sell it. One person’s junk is another person’s treasure. Back in the day, dedicating a Saturday to a garage sale was really the best option for earning any money from your junk. But our smartphones make it easy and safe to sell big-ticket items online with just a few clicks. Sites like ThredUP and Poshmark make it easy to sell old clothes, and online marketplaces like Offerup and Letgo will help you get rid of the rest.
Give it away. New homeowners and college students renting their first apartment are always on the lookout for a good deal. Use Nextdoor or Freecycle to offer up your junk to people for free.
Recycle. If you have old computers in your attic gathering dust, you can recycle them. Electronics should never go in the garbage as they might contain toxic chemicals that could damage the environment. Big-box stores like Staples make it easy to get rid of old phones, computers, tablets, and TVs by offering an electronic recycling service. Hardware stores will take old paint cans for disposal.
Hire a junk removal service. Count Junkula loves junk. The company offers free estimates for junk removal services that can help customers get organized and calm nerves. As an alternative to a dumpster, Count Junkula will take care of the heavy lifting for you. They can remove appliances, mattresses, construction waste, furniture, bagged trash, and yard debris. Count Junkula offers sustainable services by carefully sorting all of your junk and donating as many items as possible, then disposing of the rest properly.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know which items can be recycled?

Different materials have different recycling requirements, so it’s important to check with your local waste management or recycling center to find out which items can be recycled. Most common recyclable materials include paper, cardboard, plastic containers and bottles, glass containers and jars, metals (such as aluminum cans), food scraps and yard trimmings. Additionally, some centers may accept electronic waste such as computers, TVs and monitors for recycling.
Are my clothes nice enough to resell?

Depending on the condition of the clothes, you may be able to resell them. Check for rips and stains, and make sure all buttons are accounted for, as these factors can impact the resale value. To maximize your earnings from selling clothes, opt to sell brand-name items in good condition at secondhand stores or online.
What’s the best way to donate items?

Donating items is a great way to help others while reducing your waste. When donating, make sure to check that the charities or organizations you give to accept the items you have before dropping off donations. You can also contact local churches and schools in your area to find out what items they need. Additionally, many donation centers also accept goods such as books, furniture and electronics.
How do I dispose of hazardous materials?

Hazardous materials such as paint, automotive fluids, household chemicals and electronic waste must be handled carefully and properly disposed of in order to protect the environment. Contact your local waste management facility to find out what hazardous materials they accept and how they should be disposed of. Some facilities may also offer special recycling programs for hazardous materials.