Getting rid of junk can be difficult. It takes determination and a willingness to let go of things that have lost their usefulness or sentimental value. Keeping piles of clothes you never wear, or old ski equipment in the garage, can take up valuable space and create stress. Moreover, they are often a source of guilt for the environmental impact they have on our overburdened landfills and incinerators.
It is important to determine the true value of an item before deciding whether or not to keep it. This is especially important when it comes to e-waste. We often upgrade our electronics without giving thought to how we will dispose of the old ones. When they are thrown in the garbage, it is often mishandled and sent to landfills where it is difficult to break down and can leach toxic substances into the groundwater supply.
Many items that are no longer in use can be repurposed or recycled. It is worth checking with local recycling centers to see what they accept and how to get there. Several websites such as Earth911 provide information on recycling and disposal locations. Donating items is another option to consider. Many charities such as the Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity, and Goodwill take a variety of gently used goods including furniture, cookware, clothing, and shoes.
Some items are more difficult to dispose of, such as polystyrene foam products plates, cups, and utensils, acrylic and fiberglass such as shower doors and windows, license plate frames, and soiled food items. These items can be taken to your local trash service for special pick up or may be able to be dropped off at a hazardous waste collection site.
When it comes to large items like appliances, old furniture, or yard waste, the best option may be to hire a junk removal company. Junk removal services are equipped to handle bulky items and can recycle or donate them for you. They also have the knowledge to know which materials require special care when disposing of them.
Some jobs are too big for a Get rid of junk crew, such as cleaning out a garage or clearing out years of storage in a house. In these cases, renting a dumpster may be the best solution. Junk removal companies can even take care of construction debris and demolition materials such as concrete, bricks, and stones. They will know where to take these materials and how to dispose of them properly. This helps to minimize the amount of waste that ends up in our landfills and incinerators. In addition, it saves you time and effort.