When it comes to de-cluttering our houses it is often difficult to know what to do with the items that are no longer needed. Many possessions seem too good to throw away or you simply don’t know how to dispose of them. Here are a few simple ideas and tips on how to recycle your de-clutter!
Most people in towns and cities have access to recycling banks. They are quite often positioned next to supermarkets. So when you make your next trip to the supermarket for your weekly shop, load up the boot of your car with items that can be recycled there. You can usually deposit glass bottles and jars, paper, plastic bottles, textiles, tins and sometimes aluminium foil, cardboard and batteries. Start getting into the habit of separating your items and rubbish and it will be easier to get into the habit of recycling. Most local authorities now provide doorstep recycling for most of these household items including food waste.
If you have transport, another option is to take larger items including electrical, oil and paints to your local council tip. Look in the yellow pages or search the internet and you will find where your local tip is located. Usually, anything considered in a sellable condition will be on show to the public and will be sold very cheaply.
For larger, bulkier items such as furniture and mattresses, get in touch with your local council. They are often able to take these items for you and recycle them by making them available to needy families. You could also try and scrap larger items such as furniture. Steel and aluminum furniture, as well as appliances can be sold for scrap and some plastic furniture can be melted down and reused. It may well be recycled into something new and exciting.
Donating is a very valuable way to recycle your clutter. Giving items to charity shops, shelters or any non-profit organisation is a great way to help others in need. Charity bags are quite often distributed to households and it is easy to use these to donate any unwanted clothes as they will be collected directly from your home. Alternatively, drop any items you would like to donate at your local chosen charity shop.
For electrical and electronic equipment it is worth noting that all companies classed as "producers" under the UK Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Regulations have to provide consumers with an option for recycling waste electronic products so when you purchase a new electrical item from a store, retailers may take back your old electrical item. It is worth asking when buying your new product whether they provide this service.
De-cluttering is a great opportunity to recycle. With our landfill sites becoming increasingly burdened and the environmental impact of waste, this can provide an excellent opportunity to kick start a new recycling way of life!