I am finding that getting rid of clutter is hard work. It seemed so difficult to find that particular lamp that matched the curtains perfectly. But now, when the “perfect lamp and curtains” aren’t my perfect taste any more, it is seeming to be hard work to get rid of them, well, without simply dumping them in the landfill.

If you have been following for a couple of week, you know that I am in the middle of reclaiming our finished basement. (Sorry, no photos this week, but I can tell you that I am working on an accent wall with a faux glaze finish and I am looking through Ikea catalogues for inspiration!) So, since we are still working to permanently get rid of the clutter, this week I thought I’d offering you some ideas about how you can get rid of clutter in your home for good!

The three R’s are always great ways to keep your clutter from ending up in the landfill: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.

:: Reduce your consumption: Spend some time estimating your need and buy only what the project requires. Bigger containers aren’t always best.

:: Reuse leftovers: Use up the product completely by painting another wall, applying all of that grass fertilizer, and refinishing that once “perfect” lamp.

:: Recycle: give away your clutter to someone else who needs it! Or visit earth911.com to search for a local recycling center and see if they recycle that particular item.

If the Three R’s aren’t an option for your clutter item, read on for more information about how to properly dispose of these items.

:: Home Renovation Stuff ::

Did you know that construction and demolition debris account for more than HALF of our nation’s solid waste? So when you are re-installing new fixtures because that vintage faucet just doesn’t go with an urban chic design keep it out the landfill and donate it to a salvaged/surplus building supplies company.

I searched the Internet and found a company called Community Forklift in my area and they accept appliances, lumbers, lighting, masonry, and more. This organization not only accepts donations but also has a huge warehouse of inventory building materials priced at 40-80% below retail cost!! (Going Green can be easy on the budget.) The Community Forklift website also has a  wonderful list of national and local green building resources.

:: House Paint ::

The National Paint & Coatings Association states that liquid paint should not go in the trash. The NPCA suggests reusing or recycling left over paint and before considering the landfill.

Offer your left over paint to a neighbor or relative who could use it. Or donate it to a charity, local theatre company, church group or other organization that might need some good paint. (I don’t recall if my college theatre department accepted donations, but I do remember we dumped all leftover paint into a huge bucket, added a bit of water, and used the terrible smelling brown stuff to prime everything! So you may want to check your local educational institution’s theatre department as well.)

If the paint is dried in the can and no longer usable follow these steps recommended by the NPCA to dispose of it and the steel can appropriately:

1. Liquid paint should not be taken to the landfill or poured down a sink. For safe water-based paint disposal
2. fill a paper bag or box with shredded newspaper, sand or saw dust.
3. Pour the remaining paint over the absorbent material.
4. Allow to dry completely in a well-ventilated area away from children pets and direct heat.
5. Dispose of the solid in the regular trash.
6. For paint residue in the can, remove the lid and allow to dry completely.
7. Remove the skin and dispose of it in regular trash.
8. Leave the label on the can and recycle it. (Visit www.earth911.com to find a recycling facility near you.)

Oil-based paints and solvents are considered a hazardous waste. Never put these in the regular trash or down the drain. Check with your local waste management authority for local regulations.

:: Pesticides ::

The EPA suggests the best way to dispose of small amounts of excess pesticides is to use use them – apply them – according to the directions on the label. If you cannot use them, ask your neighbors whether they have a similar pest control problem and can use them.

If all the remaining pesticide cannot be properly used, check with your local solid waste management authority, (look in the government section of your phone book) to find out whether your community has a household hazardous waste collection program to get rid of unwanted, leftover pesticides. And they can also inform you of any local requirements for pesticide waste disposal. (Note that state and local pesticide disposal laws may be stricter than the Federal requirements on the label. So be sure to check with your state or local agencies before disposing of your pesticide containers.)

:: Prescription Drugs and Over-the-Counter Medicines ::

Proper disposal of medications is key to preventing children or pets from overdosing. Additionally, flushing your medications can lead to water-way contamination. US FDA proper disposal guidelines state: “follow any specific disposal instructions on the drug label or patient information that accompanies the medication. Do not flush prescription drugs down the toilet unless this information specifically instructs you to do so. If no instructions are given, throw the drugs in the household trash, but first:

• Take them out of their original containers and mix them with an undesirable substance, such as used coffee grounds or kitty litter. The medication will be less appealing to children and pets, and unrecognizable to people who may intentionally go through your trash.
• Put them in a sealable bag, empty can, or other container to prevent the medication from leaking or breaking out of a garbage bag.
• Alternatively, take advantage of community drug take-back programs that allow the public to bring unused drugs to a central location for proper disposal. Call your city or county government’s household trash and recycling service (see blue pages in phone book) to see if a take-back program is available in your community.
• Also, before throwing out a medicine container, scratch out all identifying information on the prescription label to make it unreadable to help protect your identity and the personal medical information.
• Do not give medications to friends. Doctors prescribe drugs based on a person’s specific symptoms and medical history. A drug that works for you could be dangerous for someone else.
• When in doubt about proper disposal, talk to your local pharmacist.

:: Home Depot safely disposes of CFL light bulbs and rechargeable tool batteries. Simply drop them in the retail location receptacles near the door!

:: Here are some other tips for disposing of other tricky household items ::

• Always think of re-purposing and donating before the landfill. Remember charities, doctors’ offices, schools, churches, and synagogues. All of these organizations my need extra materials or supplies for building and cleaning or regular operations.  Here are some of my donation suggestions:
  • Our local church is holding a yard sale and is taking donations. We are giving them a couple of bins of items we no longer use but may benefit another family. All proceeds go to benefit the church.
  • Pregnancy crisis centers and shelters can use maternity and nursing-wear. Search on the Internet to find a center that accepts clothing near you.
  • Doctors’ offices and pediatric physical therapy centers sometimes will take hard-surface toys that can easily be disinfected. Doctors’ offices may also take your extra magazines.

:: :: ::

• Always keep materials in their original containers and never peel off the container label, even when disposing.
• Do not flush harmful waste if your home is hooked up to a septic system.
• Never flush substances, such as petroleum products, that are not water soluble.
• Do not pour waste down a basement drain or storm sewer. These often lead to waterways.
• Avoid mixing chemicals together when storing them or when pouring them down a toilet or sink.
• Flush ammonia and bleach separately. Wait three hours between flushings.
• Flush waste during the day so it won’t sit in pipes overnight.
• Use a large volume of water to thoroughly rinse it down the drain.
• Wear proper gloves and eye protection during disposal. Pour slowly, and avoid splashing the materials.
• When in doubt, call the municipal or county department that deals with waste or environmental concerns, or contact your garbage-collection company Go to www.earth911.org to find a center near you.

This is by no means a complete list, but I hope it gives you some pointers when you are trying to get rid of your clutter items permanently!

Do you have unique ways you get rid of items you no longer need or use? Leave a comment here and share your experience with other readers! Happy Organizing.