<img height="1" width="1" style="display:none" src="https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=192888919167017&amp;ev=PageView&amp;noscript=1">
Monday, March 18, 2024
March 18, 2024

Linkedin Pinterest

When it’s time to toss, there are right and wrong strategies

The Columbian
Published:

So you’ve finally committed to decluttering and have even done the hard work of gathering everything that you no longer need or want. But the job isn’t complete until you have actually taken the stuff out of your house, which can be challenging if you’re not sure how to dispose of something properly. Here is a guide for safely getting rid of five perplexing items.

• Paint: Water-based, latex paint can be dried out at home and put in regular household trash. Small amounts of paint will dry if you simply leave the lid off, but larger amounts require combining the unused paint with absorbent materials such as cat litter or sand. You can also buy paint hardener at a hardware store. Oil-based paint is considered household hazardous waste (HHW) and should never be thrown in the trash, even if it is dry. Instead, take oil-based paints to your local HHW facility for proper disposal.

• Medication: Many of us have been told that it’s okay to flush unused or expired medication. Although that method of disposal is safe for some medications, there are better alternatives. Medicine “take-back” programs provide one easy solution and are often held multiple times throughout the year. Check the website of your local law enforcement agency for dates.

• Household cleaning supplies: The best and most effective way to dispose of household cleaning supplies and chemicals is to use them or give them to someone who can. If neither is possible, it is safe to put most common household cleaners — such as water-soluble gels, liquids or powders — down the drain mixed with water; recycle the container if possible. For specialized compounds such as oven cleaners and furniture polish, check the label for instructions or contact your local recycling or household hazardous waste disposal center to see whether it will accept them.

• VHS tapes, cassettes, CDs and DVDs: There are increasingly fewer options for donating VHS tapes and no real options for donating cassette tapes, so the best option is to take them to your local dump for proper disposal. Check your local jurisdiction’s website to confirm that they accept both.

DVDs and CDs can still usually be donated to your local library or hospital, but call to confirm the facility wants them before making a trip.

• Batteries: Figuring out how to properly dispose of different types of batteries can be complicated. Every state but California allows you to put single-use alkaline batteries in the trash. They are recyclable, and most local recycling facilities accept them.

Rechargeable batteries must be recycled. They can be taken to your local waste facility or big box store.

Loading...