Everyone has good intention when they finally set aside time to clear years of accumulated clutter. The problem lies when we look around our homes; our enthusiasm quickly fizzles because we don’t know where or how to get rid of our stuff?
Here are 8 Eco-friendly solutions for disposing those more challenging household items.
Paints and stains: Find a nearby Orange Drop site to take hazardous waste where it will be safely recycled or otherwise disposed of. Take care to avoid spillage when transporting liquids.
Electronics: The City of Toronto offers curb-side collection for electronic equipment on scheduled garbage bin collection days. Computers, monitors, printers, fax machines and televisions are also accepted at Recycling and Solid Waste Depots or Community Environment Days.
Prescription eyeglasses: The Lions Club collects, cleans and sorts eye glasses (as well as hearing aids) and gives them to needy people in many countries around the world. You can drop glasses off at any eye care office (e.g. optometrist), directly at your nearest Lions Club or mail glasses to the Canadian Lions Eyeglass Recycling Centre.
Sports equipment: Donate sports equipment, camping gear and/or outdoor seasonal clothing to Futurewatch, to help enhance recreational programs being offer to new Canadians. All equipment donated over $50.00 in value will receive a taxable receipt.
Clothing: Donate to New Circles a not-for-profit social service agency that strives to help residents of the City of Toronto, with a focus on those residing in the Flemingdon Park, Thorncliffe Park and Victoria Village communities who need support. The primary service is the clothing program which provides new and gently used clothing for men, women and children. Linens are accepted as well.
Arts & Craft Items: The Fred Victor Mission, a multi-service non-profit organization serving homeless and low-income adults, needs donations of art equipment and materials in good condition for their art program.
Bicycles: Evergreen Bike Works accepts used bicycles and bike parts. They tune-up your discarded bike and pass it along to someone in our communities who needs it.
Car Tires: Rethink Tires drop off up to four used tires for free. Find the nearest disposal collector to you.
PLAY IT FORWARD
Volunteering – It’s one of the best ways to help others and make an impact in your area. Find a local charity and volunteer for a few hours a month, or help someone that you know.