Getting new stuff for the holiday season and need to clear some space? You can clean out your old clothes, electronics, and toys without tossing them in the trash. Here’s a handy guide for where to take your old stuff!
Electronics
Just because you got the latest technology for the holidays, it doesn’t mean your older model needs to go in the trash bin.
- Does it work? If so, then you can sell it through social media, set it aside for a garage sale, or donate it to a local charity for their thrift stores.
- Can you recycle electronics? Absolutely, yes! If your electronics are no longer working, you can take them to Goodwill (the donation center on Division next to Lowes), or select items to Staples (check their website to see what they will accept). If you have appliances, reach out to Appliance Jacks at (517) 263-7439.
- What to do with wires or batteries: If you have cables laying around that you have no idea what to do with – try a scrap metal place like R&M Recycling in Adrian to see if they can use them for the copper. For batteries, try Wholesale Battery (517-263-3462) or Staples (517-266-1176).
Toys
Are your kids’ toys looking a little worse for wear and they are distracted by their new Christmas gifts? Now might be the time to sort out what they no longer play with!
- Is it washable? The instinct to toss out dirty, well-loved toys is strong, but try to take some time to clean them up so they can be kept out of a landfill.
- Give them a second life. You can try to sell your toys on social media, or you can set them aside for a future garage sale. They can also be donated to local charities for sale in their thrift stores, or you can reach out to other organizations such as day care centers or therapy offices to see if they might have use for the toys.
- Are they recyclable? If the toys are beyond saving, unfortunately, most toys are made of hard plastics that cannot go in the recycling bin. However, you may be able to take some toys apart and pull out some components that can be taken places for recycling, such as battery recyclers or scrap metal collectors.
Textiles (clothes, blankets, etc.)
Whether you got something new to wear or snuggle up with, you don’t have to throw away what’s in your closet! There are so many opportunities to give textiles a second life that they should almost never go in the trash.
- Pass them on! Share clothing with other friends and family who might want it, or put it away for summer garage sales. Social media sales or Buy Nothing groups might also be a good place to unload your old clothes.
- Donate them to a local cause. There are so many local charities, including Goodwill, Associated Charities, Salvation Army, Neighbors of Hope, and more, that can make sure your old clothing gets a new life with someone else!
- Can they be recycled? Even if they are unfit to wear, do not throw your textiles in the trash! Several places, like Goodwill and Associated Charities, collect clothing and other fabric items to sell as recyclables.
And if you have other items that do not fit into these categories, just a few minutes of research will help you find a place to send it other than the landfill.