How to Toss Your Junk the Green Way
From The Nest.com (http://ideas.thenest.com/decor-tricks/cleaning-organizing/slideshows/toss-junk-green-way.aspx)
Doing a little spring cleaning?
There are some things (cell phones, TVs, etc.) that you can't just toss in the
trash. Even if you could...well, you shouldn't. Electronics, for example,
create e-waste, aka toxic waste, when left to rot in a landfill. So consider
these easy ways to recycle instead. You know what they say: One man's trash is
another's treasure -- but all that trash will never be the Earth's
treasure.
Gadgets
Listing an old VCR on eBay probably won't earn you enough dough to make
it worth the hassle, but newer gadgets (like an iPod from circa 2008) can earn
you a decent pile of dough that you can put toward an upgrade. Send the rest of
your technotrash to Recycling for Charities (RecyclingforCharities.com);
they'll resell your used gadgets and give at least half the money to a charity
of your choice. Or go to RecycleforBreastCancer.org to donate your old gadgets
to help fight breast cancer (they'll even send you prepaid shipping labels!).
Computers
Those computer parts are toxic to the Earth too. Make some money to put
toward a new laptop by listing yours on eBay or Craigslist (just remember to
erase your personal files, photos and music first). Or reduce your tax bill and
boost your karma by donating your computer -- there are plenty of nonprofits,
schools and charities that will put that PC to good use. You can also go to
ComputerswithCauses.org, and they'll find a worthy recipient for you. Or just
bring your old computer with you when you go to buy a new one. Many
manufacturers and retailers -- including Dell, HP, Apple, Sony, Toshiba and
Best Buy -- will recycle your old computer for free
Print Cartridges
Staples makes recycling these a no-brainer -- just bring in your old
cartridge, and they'll give you $3 off your next one. PS: Many manufacturers,
like HP, offer mail-in recycling programs too.
Cell Phones and PDAs
Finally ready to get rid of that Zack Morris-era relic taking up space
in your junk drawer? Many cell phone companies -- including Verizon, Nokia and
Motorola -- will recycle your old phone for you. Call them and ask about it, or
just stop by a store if there's one near you. You can also go to GreenPhone.com
to get cash for donating your cell. Or show a serviceman (or woman) your
appreciation by sending yours to Cell Phones for Soldiers
(CellPhonesforSoldiers.com).
Clothes
Goodwill, The Salvation Army and many shelters accept all types of
gently used clothing. Donate formalwear (like that bridesmaid dress you'll
never wear again or that old sport coat) to OperationFairyDust.org or
CatherinesCloset.org. Traded in your corporate job (and cube) for the freelance
life? Ladies, give those pencil skirts and suits to Dress for Success
(DressforSuccess.org). And guys, pool your friends or coworkers to collect old
suits and dress clothes for Career Gear (CareerGear.org). Want dough for your
duds? New (or barely used) name-brand clothing and accessories are always
popular on eBay, and consignment stores often take high-end designer garb. For
a more social way to recycle your closet, throw a swap party. Think of it as a
grown-up version of trading baseball cards. Plus, swap parties are a great way
to clean out your closet and update your wardrobe (for free!).
Furniture
Furniture waste has more than quadrupled since 1960. Help reverse that
trend with these alternatives: Listing unwanted furniture on Craigslist is a
great way to make money for home improvements without much effort. Even if you
can't get someone to buy that orange corduroy couch, list it for
"free" on Craigslist or Freecycle.org, and save yourself the cost of
having it hauled away. Goodwill or The Salvation Army may also come collect
your old furniture -- free of charge -- and in return, you can get a tax break
(just remember to ask for a receipt!).
Shoes
Designer shoes are always popular on eBay (and at consignment stores),
but the condition and brand really matter. Another option: Donate your
old kicks to someone in need through Soles4Souls (Soles4Souls.org),
which takes just about any brand and kind as long as they're in fairly good
condition. As for those old sneaks? Nike will recycle them (nope, they don't
have to be Nikes) for you through its Reuse-A-Shoe program (NikeReuseAShoe.com).
Sports Equipment
Play It Again Sports will buy your used sports equipment (depending on
the condition). Go to PlayItAgainSports.com for locations. Or donate
your old gear to SportsGift.org, and they'll give your used equipment to
a needy kid somewhere around the world.
Books
Old coffee-table books and special editions can be sold to specialty
bookstores or on Amazon.com. Old paperbacks can be donated to your local
library, or send them to soldiers stationed across the globe through the Books
For Soldiers program (BooksForSoldiers.com). And if you're interested in
swapping your old paperback for a new read, head to PaperBackSwap.com,
an online book club that lets you trade and exchange books with other readers
all over the country.
CDs and DVDs
Still have old CDs in their plastic jewel cases, even though you've gone
totally digital? GreenDisk (GreenDisk.com) will safely dispose of your
technotrash -- including CDs, video games, VHS tapes and DVDs
Eyeglasses
Donate your old glasses to New Eyes for the Needy (NewEyesfortheNeedy.com),
or drop them off at LensCrafters, Target Optical or other participating
doctor's offices and stores, and they'll send them to OneSight (OneSight.org).
Both organizations recycle your old glasses to help needy children and adults
worldwide see clearly.
Tools
Got some old tools lying around? Donate old hammers, power saws and
screwdrivers to Habitat for Humanity's ReStore outlets (Habitat.org/restores)
-- they'll sell them and use the profits to fund new projects.
