Do you know how much waste we generate every year? Well, research shows that we dump over 2 billion tons of household waste. That translates to about 60 tons every single second. If you were to fill a container ship, it would be one large one every two hours.
Another concerning point to note is that burning and waste generation contributes to global warming. As of 2021, global CO2 emissions were at 36.3 billion tons, up by 6% from the previous year.
The figures above are staggering because they will directly impact the type of planet we leave to future generations. At some point, the earth may resemble the post-apocalyptic worlds we see in movies.
Yet, you can do your part by embracing eco-friendly house cleanouts. And it all comes down to how you responsibly dispose of junk.
Let’s explore some practical yet sustainable ways to go about junk removal from your property.
Don’t Trash All Your Junk during Your House Cleanout; Sell, Donate, or Recycle
What you consider junk may be useful to someone else. So, during your house cleanout, take time to go through everything before you toss it out.
If you find junk removal a hassle, hire house cleanout service provider. The benefits of working with professionals include:-
- Getting expert help sort out the junk and separate it into those they can recycle, donate or send to the landfill.
- Carting away the junk from your property so that you no longer have to deal with it.
- Eco-friendly waste disposal by the junk removal company, including salvaging to resell or recycle.
Donate
There are numerous benefits to donating stuff that you no longer use. The only thing you should ensure is that they are still in relatively good condition. Places like Salvation Army, Goodwill, and local thrift stores will accept such items.
Items you can donate include:
- Clothing
- Books
- Kid’s toys
- DVDs
- Beddings
- Furniture, etc.
Sell
During the house cleanout, sell junk that is in good condition. The main advantage is that you can recoup some of the money you spend buying the items. Indeed, some high-value pieces can bring in a pretty penny.
Bringing in an appraiser if you do not know the actual value of the items. Pieces like jewelry may have been appreciated, depending on the quality.
You can sell items via:-
- Garage sales
- Flea markets
- Online selling platforms like Gumtree, eBay, and Facebook Marketplace.
Recycle
Opt for recycling if you can’t sell or donate the junk. All you need to do is to sort it into plastic, metal, electronics, textiles, glass, and paper. Many communities and municipalities have recycling centers where you can take the stuff. Some businesses use recycled items to generate new products.
Electronic waste is hazardous because they comprise deadly chemicals. Toxins like lead, beryllium, cadmium, and brominated flame retardants can pollute the soil, air, and water.
So, recycle your electronics during the house cleanout by:
- Taking them to certified e-Waste recyclers who manage electronic waste
- Selling outdated electronic technology. What you consider old technology may be the best thing that happens to someone else. Perhaps they could not afford what you have when it came out.
- Donate the electronics you no longer use. For instance, you can approach NGOs to take your old computers and laptops. They often send such to needy students, even in far-off developing countries.
- Exchange old electronics for newer ones. Companies like Apple have trade-ins that give instant credit for your next purchase.
If you are working with professional house cleanout service providers, they will recommend where to take recyclable junk.
Salvage or Upcycle Junk
It may surprise you how much value you consider junk has. So, before you cart the items away from your home, consider the following.
DIY Upcycling Projects
If you are into DIY projects, you can salvage some junk during the house cleanout. Your grandfather’s favorite rocking chair may look a little worse for wear. But a little reupholstering, sanding, and polishing will have it looking good again. Indeed, it can be that family heirloom you pass down from generation to generation.
Sell to Collectors
Put money in your pocket without the hassle of taking part in the actual upcycling project by selling the items at the flea markets. Some collectors and restorers have an eye for such things.
As we said, one person’s junk may be another person’s treasure. You get to go home with some money, and the collector ends up with a fantastic piece. And, most importantly, you play your role in contributing to environmental sustainability with eco-friendly junk removal.
Reuse Old Items
See how you can find a use for some of the junk. Old towels or soft cotton t-shirts will make excellent rags or cleaning cloths.
Plastic containers and crates can transform into beautiful planters. Palettes can turn into excellent indoor and outdoor furniture. Indeed a cursory YouTube search will give you so many ideas.
Hazardous Waste Disposal
You could be carrying out a house cleanout for selling or remodeling. That means some of the waste could contain hazardous material. Knocking down walls, for instance, may generate asbestos-containing material.
Other toxic contaminants include lead, mercury, furans, sulfur dioxins, and particulate matter. Such require expert handling and disposal. Please note that you should never throw away hazardous material in the trash. The health and environmental impact of such can be profound. Indeed, you may even be contravening laws on deadly material waste disposal.
In this case, you have two viable options for the eco-friendly disposal of hazardous waste.
- Find out what applies in your state via the local waste management authority. They should have clear guidelines on how to handle such. Even then, refrain from attempting to remove the material on your own. There are specific procedures for the handling of such waste. Also, you may need special gear that you must wear and use to protect you during hazardous junk removal.
- Let the house cleanout service providers dispose of the hazardous waste for you. That eliminates the hassle of trying to coordinate the process.
Final Thoughts
Sustainability should not be a word you only hear in passing. Everyone who lives on planet earth must take part in environmental protection. That is the only way to ensure that while we are living, we do so in a healthy, safe environment.
But beyond that is the leaving behind of a pollution-free earth that future generations can enjoy. Reducing your carbon footprint is critical to sustainability. And one way of doing this is through responsible junk removal, as we have shared in the article.