Disposal Confusion
I see so many clients who are living with things they KNOW they don’t want, but they don’t KNOW how to get rid of them. There is even a term for this: disposal confusion. It describes the uncertainty that a lot of us feel when we are trying to figure out the best way to let go of things.
And no wonder we have disposal confusion! Every state, county, and town in America seems to have its own ever-changing rules for trash and recycling. On top of that, donation centers are more selective than ever, flooded with items from other downsizers. As a professional organizer, I guide clients in finding good homes for the things they no longer wish to keep. Knowing when to donate, recycle, or dispose of something can speed along any decluttering project more smoothly.
Donate
There are many large and small organizations that accept donations. But I encourage clients to think of a donation as a gift - something you’re giving to help your community or a charity. So ask yourself: Is this nice enough to give as a gift? Would I give this to a friend? Is it clean and odor free?
I understand how hard it is to toss something that used to be nice. But the best way to help others is to give things that are usable now and valuable to the organizations you’re donating to. If something needs a little TLC but still has life left, great alternatives include Buy Nothing groups, Freecycle, and posting for FREE on FaceBook marketplace or Nextdoor.
Recycle
Here is another helpful term: wishcycling. This is when we toss something in a recycling bin hoping it will be accepted. There is a better way! First check with your waste company. Here in suburban Chicagoland, curbside recycling depends on your specific waste hauler and where you live so it’s always a good idea to double-check. In fact, I ask this question in every new client assessment, because knowing the rules is so helpful to the decluttering process. Some waste haulers are now putting helpful labels on their recycling bins, which is great! In general, the basics that are usually accepted include:
Clean paper and cardboard
Metal and glass kitchen containers
Plastics with the appropriate recycling codes
Here are a few common exceptions - and what to do with them:
Shredded Paper - Some waste companies won’t accept in the recycling bin or will only if it’s bundled into a paper bag or box and clearly marked as ‘Shredding’
Broken Glass - It’s dangerous for workers at recycling facilities. Wrap it in something sturdy like cardboard, tape securely, label it “Broken Glass” and put in the regular trash.
Styrofoam - Almost never accepted in curbside recycling. But many local townships in NW Chicagoland offer drop-off options. Always make sure styrofoam is clean and dry.
Plastic Grocery Bags - Never put these in curbside recycling - they tangle up the machines at recycling centers. Most grocery and big box-stores have bins to drop off plastic bags. Yes, we all have our “bag of bags” (especially those of us who have pets) but I recommend deciding how many bags you really need - and recycling the rest. I even offer to do this for clients! Better to send excess bags off to become new bags than have them take up space in our homes. It’s better for the environment too!
Dispose
It’s okay to throw things away.
There - I said it.
Almost everything has a usable life, and at the end of that life, it belongs in the trash. I know it can feel difficult to toss things. Many of us grew up believing that if we held onto things long enough, those things would become more valuable. But that’s not true for most mass produced items, especially plastics and synthetic materials. These things simply don’t age well in storage. I often see clients who feel guilty throwing things away - as if they are making a ‘bad’ environmental or economical decision for tossing things in the trash.
Here is what I tell them - we don’t prevent waste by keeping waste in our homes. If our homes are filled with things we can’t or don’t use, we’ve essentially turned our homes into landfills. The most environmentally and economically responsible way to prevent waste is by practicing conscious consumption - buying less, buying better, and choosing things we will actually use and enjoy long-term.
Decluttering may feel wasteful in the moment, but it is an essential step in the organizing process. When your home is organized, it’s easier to see what you have, use what you have, and enjoy your space and the things you own.
I hope this blog helps to clear up some of the ‘disposal confusion’. Knowing when to donate, recycle, and dispose of things makes letting go so much easier. Set a goal: fill those garbage and recycling bins every week. Afterall, you are paying for that service! And remember, the best way to prevent trash is by making mindful choices in the first place. Sometimes, the most economical and environmental choice is to declutter enough that your home becomes more manageable and allows you the space to make those mindful choices.