Maximize Curbside Cleanup: 5 Ways to Make the Most of It. Curbside cleanup, also known as bulk trash pickup, is a service offered by many towns and municipalities to help residents dispose of large, heavy, or awkward items that cannot be accommodated in regular trash collection. Participating in curbside cleanup can be a convenient way to declutter your home and get rid of items that are taking up space. Here are a few things to know before you participate:
Embrace It or Reject It: Exploring the Culture of Disposables
Let’s be honest: our reliance on disposable items has shaped our behavior.
Whether it’s single-use cleaning wipes or plastic straws, we’ve become accustomed to using them once and then discarding them, disregarding the environmental consequences. Despite the environmental impact, many of us willingly pay for convenience, even when it seems absurd, like the Whole Foods Pre-Peeled Orange Wars of 2016.
Fortunately, it seems that future generations might reject today’s throw-away culture.
While we may aspire to live in an eco-friendly world where everything is repurposed, the reality is that not everyone has the time or energy to lead a completely zero-waste, buy-nothing lifestyle. This is where local curbside cleanup days come into play, providing an opportunity to both get rid of unwanted waste and potentially find valuable treasures.
Whether you’re disposing of items after a spring cleaning session, searching for hidden gems to restore and sell, or simply browsing curbside for items to enhance your own home, there are numerous ways to make the most of your town’s cleanup day.
Make Sure You\’re In the Know!
The initial step is to determine the schedule for your town’s bulk trash day.
Different municipalities have varying frequencies, with some offering it monthly, while others hold annual or biannual events typically in the spring and/or fall. If your area falls into the latter category, it’s crucial to mark these dates on your calendar. Additionally, keep in mind that in larger cities, curbside cleanup days may be organized by neighborhood. Don’t assume that if a friend living across town is disposing of their Jacuzzi, it’s the right time for you to put your snow tires on the curb as well.
Be Aware of What\’s Allowed (and Not Allowed)
While knowing the timing of bulk trash day is crucial, understanding what items are accepted and what is not comes in a close second.
Regulations regarding acceptable items can vary significantly from one town to another. Some items are generally accepted, such as furniture, lamps, carpet, swing sets, and bicycles.
On the other hand, there are items that are typically prohibited, including hazardous chemicals, electronics, propane tanks, and concrete. However, there is also a middle ground where certain items may be allowed in some areas but not in others, such as batteries, Small Appliances, tires, and yard waste.
It’s important not to assume that someone else will take care of your refuse; as a responsible resident, it’s your duty to properly handle and dispose of your items in accordance with the regulations in your area.
Prepare and Organize in Advance
To make the most of your local cleanup day, it’s essential to prepare ahead of time.
Take the opportunity to declutter and sort through your belongings well in advance. Start by tackling areas like the attic, basement, and garage that tend to accumulate clutter. Take stock of all your possessions and organize them into separate bins, bags, or piles based on their condition and usefulness. Create categories such as “Keep,” “Donate,” and “Discard. ” For larger items, create separate piles if needed. Identify any items in the “Discard” category that require special disposal, such as recycling centers or hazardous waste facilities, and set them aside accordingly. Finally, place the remaining items by the curb for pickup on the cleanup day. By decluttering and sorting beforehand, you can streamline the process and ensure that you make the most of the opportunity to get rid of unwanted items.
Embrace the Resourceful Mindset of the Great Depression
Drawing inspiration from the resilience of those who navigated through challenging economic periods like the Great Depression, we can learn valuable lessons in making the most of what we have.
Today, many individuals enjoy the creative challenge of repurposing everyday objects that would typically end up in landfills. It can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience to imagine new uses and purposes for these items.
To find ideas and inspiration, explore websites that advocate for the Zero Waste and Buy Nothing movements. These platforms offer a wealth of innovative approaches to waste reduction.
Additionally, strive to incorporate the 5 R’s of waste management—Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Rot, and Refuse—into your daily life. By embracing a resourceful mindset and integrating sustainable practices, you can make a positive impact on the environment while discovering new ways to repurpose and reimagine ordinary objects.
*The information is for reference only.
