Waste management is a big issue in developed or developing countries.
And it’s no secret that millions of tons of household waste are generated yearly in Australia, only to aggravate the problem. But this doesn’t mean you can start dumping it in the first landfill you encounter.
Improper waste disposal can harm the community, the environment, and even one’s health. Moreover, many things that you consider “waste” can be reused in multiple ways to save you from the hassle of buying new ones.
That’s why we have curated this guide featuring seven ways to eliminate waste in your house. Let’s dive in, then!
7 Responsible Ways To Get Rid Of Junk From The House
1. Walk Down The DIY Path
One of the best ways to eliminate your household waste is by transforming them into something usable. Although we may sound contradicting, this is what many people choose to do to achieve a clutter-free house. And even if you aren’t a pro-DIY-er and don’t like working with heavy tools and equipment, several projects will suit your expertise.
For instance, if you have old, worn-out cloth bags or towels, consider turning them into bathroom rags or cozy bed sheets for your furry friends. Trust us—it’ll be a fun weekend activity for your family and kids.
Simply cut them into the required shapes and sizes and sew the sides to prevent fraying. Feel free to express the artist in you by decorating it with laces, frills, or other such add-ons. If the fabric is too thin, sew on multiple pieces to achieve the required thickness.
Alternatively, you can donate them to any animal shelter, but ensure they are clean and in good condition.
2. Donate To Local Charities
We often end up with clothes, toys, bags, and shoes that aren’t used as frequently simply because they have become old. If you start searching the wardrobe right now, we can bet that you may find old items that are as good as new! Donating them to a local charity is the best way to “recycle” them. Moreover, you can visit the streets in your neighbourhood to find donation boxes.
Many charities also accept donations of electronic appliances, furniture, and other similar large items, which can be dropped off at a collection centre. You may need to invest some energy in locating one nearby, but the effort will be worth it. After all, what can be better than not contributing to the landfill?
3. Put Up A Garage Sale
Garage sales are a popular way to eliminate household clutter without throwing away your old stuff in the garbage while making some extra money at the same time. All you have to do is sort the usable items and put them up for sale in your garage or yard. Furthermore, you can diversify the sales by including everything from clothes and electronics to old magazines.
In this regard, we’d suggest informing the neighbourhood at least a week before seeking necessary permissions, if applicable.
If all this sounds like too much work, you can sell items online; multiple websites and applications allow users to upload pictures of their old stuff. A pro tip: upload high-quality images and add a detailed description to increase your chances of making the sale.
4. Reach Out To The Local Recycling Centre
If you don’t have the time to recycle old items at home, we suggest contacting a local recycling centre. Many people prefer getting items made from conserved metal or glass recycled by professionals, ensuring the environmentally responsible disposal of “rubbish” and significantly preventing landfill pollution. Besides, you can recycle materials like foam, fibres, and renovation waste.
One thing to remember is that not every recycling centre specialises in all types of recycling. So, it’d be a good idea to contact your local council to learn more about them.
5. Proper Disposal Of Hazardous Waste
Hazardous waste, whether solid (like batteries) or liquid (like motor oil and chemically loaded plant care products), should never be disposed of with your regular trash. That’s why homeowners and business owners must identify hazardous waste collection and treatment facilities nearby.
6. Giving Away Your Old Stuff
If you’re left with excess old stuff even after a successful garage sale, then simply replace the “sale” sign with a “free” sign! This will help you de-clutter the home (or office space) further, giving you the satisfaction of helping someone in need. It sounds way better than throwing them away and polluting the environment, right?
7. Call A Junk Removal Service
A junk removal company is the best bait to dispose of waste when you don’t have the time, energy, or resources to do it independently. From disposing of gardening waste to old furniture, most junk removal services in your area should be equipped to handle them all. So, contact them to confirm they can meet your requirements.
Conclusion
Getting rid of junk in your home doesn’t have to be stressful, and with a little effort, you can do it in a way that benefits you and the planet. You can ensure your junk is handled responsibly by donating, recycling, selling, or hiring professional rubbish removal services like Tip It Rubbish Removal. Whether clearing out a small space or tackling a major clean-up, there are plenty of eco-friendly options for reducing waste and keeping your home clutter-free.