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04/12/2018 12:00 AMAs spring cleaning gets underway, many people wonder what to do with items they no longer want or need. In clearing items out, consider whether you want to sell it, donate it, trash it, or recycle it.
If you're looking for some extra cash, consider hosting a tag sale or selling items online with Craigslist or a Facebook tag sale group. Sometimes it's easier and quicker to gather items to donate. Many local organizations accept donations and there are even some that will pick up items right from your house.
While there are some items that will go right into the trash, there are ways to recycle a number of items and materials. Many towns host collections for various items such as hazardous waste, electronics, prescription drugs, large appliances, and more with information to be found through your town's public works department.
This past fall, recycling got easier as recycling rules were standardized across the State of Connecticut. By visiting recyclect.com, residents can enter an item and the website will tell you how to recycle it.
Some common examples include:
Pizza Boxes
In the recycle bin without food and liners.
Plastic Shopping Bags
Participating retail locations offer recycling bins or reuse for shopping, as trash can liners, or dog litter pickup bags.
Batteries
Non-rechargeable batteries can be thrown in the trash; rechargeable batteries are collected at some retailers (visit call2recycle.org for locations).
Expired Medications
Most over-the-counter medications can be disposed of in the garbage (not flushed in the toilet). Some pharmacies offer low-cost disposal envelopes and some towns host prescription drug take-back days.
Paint
Visit paintcare.org to find a drop-off site near you.
Cleaning Chemicals, Engine Oil, Pool Chemicals
Must be brought to a Household Hazardous Waste collection event or center. Collection dates are posted on the Department of Energy & Environmental Protection's website (ct.gov/deep). In New Haven County, call the Regional Water Authority at 203-401-2712; in Middlesex County, call the Lower Connecticut River Valley Council of Governments at 860-581-8554.
Ink Cartridges
Can be refilled or recycled at major retailers.
Appliances
Recycle at local electronic collection or town transfer station. Some major retailers also offer recycling programs.
Old Cell Phones and Accessories
Recycle with a major service provider or electronics retailer.
Donation Drop-Off Locations
Adult and Teen Challenge Thrift Shop
785 West Main St., Branford
203-483-3124
BH Care Clothing Bank
30 Harrison Ave., Branford
203-483-2643
Christian Community Action
168 Davenport Ave., New Haven
203-777-7848
Columbus House
586 Ella Grasso Blvd., New Haven
203-401-4400
EcoWorks
262 State St., New Haven
203-498-0710
Estuary Council of Seniors Thrift Shop
220 Main St., Old Saybrook
860-388-1611
Hole in the Wall Consignment and Thrift Shop
35 Boston St., Guilford
203-453-2088
Goodwill Attended Donation Centers
1151 West Main St., Branford
203-777-2000
725 Boston Post Rd., Guilford
203-453-5995
432 Washington Ave., North Haven
203-752-5307
369 East Main St., Clinton
860-664-9211
Homemaker Thrift Shop
4 Brushy Plains Plaza Branford
203-481-5161
Old Stone Church Thrift Shop
251 Main St., East Haven
203-467-2907
SARAH's Cupboard Thrift Shop
155 Meadow St., Branford
203-481-4052
Donation Pickup Services
Pickupplease.org to benefit Vietnam Veterans of America
newhavencountyrestore.org/donate to benefit Habitat for Humanity
bbbsswct.org to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters
satruck.org/Donate/choose to benefit Salvation Army