Can I Donate or Recycle That?

While packing and preparing for your local or long-distance move, there will likely be items you would prefer not to bring to your new residence. Whether it’s because you are looking for a replacement at your new home or you no longer use the item, it can be beneficial to the planet, your wallet, and your community if you dispose of your unwanted items in a responsible way ahead of the move.

Here are a few common items people want to leave behind on moving day and some ethical ways to get them off your hands ahead of your move:

Non-perishable food from your pantry
Our consensus: DONATE

A sustainable way to reduce food waste and fight hunger in your community is to donate your non-perishable food prior to your long-distance move. Through our partnership with Move for Hunger, we are able to take your unopened non-perishable food items to your local food bank for you on moving day so the items don’t go to waste and can go on to provide nourishment for your neighbors in need. Ask your move consultant for more information on how to get involved.

Unwanted clothing and shoes
Our consensus: DONATE

While organizing your clothing and accessories ahead of your move, set aside items which no longer fit or suit your style for donation purposes. Once you’ve gone through all your clothing, you can drop it off in a local clothing donation bin, bring it to Goodwill, or order a clean out kit from a website such as thredUP. Since fashion can have a big impact on the environment due to the amount the energy used in production, donating your clothing gives your items a second life, where they can be enjoyed by someone else or recycled responsibly if needed.

Unwanted blankets, sheets, and towels
Our consensus: DONATE

When it’s time to replace your old blankets, sheets, and towels ahead of your long-distance move, consider donating these items to a local animal shelter. Many animal shelters will accept old blankets, bath and hand towels, sheets, pillows and pillowcases, bathroom rugs, and t-shirts. These items can be used for lining pet cages, drying off wet dogs, providing warm bedding, or covering a kennel door to block out light when an animal wants rest from the light. For sheets and towels which are still in very good, high-quality condition, call your local church or homeless shelter to ask if they would be interested in accepting the items.

An old mattress
Our consensus: RECYCLE

It can be overwhelming to know what to do with an unwanted mattress, due to the size and shape of such a large item, which is why mattress recycling programs have been implemented in many cities to make the process easier. Once a mattress is disassembled, more than 75 percent of its materials can be recycled, making new products and preventing a mattress from taking up excess space in a landfill. Check your state website to learn more about the mattress recycling programs available in your location.

Out of date, non-working electronics
Our consensus: RECYCLE

Whether it’s an old DVD player or a cell phone from the 90s, many of us hold onto electronics we no longer use but aren’t worth selling or donating. You will want to get rid of these items responsibly ahead of your long-distance move due to the amount of space these items can take up, especially if they are not being used. Many office supply stores such as Staples and organizations such as Call2Recycle will take your unwanted electronics off your hands to make sure they don’t end up in a landfill or cause other environmental damage.

Still curious about which unwanted items you can donate or recycle responsibly ahead of your move? Give us a call at 800-442-6863 to speak with a move consultant to learn more!