17 Things to Clean Out of Your Home This Summer!

Planning on cleaning out this summer? There is no better time!
Here are a few of our best tips for a successful summer cleanout.

First and foremost, your health and safety always takes priority. 
So, choose a cooler day for cleaning out if at all possible. Turn on those fans, open those windows, etc. Sorting and moving objects can work up quite a sweat!

Let's get our cleanout started!
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*Please note that the KC Recycling Depot can only accept items from residents and businesses of Kosciusko County, IN.

1. Large Electronics

With electronics items forever updating and improving, there is no doubt that most of us have electronics piling up. These piles can quickly start to take over precious space!
So, get rid of anything old or unused! Things like flatscreen TVs, CRT TVs, monitors, printers, CPU towers, coffee makers, vacuum cleaners, fans, heaters, etc. can be brought to the KC Recycling Depot (or your local household hazardous waste (HHW) disposal facility).

2. Paint

We can't be the only ones who have random cans of paint constantly piling up. Whether it is oil-based paint, latex-based paint, or even spray paint, it can be recycled at the KC Recycling Depot (or your local HHW facility).
​Ensure the lids are on tight and cans remain upright to reduce the risk of spilling when transporting!

3. Household Chemicals and Cleaners

Not only do unused chemicals and cleaners take up space, but they can be unsafe to store as well. If the substances happen to leak out of their containers, a dangerous reaction can occur. Not to mention, forgotten or misplaced chemicals and cleaners can pose a risk to children. 
Get these out of your house and bring them to the KC Recycling Depot (or your local HHW facility) for disposal!
Be sure to take care when handling or transporting any of these materials!

See our blog post on Proper Household Hazardous Waste Handling Techniques for more information!

4. Lightbulbs

Have these stuffed in a cabinet or a corner of the garage? Get rid of them!
Since many lightbulbs contain mercury, they cannot be put in the regular trash; however, you can bring them to the KC Recycling Depot (or your local HHW facility) to get them disposed.

5. Tires

Tires can take up HUGE amounts of space if not removed from your garage in a timely manner. So, if you have them piling up, get them recycled at your local tire store! We recommend calling ahead to ensure the store accepts tires; however, most will take the tires for a small fee. 

6. Furniture

Did old, unused, or broken furniture make it's way to your basement, attic, or garage? Get rid of it!
Most of the time, furniture will need to be disposed of at the landfill; however, there are some types of furniture that can be accepted by your local thrift store, Goodwill, or Habitat for Humanity - always call ahead to check!

7. Clothing and Shoes

Anyone else have a closet overflowing with clothes and shoes that you will probably never wear again?
Get them out of there! 
Rule of thumb: If you haven't worn it in the last six months to one year, you most likely won't wear it anytime soon.

If you are a resident of Kosciusko County, IN, you can bring wearable materials to the KC Recycling Depot anytime and put them into the bins labeled "Clothing and Shoes."
You can also drop these off at your local thrift store or Goodwill.

​Any materials that are no longer wearable must be put in the trash or given to a textile recycling facility. 

8. Books

Ah books... who doesn't have way too many sitting around?
If these are still in good condition, get them donated! Check with your local thrift store or Goodwill, or find a Better World Books bin! For residents of Kosciusko County, IN, there is a Better World Books bin at the KC Recycling Depot!

9. Gasoline, Antifreeze, and Motor Oil

These things can take up lots of space if you let them pile up. Plus, they can pose a danger to young children if they happen to get into them. So, get rid of them!
The KC Recycling Depot accepts these from Kosciusko County residents. Gasoline can be brought to the Depot anytime we are open. There are self-serve containers for Antifreeze and Motor Oil available for use anytime. 
Check with your local HHW facility if you are not a resident. 

10. Fire Extinguishers

Extinguishers are always good to have on hand in the case of an emergency; however, ensuring these are up to date and working correctly is very important. If you have any that are not suitable, then get rid of them! The KC Recycling Depot accepts them from residents of Kosciusko County, IN. Check with your local HHW facility if not a resident!

11. Smoke Detectors

Ensuring these are in good working condition is crucial to your family's safety.
So, if you have any detectors that are not working or no longer used, get rid of them! 
Some may contain radioactive materials, so please bring them to the KC Recycling Depot if you are a resident of Kosciusko County, IN. If not a resident, check with your local household hazardous waste facility!

12. Cell Phones, Laptops, and Tablets

Update your cell phone, laptop, or tablet recently? Be sure to get your device properly and safely disposed/recycling!
Kosciusko County, IN residents can bring these to the KC Recycling Depot. 
Check with your local HHW facility to see if devices are accepted. Always ensure they are certified in information destruction as well!

13. Cords and Other Small Electronics

Electronic materials of any kind should be kept out of the landfill. So, if you are a resident of Kosciusko County, IN, bring them to the KC Recycling Depot! IF you aren't a resident, check with your local HHW facility. 
Electronics tend to take up lots of space. Getting rid of unused materials will reduce clutter!

14. Ink Cartridges

Have these piling up in a drawer somewhere? Bring them to the KC Recycling Depot (if you are a resident of Kosciusko County, that is!).
You can also check with your local office supply store, send them back to the manufacturer, or toss them in the trash. 

15. Old Paperwork and Craft Supplies

Have filing cabinets full of old paperwork? Keep only the important things and get rid of the rest!
Check with your local UPS, office supply store, or other disposal facility for shredding availability for paperwork containing sensitive information. 

Have craft supplies that are still good but no longer used? Check with your local daycares or schools to see if they are accepting supplies - most of the time they will be very grateful for donations!
Craft supplies that are no longer good will need to be disposed of into the trash. 

16. Old Kids Toys and Car Seats

Have old or unused toys sitting around taking up space? If they are still in usable shape, get them donated!
Any toys that are no longer good must be thrown away - they CANNOT be put in the recycling!

Car seats are similar to toys - kids grow out of them so fast!
The thing about car seats is that they expire and typically cannot be donated, unless they have not expired. So, if you have an unused and expired car seat, then throw it in the trash or take it to the landfill!

17. Unused Dishes, Glassware, and Serveware

These tend to take up precious cabinet space. Get rid of anything that you no longer plan to use!
​If they are still in usable condition, check with your thrift store or Goodwill. 
​Keep in mind that these things cannot be placed in the recycling. 

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