8/13/13

Ever wonder what you can recycle and what you can't, and then where you can take those recyclables? If that question is mind-boggling, simplify by downloading the iRecycle app on your iPhone or Android smartphone. iRecycle uses your current location to guide you to collection points. It is also a resource to help you figure out more than 1.5 million ways to recycle, including helping to dispose of hard-to-recycle items and giving you phone numbers, directions and hours of operation for local recycling centers.

8/12/13

As your kids grow up, you might notice quite a bit of baby gear that you can't donate to charities, like a car seat. One thing you can do is call your waste hauler and ask if the car seat can be placed in your curbside recycling bin. While car seats are made from a variety of materials, like fabric, metal, foam and plastic, the majority of the seat is made from dense, recyclable plastic. Many waste haulers will take them and dismantle them for their recyclable parts.

8/11/13

Donating items to charity is a great way to find a new home for your old things, get a tax deduction and help a nonprofit raise funds. But not everything can be donated to charities, so it's best to ask before you drop off. Mattresses and box springs, for example, are difficult to give, since it is illegal in most states to refurbish or resell beds. Used electronics have become difficult to donate since prices have come down and functionality is constantly evolving. It's best to bring old electronics to stores like Best Buy to have them recycled.