When storing your recyclables outdoors, be sure to keep them in a shaded area and not in direct sunlight. In the warmer months (and in climates that are drier than others), keeping metal cans and glass bottles outside with bright, shining light on them can actually create a fire hazard. Keeping them in shaded areas ensures the recyclables won't get scorching hot, keeping you and your neighbors protected.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Did you know that waste haulers typically do not accept appliances, batteries, electronics, pesticides or paint in regular curbside pickup? For many of these items, it is actually illegal to dispose of them in your trash. What to do? Contact your local waste hauler and ask them to do a "special handling" pickup for these items. For items that are required to be disposed of in a specific manner, simply making a call and arranging for pickup ensures they are disposed of safely and for good.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Though it’s more energy-efficient to dry your clothes on a clothesline, there are times when you need to use a dryer. To make it as efficient as possible, place your dryer in a warm spot in the home (a cold garage or basement may not be the best place) since this will reduce the time the machine needs to warm up. Use the delay feature function to make the dryer run automatically during non-peak hours like in the middle of the night. And dry loads of clothes one right after another; the residual heat from the first load will speed up the drying time of the second.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION