DONATE vs. TRASH vs. RECYCLE| What to Actually DO with Your Clutter

DONATE vs. TRASH vs. RECYCLE| What to Actually DO with Your Clutter
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MASTER DECLUTTERING LIST:
Weekly: junk drawer, pantry, fridge, entryway, school backpacks, car
Monthly: clothing, shoes, cleaning supplies, kids art, nightstands, kid's toys, kid's coloring/activity books
Six Months: linens, cookware, documents, jewelry, laundry room, garage, kitchen appliances, coats/hats/boots, swimwear, makeup, electronics
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[@autumnchaos]

Weirdly I love it when I have to trash something, because it means I got every last scrap of use out of it. Also books, craft materials, and jigsaws are great to donate to psychiatric wards, (as are comfy adult clothing like pyjamas, joggers, tshirts) and care homes, as they very rarely receive donations

[@mightyrachel1]

As someone who works at a solid waste agency (landfill, recycling center, hazardous waste, and electronics recovery center), I love the concept of this video. Recycling electronics is so important- many that contain rechargeable batteries are super dangerous in trash or recycling carts because they can start fires. Electronic/home improvement stores may also have ways to recycle small electronics (phones, iPods, tablets, etc).

[@FancyThatwithCandice]

Thank you for adding your professional advice here!!!

[@KelseyHayward]

I love dropping books off at our neighborhood little lending libraries. They are usually found at local parks and playgrounds. I love donating them directly to the community for free than giving to goodwill.

[@FancyThatwithCandice]

Oh I LOVE this!

[@vondrabejot9851]

In my town, the city offers a neighborhood clean up service once a year. You can put out on the front sidewalk and the city will pick up old furniture, large items etc. What usually happens is that people will drive around and pick up things that they would like to up cycle for their own self. Keeping that in mind I have found that if I put those large items in the counter on the sidewalk other times of the year and every time someone has picked it up. Last year we bought a new grill for the patio. My husband said I was crazy wheeling the old one to the front sidewalk. Sure enough by the time we had the new one assembled on the patio. I walked around to the front yard and the old one was gone.

[@MissTiffanyK1]

I like Dana K. White's encouragement to do what you need to get stuff out and make your home manageable... even if it means (gasp) trashing it. Then when you have capacity you can figure out the "perfect" thing to do with your decluttered items. I like having a "go to" donation place that takes pretty much everything. I've come to know their system and hours, etc. Then I've slowly added more specialty places/routines that I know I'll use repeatedly (for me, I'm willing to go out of my way to go to other local businesses to donate books and sell baby items and housewares/furniture). I think it's important to acknowledge that it takes energy to learn a new way of donating/selling and it might be the reason that things pile up and don't leave our homes. If the goal is decluttering, then the most important thing is that they go!

[@j.chayo45]

Thank you for making this video! Yesterday, I donated shoes and bras to a local homeless charity that asks for warm clothes, items, and bras. I used to just donate all of our donations to goodwill. I want our clothes and shoes to be given for free to who are in need.

[@meghanbraithwaite9848]

Another option for donation is domestic violence shelters although the drop off is usually somewhere different for confidentiality reasons.

[@FancyThatwithCandice]

GREAT suggestion! Thank you for sharing!

[@freefoodchef7939]

Great video, and very accurate content. I've been shopping at thrift stores for decades and have learned a lot about them. The chain thrift stores like Goodwill and Salvation Army, are more discerning about the donations they will take, which is why their stores are generally more pleasant to shop in. Independent thrift stores are often more inclined to take rougher donations, but it shows. Those are the places that frequently have crappy furniture, worn out and ugly clothing and off-putting odors. No one takes used mattresses because of the body soil on them. Even if mattress covers were used, sweat and oil and urine can leak through eventually. Ask yourself whether you'd want to come into contact with some stranger's bodily fluids. It's not the responsibility of any thrift store to accept or process our worn out and broken down items. In fact, since most thrift stores exist as fundraising arms of a church, hospital, nonprofit organization or some other public service entity, the expense they have to put out to trash our unsellable castoffs negatively impacts their financial goals. Much better options for worn out clothing and household goods and for barely usable furniture is to set them on the curb with a FREE sign on them, or list them for free on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist. A lot of people will pick those things up and take them home just to see if there's anything about them that might be of use. As far as things I won't buy at thrift stores, I don't want used linens or towels unless they appear to have barely been touched, and definitely not used underwear. I also no longer buy adult shoes there, no matter the brand or how attractive they may appear, because I've found that 9 times out of 10 they are extremely uncomfortable. No one donates their comfortable, attractive shoes. No matter how respectable the brand may be, they usually turn out to have something wrong with them. The last time was a pair of barely worn Skechers sneakers in a very cute style with clean soles and a cushy inner foot padding. Only $5! But the first time I went for a walk in them the right shoe wore the back of my heel off to the point of heavy bleeding. Turns out the frame at the back of that shoe was bent inward. I'm going to see if I can hammer out the bend, but if not I'm not going to set up someone else for a foot injury by donating them, I'll just put them in the trash.

[@bethhankins7710]

You are so upbeat !! And pretty !! I wished I had watched your makeup videos when u dud those !!! lol your great at this keep it up and thanks for taking the time and energy to share !!!❤❤❤💖

[@FancyThatwithCandice]

Thank you so much!!

[@Shiryone]

Thanks for the great research.

[@kimking3466]

I love these ideas, and I have one to add. If you have old t-shirts, sweatshirts, or any cotton fabric you are considering throwing away, ask your mechanic if he/she would like them for rags. They go through lots of them, and it would save them from having to buy shop towels.

[@FancyThatwithCandice]

Oohhhhh GREAT suggestion! Thank you!

[@charlottemccusker4198]

I work at a non profit and people donate toss pillows with drool marks or full of pet hair. When you donate anything, please look it over. If it's a kitchen item, please wash it if it has grease on it. A little dust is ok, but years of kitchen grease. Yuk. I tried to donate a ceiling fan to Good Will and they said they don't take anything with wires hanging out. This "guide" was very helpful. Thanks.

[@FancyThatwithCandice]

Thank you for the helpful reminder!!!

[@tgayer1]

What a GREAT video! I would probably buy a jar candle if it’s just barely used, but only if it’s a brand I love in a scent that I love. Crazy that people think bed pillows and mattresses are okay to donate. I’m sure people are just trying to get someone else to take on the burden of disposing of their mattress!

[@dillinghamfamilyfarm6457]

This is so helpful Candace, thank you for another great video ! You're such a bright, cheerful friend on KZbin! I always enjoy hearing what you have to say 🥰

[@FancyThatwithCandice]

You are SO kind! Thank you for your sweet words!! Glad this video was helpful!

[@laurajunebaran8898]

I love this video, I always do get a pile to go and have a hard time getting it out or finding a place to bring it. Then I have a mountain of declutter sitting in my basement. You are always so informative and helpful 💕

[@susanfindell6154]

I volunteer at my local nonprofit thrift store donation center. We never put clothing with stains, tears or missing buttons out in our store. If we receive items like this , we have another facility that we pass these items to. They have employees that launder and mend them before selling them in their own store. Our organization is mostly volunteer based and we don’t have the revenue to have someone doing these chores. All of our proceeds go to our food bank, which is also part of our organization. We help with food and financial assistance.

[@lindseyheringer2641]

This is a great video topic. Not everything is donatable. Thanks for doing the research for us.

[@FancyThatwithCandice]

Thanks for watching!

[@tgayer1]

I will set bigger items on my curb, including furniture or items that can be turned in for scrap metal...like an old grill I had. I set it out a few days before trash day, and only if there is no rain or snow in the forecast.

[@rayeof_light]

I have a store locally that buys stylish clothing to resell and they donate what they don't buy back to a homeless mission. This has saved me with decluttering my closet. I had tons of American Eagle, Old Navy and Gym Shark clothes and they bought so many. But the rest, I knew was going to a good cause.

[@MissTiffanyK1]

Hmm, it's tough to use the barometer of what you yourself would or would not buy at a thrift store because a lot of what I donate isn't serving me but could be useful to someone else. For instance, the DIY craft ideas for puzzle pieces also applies to books (decoupage, for example), broken dishes (mosaics) and damaged fabrics.

[@susanfindell6154]

I think of it as ‘if I needed this item, is it in good enough condition that I would buy it’?

[@Lynker]

Things I always buy is clothes, blankets and quilts/comforters!! You can find some of the most amazing things! One of my favorites I found I used for YEARS. I think it's still in my basement, and it's one of the most favorite garments/sheets I've EVER owned.

[@FancyThatwithCandice]

Wow you really found a GEM!!! Thats amazing!!

[@mariaziarnik6909]

This was helpful ❤

[@FancyThatwithCandice]

Glad it was helpful!

[@nicoleclark5792]

Rust can easily be removed from cast iron. Those are definitely still a buy in my book.

[@FancyThatwithCandice]

Ohhh how do you remove it?

[@nicoleclark5792]

Soak the pan in vinegar and water and steel wool it. Then season it with oil like normal. Good as new.

[@SassySue67]

I take old towels and blankets to my dogs groomer, as there isn’t an animal shelter near my home.

[@FancyThatwithCandice]

That's a great idea!

[@monetmd8024]

We have a lot of trails where we I live, and along them are usually take one, leave one "libraries" (they look like big bird houses with a door). My kids love them. Some people even leave DVDs.

[@stephanielayson7769]

Thanks for this video...I always struggle with recycling and it stops my process many times. I already took time to look up an electronics recycler in my area and will start gathering my old electronics to take to them. Thanks again!

[@FancyThatwithCandice]

Glad this was helpful!!

[@susanmorrison8403]

Our church is starting a clothes closet for families who cannot afford to purchase nice church clothes. Consider donating to a church. We’ve also done a “swap til you drop” event. Fun!!

[@pamwood3956]

We always photo copied the Yatzee pads. You can get 4 per piece of paper if you use both sides.

[@FancyThatwithCandice]

Okay GENIUS!! Thanks for sharing!

[@christinedisneyqueen5746]

Awesome! Thanks for sharing! 😊

[@FancyThatwithCandice]

Glad this was helpful!!

[@pattibrown2939]

There is a place called Restore, that takes old furniture, paint, and other household stuff that has been remodeled. And Walmart has a kiosk that buys old phones. I only received $1 for old flip phones. Better than nothing.

[@jessicahoffman-graham8056]

Ask ask ask. Our local thrift store takes almost everything I've seen you say NO to. Baby stuff can also be taken to pregnancy centers. Our store takes all beds and bed items ‼️

[@MissMolly75]

For toys and baby items, PLEASE also call local preschools and daycares. This includes local gyms that have small childcare spaces for while parents workout. I'm a preschool teacher and we rely heavily on donations of toys, puzzles, games, books, buckets and shovels for playground, etc. (in good condition). Also all your unused crafting supplies. We could really use a plastic play kitchen for our playground and sooooo much more. We just don't have the funds for these things. We LOVE it when people come in and ask if we want something. My preschool just happens to be in a large gym/community center as well, and we are always in need of nursery toys, baby gear, toys for the big kid room, etc. In preschools and daycares, kids are ROUGH on things. We're constantly throwing away broken items and need replacements.

[@FancyThatwithCandice]

I love the idea of calling a local preschool and daycare!!!

[@jillh.9617]

The one month of minimalism tour link doesn’t work. I love your fresh take on decluttering.

[@FancyThatwithCandice]

hmmm thanks for letting me know!!!

[@goodenoughgirl8102]

I really don’t like taking my stuff to Goodwill, even tho I shop there some and donate there some as a last resort. Imo it’s barely a charity and more like a for profit business. Ours doesn’t seem to be too picky tho. I find recycle containers there, messed up clothes, scratched up pans, dirty and dilapidated furniture etc. I mostly just look around when I shop and it gives me a good idea of what they would put on the shelf and what they’d trash. I try to sneak some potential recycle in there that I can’t recycle, (if it seems useful) but I try to only donate the half decent or better stuff with most things. For me, I just enjoy the treasure hunt. What I would buy just depends on the purpose. If they put that dilapidated crap on the shelf and want too much money for some has been item, then no. I’ll buy some old clothing tho for painting or yard work etc if it’s cheap enough. My issue with Goodwill is that the pricing is jacked up. Not gonna pay the same for a good shirt vs a crap shirt with stains etc. But some great stuff there they also price it shockingly low. So I just dig and mostly weigh price with product condition/quality and go from there with my own needs and if it would be of good use in my home. But the first thing I do before anything else is make sure it’s not overpriced (Bcuz I’ve seen Dollar Tree stuff there marked at $2 or more and I think wha??? And it’s not even new). So I pass on that kind of stuff always. Or Walmart camis or tees or such. You can get some of them cheaper or nearly the same price at WM brand new than Goodwill’s prices. I don’t mind paying more for maybe CK or Anne Klein etc in good shape, but the other is just some kind of jacked up BS imo. I guess by now I just go in knowing that some folks who work there don’t know wth they are doing and their management has some idiotic policies lol. So it’s always buyer beware but you usually can find a few awesome things and incredible deals regardless. Our local Walmart also has a soft plastic recycle center (bins when you walk in) so that for me was a good find.

[@aprilhoover3481]

Leftover paint in good condition could be donated to a community or kids theatre for building sets. Even a quart is valuable. Paint is very expensive these days and community theatre budgets are very tight! Ask first to see what they can use. Thank you!

[@bonessam9618]

Another place to donate books (not children books)...assisted living places and jails/prisons. Craft items (depending on age related)...assisted living/nursing homes, daycare/preschool. Always always ask!!! Hazardous items...cleaning items, paint, garden pest control/fertilizer, etc...check with your local town/city/county to see when you can drop them off. They also have a spot where you can take items for free. It never ever hurts to ask and inform yourself.

[@ajum89]

Books that are torn can be just put in recycling. And I have taken rusted/scratched pots and pans to a metal scrap yard

[@NoelleAm]

Our local dump takes E-Waste and paints for free to keep them out of the general garbage.

[@dayanae.9962]

39 secs & first comment! Hi Candice!

[@maryswanson6627]

If you have a Nordstrom store in your area, they take & recycle old, partially used, etc., make up. There's usually a drop box in their cosmetic department, otherwise ask a salesperson.

[@FancyThatwithCandice]

I had no idea! Thank you for sharing this!

[@porcelina956]

Thrift stores in Minnesota participate in textile recycling you just label the bag rags recycling so the staff know. I work at a library so we recycle lots of books that are well loved, broken spines, and become water damaged (mold hazard). Please don't donate musty smelling books that have been in a basement or text books.

[@MissLadyLynnette]

Beds and bedding are considered bio hazards. Think about the other things you do in bed let alone the items age. Yup!! Eeeewww!

[@goodenoughgirl8102]

Yes. And bedbugs. 😳

[@niccic.]

Most homeless shelters appreciate towels and unopened hotel toiletries.

[@FancyThatwithCandice]

Thank you for mentioning that!

[@jodibraun6383]

Getting rust off metal cookware: submerge the item in white vinegar for 24 hours, then scrub with steel wool, or a scrubby pad, or a wire bristled brush. Obviously this isn't for non-stick items.

[@TraceyStebbins]

I shop lots of thrift stores in particular ones affiliated with women’s or men’s shelters. I’d rather my money be spent there. I don’t buy bras, socks, underwear unless new with tag. I don’t buy makeup, hair, or nail products. I don’t buy anything that smells like smoke.

[@FancyThatwithCandice]

Yes good call!! Be selective!

[@stst77]

I don’t buy shoes because shoes are not the same quality they used to be. When i was a poor but very active and an always on my feet, college student, I bought shoes at goodwill and those shoes were as good as new, very comfortable and lasted. But as time went on shoes became just glued together and that glue wears out. The last time I bought a pair of very good looking used shoes, as i was walking the sole literally fell off in a store. It was embarrassing. Even worn out shoes when i was young didn’t do that. I only buy new shoes now. Another thing I don’t buy is thread bare clothes. If i can hold up a piece of clothing in the light and see through it, it goes right back on the rack. Even new clothes I give this test because a lot of clothes are made very cheap these days so they put the least amount of thread count as they can in them and these clothes will quickly fall apart. I buy quality clothes that last. I would not buy a used mattress today but when I was a poor college student i would definitely appreciate someone donating a mattress for me to buy. I would not buy underwear but if i were homeless I’d greatly appreciate the donation. I would buy used furniture, bicycles in good condition, books, even used crayons for children. Electronics, I would only buy from a store that gives a warranty, without a warranty I would not buy them. I would buy hair ties and clips in good condition. I would never buy chipped dishes. I am kind of iffy on backpacks. I use backpacks a lot and in general I think buying them new is best unless you can get a quality one for super cheap because they tend to fall apart like shoes. They can look in good condition but you don’t know until you use them as to how sturdy they are. I would not buy clothes with missing buttons, snaps, zippers or holes in them. However people that sew might buy very damaged clothes just for the buttons or fasteners. My mom sews and she loves buttons but buttons can be expensive. I would not buy scratched up nonstick cookware unless it was super cheap and i would use it to put plant pots in. I would not buy rusted tools. And i would never buy anything that i could buy new for around the same price. You would be surprised at how many people try to sell used items at retail price!

[@missinthecastle3335]

I used to buy items from Thrift stores. Now that I have decluttered so much, I am not purchasing anything from Thrift stores.

[@FancyThatwithCandice]

It's amazing how decluttering makes you reevaluate your spending habits, isn't it?!

[@joannafoster3423]

Will buy clothes and wood (no fabric) furniture in good condition. I won't buy electronics, fabric furniture, or hair accessories.

[@FancyThatwithCandice]

Thanks for sharing!! It's always fun and helpful to hear how other people apply thrifting rules to their lives!

[@Sunshine-fy4fz]

It's so frustrating, and somewhat offensive, when Goodwill (or name a charity) won't accept something that you had in your house and were literally using yesterday! You shouldn't feel judged and/or turned away when you're offering good-to-excellent quality (and clean) items to be given to someone who is at a challenging phase of life.

[@stst77]

Sometimes it’s a matter of space or government regulations so don’t be offended.

[@edennis8578]

As ST says, there are many things that aren't legal to resell. Baby things, for example, often have recalls or constantly changing regulations that mean that they can't be resold legally. And lead! Many children's items, buttons on clothes, fashion jewelry, etc. contain lead, and those items can't be resold. The bad thing is that although items containing lead components are illegal to manufacture or sell in the US, foreign manufacturers are not penalized for manufacturing them and selling them to US retailers, and they don't disclose that these items contain lead components. The penalties for US residents selling these items, though, are draconian, so donation centers refuse to accept many items just in case.