If you happen to’re planning a transfer, you might instantly end up with plenty of extra stuff and never sufficient area for it in your new digs. You might be consolidating two separate households into one, or going from a big residence right into a small house — both manner, you’re going to be abandoning plenty of your belongings.
It’s laborious to eliminate stuff you’ve lived with for years, however in addition to the psychological toll it takes, it’s additionally troublesome to do on a sensible stage. It’s a must to determine how one can get rid of your electronics, used clothes, outdated books, and different gadgets responsibly with out including to the world’s extra trash — particularly when simply dumping them into the rubbish isn’t an choice.
Reusing and recycling outdated and unneeded stuff has change into an essential side of the push to protect the world’s atmosphere. Many states and concrete areas have mandated the recycling of tech, metals, paper items, or different substances, however even if you happen to reside in an space the place the legislation doesn’t require it, you in all probability nonetheless need to do the suitable factor.
The issue is discovering how and the place you may eliminate your stuff with the best benefit to you and the least quantity of injury to the atmosphere. This may occasionally have been harder than regular over the previous few years as a result of many sources for recycling have been suspended throughout the covid-19 pandemic, and a few have been gradual to come back again — or by no means did. Nevertheless, there are nonetheless a lot of on-line providers that may assist you determine how one can responsibly eliminate issues — and probably make some cash within the course of.
Listed below are some sources to take a look at, relying on what you need to get rid of and the way you need to do it.
Planning to purchase a brand new cellphone or laptop computer? Earlier than you make the acquisition, you would possibly have the ability to take a number of the price of the brand new tech off the highest by buying and selling in your outdated system.
If you happen to’re planning to get a brand new system, take a look at any producer trade-in offers which can be out there to your Macs, Android phones, and different gadgets. Some retailers additionally provide trade-ins, with cost coming within the type of a present card: amongst these are Best Buy, Target, Costco, Walmart, Amazon, and Staples.
If you happen to don’t just like the provide from the seller, you may promote your tech. There are a number of on-line distributors that may take your used system — a cellphone, pill, gaming console, and so forth. — off your fingers and provide you with one thing for it. This normally takes the type of both money or credit score towards one other system on their website. These distributors embrace Decluttr, which in addition to telephones, tablets, and laptops, trades in CDs, DVDs, and Blu-rays; Back Market, which buys and sells a wide range of tech merchandise; Swappa, which offers in telephones, watches, cameras, drones, and health tools; and ItsWorthMore, which offers in a number of varieties of tech, together with cameras, drones, and VR.
Out of curiosity, I went to every of those web sites and supplied them my in-excellent-condition unlocked Pixel 6 with 128GB storage. Decluttr quoted me $26, Again Market upped that to $81, Swappa introduced a mean promoting value of $163 if I listed it myself or $65 if I did a right away swap with one among its promoting companions, and ItsWorthMore quoted $91 ($93 if I included the unique field).
It’s also possible to give your gadgets to charity. There are a number of packages that give computer systems to folks or organizations that want them. For instance, Computers with Causes passes tech on to people who want them; World Computer Exchange sends refurbished desktop and laptop computer computer systems to colleges, libraries, group facilities, and universities in growing nations; Bridging Tech donates computer systems to housing-insecure youngsters; the National Domestic Violence Hotline receives funds from refurbished electronics; Tech for Troops refurbishes and presents computer systems to veterans; and Globetops enables you to select who will get your refurbished laptop computer utilizing on-line descriptions (or you may simply donate your tech and let Globetops determine). On Digitunity’s website, you enter your zip code for an inventory of close by locations that want tech; you choose one, fill out a type, Digitunity contacts the group, and then you definitely deal with the pickup or supply.
There may be additionally all kinds of organizations that take outdated telephones for reuse or recycling after which put the income into their causes. These embrace (amongst others) Cell Phones for Soldiers, Secure the Call (which donates to senior facilities and home violence victims), Medic (which recycles to help software program for healthcare employees), and Ecocell (which recycles to help gorilla conservation).
As with every charitable establishment, it’s a good suggestion to take a look at a corporation earlier than giving. There are a number of charity data websites on-line, akin to Charity Navigator or GuideStar.
And by the way in which, all these Lightning cables and different cables you now not want? You might not need them, however there are lots of people on the market with older tech who can in all probability use them. As suggested by BasicAppleGuy, you may donate them to a neighborhood shelter or ask in case your native public faculty or library might use just a few.
If you happen to’ve acquired tech that’s so outdated that no person needs it (for instance, I really got here throughout just a few parallel cables the opposite day), then it’s time to get rid of it — in an environmentally acutely aware manner, in fact. In actual fact, if you happen to simply throw away your laptop or TV set, you might be breaking the legislation, relying on the place you reside. In line with a 2018 article written for the National Conference of State Legislatures, “25 states and the District of Columbia have enacted laws establishing a statewide digital waste, or e-waste, recycling program.”
If you happen to simply throw away your laptop or TV set, you might be breaking the legislation
If you happen to reside in an city space, chances are high there’s some type of recycling program that’s out there (and even obligatory). In lots of instances, shops that promote electronics may even provide recycling (sadly, typically for a payment); all you need to do is deliver your stuff to the shop. Best Buy, for instance, will recycle as much as three gadgets per journey (with some restrictions and a payment for some gadgets, akin to screens and TVs); it additionally has a mail-in service (once more, for a payment). Staples has a recycling program for all kinds of tech gadgets and also offers mail-in recycling “kits” for a payment. It’s also possible to strive Earth911 to search out the closest recycling middle. Nevertheless, all the time examine immediately with the middle or retailer earlier than you go; hours and what they are going to deal with can change shortly.
Disposing of batteries safely generally is a ache. Call2Recycle appears to be the primary firm that recycles numerous varieties of batteries for shoppers. Its web site will help you discover out the place to drop off that bag of batteries you’ve been accumulating and in addition affords delivery providers. The group additionally accepts batteries by way of a lot of stores, akin to Lowe’s, Staples, and The Residence Depot — discover out the place to go close to you by utilizing Call2Recycle’s online locator tool. Nevertheless, the kind of batteries every retailer accepts will fluctuate (for instance, many could not take single-use batteries, and a few additionally take cellphones). So examine earlier than going.
Sadly, if you happen to’re nonetheless holding on to your dad and mom’ outdated BlackBerry PDA or Commodore 64 within the hopes which you could donate it to a museum, your chances are high slim. A number of years in the past, there was an opportunity you can ship outdated, fascinating gadgets to one among a lot of tech museums. However most appear to have disappeared, and any that will nonetheless be round aren’t accepting something however money contributions. The Laptop Museum of America has a brief checklist of desired gadgets, so you may strive filling out their donation form. The Computer History Museum has a web-based type as nicely however warns that, on common, solely 20 p.c of donations are accepted. And there are a variety of native museums that could be completely satisfied to take your tech; for instance, the Museum of Art and Digital Entertainment in Oakland, CA, will take walk-in donations.
You possibly can divide clothes websites into three classes: ones that deal with the most recent fashionable and costly clothes and jewellery; ones that deal with main middle-level manufacturers; and sellers in conventional low cost leftovers.
On the excessive finish are consignment corporations that act as go-betweens for many who need to promote designer clothes, jewellery, and different beneficial objects and people who need to purchase them. Some, akin to The RealReal, say they authenticate all the merchandise which can be offered by way of them by way of experience and “our proprietary algorithm” after you ship your clothes to the corporate. Others, akin to Rebag, assess the merchandise by way of picture after which make you a proposal, or like Vestiaire Collective, allow you to both promote it your self or by way of consignment. Most solely take current fashions, so they don’t seem to be the place you go to eliminate that jacket that’s been hanging in your closet for 10 years. Nevertheless, if you happen to’re the type of shopper who buys the most recent types each season, these websites could also be the place you need to promote and purchase.
For much less upscale clothes, you may strive websites like ThredUp, which handles 1000’s of main manufacturers; you ship your gently used clothes on to the service, and if it accepts (and sells) your clothes, you may select from money or credit score from both ThredUp or an related retailer. If the clothes isn’t offered, you may select to have it returned or recycled.
Many charities that used to just accept worn or outmoded clothes have change into pickier
If you wish to eliminate your older clothes, you might discover it a bit tougher than it was. Many charities that used to just accept worn or outmoded clothes have change into pickier, partly as a result of the business of reselling old clothes overseas is waning. As well as, savvy shoppers have gotten cautious of the omnipresent drop-in clothes bins since many really belong to for-profit corporations.
One place to strive is Vietnam Veterans of America. Its web site will allow you to schedule a pickup (assuming it providers your space). GreenDrop has restricted places in numerous states the place you may drop off clothes and family items; you too can schedule a pickup. And don’t overlook to search for regionally primarily based organizations as nicely.
Books fabricated from paper moderately than pixels are nonetheless round, and if the piles are getting too excessive to your residence, then you definitely in all probability need to eliminate no less than a few of them.
One resolution is to promote your books by way of a website akin to Amazon, though that may get sophisticated. As a person (versus a enterprise), you need to arrange a vendor’s account and pay Amazon 99 cents per guide. And your possibilities of really promoting could also be slim to none; there are plenty of skilled booksellers who use Amazon to eliminate further stock, so they are going to promote their books for 99 cents plus the delivery payment, making it troublesome for people to compete.
You possibly can strive eBay, though the positioning additionally takes a pleasant proportion out of your gross sales — it’s in all probability solely value attempting if the guide is autographed or uncommon ultimately. Often it may well repay — I’ve listed a number of books on eBay, and though I finally pulled most off as a result of they weren’t promoting, no less than 5 autographed copies went for a pleasant chunk of change. (Extra on eBay within the subsequent part.)
Your possibilities of really promoting your books by way of Amazon could also be slim to none
There are, sadly, few on-line shops left that may resell used books. AbeBooks is a well-liked place to search for used books, however they deal primarily with skilled sellers; charges for promoting begin at $25 a month.
If you happen to’ve acquired textbooks you don’t want anymore — and everyone knows how costly these can get — you may strive GoTextbooks. BookScouter will present you the costs supplied by a wide range of booksellers, together with person rankings, and you may select which one to promote to.
It’s also possible to go native. Libraries and used bookstores have historically been good methods for folks to unload books they now not need. Many libraries nonetheless take books that they will add to their collections, promote, or give away. Used bookstores will normally settle for books for both a small cost or for credit score towards purchases — there may be even a sequence of used bookstores referred to as Half Price Books that buys books, comics, and electronics. Otherwise you simply go to your favourite mapping app and seek for “used bookstores” in your space. There can also be native charities that settle for books for, say, youngsters or hospitals.
Lastly, you may construct your individual library. The Little Free Library website supplies all the knowledge it is advisable to begin a book-distributing program proper outdoors your own home. And if one among your neighbors has already began one, possibly you may donate to them!
Most used youngsters’ toys and clothes will be dropped off at charity retailers akin to Goodwill, or given away utilizing a number of the providers listed beneath. Nevertheless there are just a few locations focusing on recycling youngsters’s gadgets.
Once Upon a Child buys and sells gently-used youngsters’ stuff; you may drop issues off at one of their locations. A website referred to as Recycle Your Car Seat helps you do precisely that by directing you towards native recycling packages; in line with the positioning, you too can drop off unneeded automobile seats at a nearby Target throughout particular intervals within the spring and fall.
Second Chance Toys lists organizations across the US the place you may drop off “plastic toys…which can be clear, are in working order, and don’t have any lacking or small components.”
First, there are the charities which have been working second-hand shops for generations such because the Salvation Army and Goodwill. If you happen to’re attempting to eliminate furnishings, Habitat for Humanity accepts gently-used furnishings, home equipment, and different gadgets. GreenDrop will choose up your stuff on behalf of a neighborhood nonprofit and pay the nonprofit to your gadgets.
eBay: Whenever you need to promote your stuff, one of many locations folks nonetheless consider is eBay. And rightfully so: that is the place plenty of consumers go after they’re on the lookout for a deal. Individuals who promote on eBay vary from one-time-only people to skilled retailers. Right here’s the way it works:
- You stand up to 250 free listings a month for many product sorts; after that, it’s 35 cents per itemizing.
- As soon as your merchandise has been offered, eBay collects 13.25 p.c of the ultimate worth of most product sorts as much as $7,500 and a pair of.35 p.c on any worth over $7,500 for many gadgets. There may be additionally a 30 cents per order payment for orders of $10 or much less and 40 cents for orders over $10.
- There are a number of exceptions: 6.7 p.c for guitars and basses (with 2.35 p.c on any worth over $7,500), 3 p.c for heavy tools (with 0.5 p.c for values over $15,000), and 15.3 p.c for books, magazines, and flicks and TV exhibits, aside from vinyl information (with 2.35 p.c on any worth over $7,500). There are different exceptions; you will discover all of them here.
(Notice that eBay additionally has totally different charges for numerous ranges {of professional} sellers.)
Promoting on eBay takes time, effort, and persistence, however it might be value it. One of the best ways to start out is to do a fast search and see the vary of costs your object (or an analogous object) has offered for. (Since sellers can get moderately optimistic after they cite their costs, it’s greatest to take a look at what has really offered.)
Promoting or giving to people
There are a number of websites the place you may promote your stuff or give it away to people. If you happen to’re on Fb, you may promote stuff utilizing its Marketplace. It’s best to promote regionally, the place you may meet the customer to do the alternate or organize for a drop-off. It’s also possible to organize to ship your merchandise; in that case, there are a number of rules to follow. Different websites that show you how to promote or give away gadgets regionally embrace Nextdoor and that outdated standby, Craigslist.
For giveaways solely, Freecycle is a service that introduces native individuals who have stuff to different native individuals who need that stuff. As soon as you discover your group’s Freecycle by way of the primary website, you might be instructed on how one can promote what you might be freely giving. (It’s also possible to promote for one thing you need.) Anybody who needs the article replies, and after that, it’s as much as you to contact the individual and organize for the giveaway. BuyNothing works in a lot the identical manner, besides it operates primarily by way of a cell app: you discover your group, describe what you’re freely giving (along with a photograph), and make preparations for the handoff. There may be additionally a technique to organize to ship small gadgets.
Both manner, you’ve made some fortunate recipient very completely satisfied — and also you now have much less litter in your present residence, and fewer to maneuver if you happen to’re heading for a brand new one.
Replace, Might 2025: This text was initially printed on January tenth, 2020, and has been up to date to account for modifications in out there providers.
