News - Cleaning out the clutter - Cleaning out the clutter? Find easy alternatives to the trash can

In the spring, many of us get the urge to clean out our closets, rearrange the furniture and tidy the basement. Before you know it, you have a pile of stuff to get rid of. Before you put these items on the curb during a community clean-up day, consider these easy, no-cost or low-cost reuse options as an alternative to the trash can.

Sell it: Visit Hennepin County’s Choose to Reuse Online Directory at www.hennepin.us/choosetoreuse for a list of businesses that buy used items, like consignment or used-goods stores. Sell it yourself through a classified ad, list it on eBay, or host a garage sale.

Donate it: Donating usable household items to a charitable organization is a great way to support these community resources.

• Make sure an organization will take the items.  Each organization has a different list of acceptable items, so be sure to call first. For a list of donation opportunities, visit www.hennepin.us/donationopportunities.

Can you drop the item off or do you need pick-up service? How fast do you need to get rid of it? Some charities have pick-up service, for example Arc's Value Village, Bridging, and Disabled American Vets have routes that may be in your neighborhood once or twice a month. If you need to get rid of the item, you may have to drop it off. 

Give it away: Try the Twin Cities Free Market (www.twincitiesfreemarket.org), a free online exchange bulletin board. Post the usable item you want to trade or give away, and interested parties will contact you about taking it. Items move fast on this site – that makes this a good option if you need it gone quickly.