Ah, yes. Spring has officially arrived. The trees in your yard have buds, flowers are popping up out of the ground... and that pile of stuff in your garage or basement that you haven't touched since 1997 is still sitting there.
'Tis the season for some spring cleaning -- although it seems rather counterproductive to celebrate defeating winter by staying inside and missing out on some really good weather just so you can clean out your attic.
When overdue for a good house purging, options include having a yard sale or donating unwanted items to charity. However, it's essential to recognize that not all items are acceptable for donation. In New Jersey, there is a stringent list of what charitable organizations will not take and what you can't just throw away in the trash.
What You Can't Donate to Goodwill in NJ
Donating to Goodwill can be a wonderful way to support your community, but remember, not all items are welcome. Goodwill stores in New Jersey have specific guidelines regarding donations. Here's a rundown of items you cannot donate:
- Broken appliances: If it doesn’t work, Goodwill won’t take it. Items lacking power cords, or those that are dirty or rusty, are also refused.
- Large TVs older than 5 years: Old televisions, particularly the bulky console types, won't be accepted either.
- Built-in appliances: Items like ovens and dishwashers are included in this category. Contact local disposal services for proper disposal methods.
- Hazardous materials: Even if they seem serviceable, items such as paints or chemicals are unsuitable for donation and need specialized treatments.
What You Can't Donate to The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army also has strict donation rules. Before dropping off your items, check this list:
- Gas appliances: Items that run on gas are not accepted.
- Broken appliances: Similar to Goodwill, any appliance in disrepair is unwanted.
- Large TV and stereo systems older than 5 years: If it's an old school console TV or a bulky stereo, don’t waste your time.
- Built-in appliances: More specifically, they won't take dishwashers or ovens.
- Vehicle parts: Items like tires or batteries are considered hazardous and cannot be included in your donation.
- Kerosene and gas heaters: These items are also on the non-acceptable list.
- Paint or chemicals: These hazardous materials must be discarded safely.
Hazardous Waste Disposal in New Jersey
New Jersey has strict disposal guidelines for hazardous materials. Certain items cannot be tossed into regular trash, making it crucial for residents to know what to do with them. Common hazardous materials that cannot go in your trash include:
- Batteries: Car and other types of batteries need specific disposal. Check with local recycling centers.
- Paint: Unused paint must be disposed of at designated waste disposal events.
- Chemicals and cleaners: Ensure proper disposal methods are followed — never pour them down the drain or dispose of them with regular trash.
- Old electronics: Some electronics can be recycled, but others cannot simply be discarded; they require designated e-waste disposal.
Recycling TVs in New Jersey
The disposal of old televisions requires particular attention in New Jersey. Residents need to avoid simply leaving an old TV on the curb. Instead, explore these options:
- E-waste recycling events: Certain municipalities hold e-waste recycling days where residents can safely drop off unwanted electronics.
- Local recycling centers: Many towns have facilities specifically for recycling electronic devices.
- Retailer take-back programs: Some stores offer recycling options for customers purchasing new TVs.
Final Thoughts
Spring cleaning is an excellent time to refresh your space, but remember that not all donations are welcome, and discarding items improperly can have legal consequences. Instead of letting those burdensome appliances accumulate, check the specific guidelines from Goodwill and The Salvation Army. Familiarizing yourself with proper disposal methods for hazardous waste in New Jersey ensures you are compliant with state laws. Finally, by donating responsibly, you can genuinely benefit your community while decluttering your home.