Our community has bulk pick-up every week. I know I’m lucky, as many communities have no bulk pick-up at all. Heck, my Dad’s tony city has none so residents have to schlep it somewhere, which can be a real PITA.
This morning I couldn’t help but notice the beautiful wood bed at the end of someone’s driveway. It looked to be in very good condition, and even if it wasn’t I’d have schlepped it home if I had the room to store it.
It’s truly amazing to me what people put by the curb. Perfectly usable items, and occasionally they find their way off the curb and into my car. Some I sell, and some I keep, but either way they aren’t taking up unnecessary space in a landfill.
Just because you don’t want to take the time or spend the money to repair something doesn’t mean it’s trash. Unless your dog peed on it or it’s smashed into a hundred pieces someone else can probably use it, and be thrilled to have it.
I understand wanting to get rid of unwanted items, I really do. But how much effort does it take to donate something? A phone call will see the veterans, Salvation Army or one of a thousand church organiations come to your house and pick it up. You can even get a tax deduction!
There’s also Craigslist, where you can sell your item and make a few dollars. And Freecycle, where someone who thinks your trash is treasure will come and take it off your hands. Both of these options take minimum effort, as it takes about two minutes to post a listing. Yes there can be pitfalls to using these services, but even though I’ve been burned I still think they are very much worth utilizing…
And you can make someone’s life better or easier or prettier.
And you don’t have to schlep it to the curb.
And there will be more space in the landfills.
And my garage.
Are You Going To Be This Way The Rest of The Time I Know You? 