Spring cleaning in 2020

Each year as spring approaches I notice a lot more junk being set out on the curb on bulk pick-up days. I understand this, as purging your house of unwanted items feels so good! It takes a lot of work and motivation to go through all of your things to determine what you still want and need and what you no longer use, and when you’re done you just want it OUT!

However, I ask that you please consider other options before placing your things in the trash. First, if it is still usable in any way, please consider boxing it up and taking it over to Savers in Rocky River, which is close to both Bay Village and Westlake. Their drop-off donations benefit Easter Seals so your donation is tax-deductible. You can drop off clothing, household items, decorations, plates, silverware, games, etc.

Do you have an unwanted television? Please consider taking it to a Best Buy for recycling. They charge a $25 fee for this, but you will know that you did the right thing by recycling the TV rather than let it sit in a landfill for eternity. Please call ahead before dropping anything off at a Best Buy to ensure they are still running the program.

If you have other electronics or computers you are wanting to get rid of, Bay Village has a drop-off on the last Friday of each month for such items at the service department from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. In 2020, Westlake has a special collection for computers and electronics (no TVs) April 13-18 and Aug. 10-15 at the city service department. Hours are Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to noon during the collection weeks.

If you can wait a few more months, the Bay Village Green Team is hosting an annual Habitat for Humanity collection at the Bay Village Police Station on Saturday, June 6. You may donate gently used household items from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will also be paper shredding and cardboard collection in the BVPD lot that day from 9 a.m. to noon. Bay and Westlake residents are welcome.

If you are looking to get rid of unwanted furniture that is still in usable condition, you can either try to sell it online on a local Facebook site such as Bay Village Freecycle or you can donate to a number of local organizations. While these options are not as convenient as placing on the curb, please be assured that your effort is worth it.

Lastly, please don’t forget about Simple Recycling option in Bay Village and Westlake. Each week residents may place Simple Recycling bags at the curb filled with unwanted items such as clothes, shoes, and household items they no longer want. This service is super convenient, so hopefully there are many of you consistently using this option to rid your house of items rather than placing them into the landfill trash. If you have other items that you are unsure of how to recycle or reuse, please remember the Cuyahoga County Solid Waste District website, cuyahogarecycles.org. Enter your item into the “What Do I Do With” search bar to find options for it.

Thank you for considering proper disposal and recycling for your unwanted items! It is worth it. And please, when deciding to purchase new items for yourself and your home, take into consideration if it is truly necessary, and if it is, please consider the quality and how long it will last. Reduce is the most important “R” word, so please keep this in mind as you decide to purchase new things!

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Volume 12, Issue 5, Posted 9:59 AM, 03.03.2020