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Vox Pop: Converting clutter from trash to treasure

Submitted by Merlin on July 4, 2007 - 6:01am.

Quick way to dispose of lots of stuff? | Ask MetaFilter

Wow, talk about good timing.

I’ve noticed in comments on this week’s clutter posts that there’s a lot of interest from you all in the away part of “throw away” – people seem to have a lot of ideas on the most interesting, charitable, creative, and environmentally-responsible routes for converting your own trash into someone else’s treasure.

So far we (and that AskMe thread) have covered:

  • Recycling
  • Goodwill (and similar charities)
  • 1-800-GOT-JUNK (and similar services)
  • Craigslist (and other classified avenues)
  • eBay (and other online sales ideas)
  • Freecycle
  • Putting it on the street with a “Free” sign

What’s your creative solution? Let’s try to avoid names of specific businesses and charities except inasmuch as they offer a truly creative and non-obvious solution to reuse or recycling. What’s the most interesting way you’ve cleared your crap while doing some good? Have you got any suggestions that are clever and convenient?

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I’ll get the ball rolling...

Submitted by Merlin on July 4, 2007 - 6:42am.

I’ll get the ball rolling with a favorite of mine.

The San Francisco landfill has an “artist in residence” program:

The company provides selected local artists with the opportunity to create art using materials they gather from San Francisco’s refuse. This includes 24-hour access to a well-equipped studio, a monthly stipend, and an exhibit at the end of their residency, but artists seem most excited about having 24-hour access to the materials.

More at: Artist In Residence - (AIR) - SF Recycling & Disposal

Although it’s not specifically related to decluttering, I love the idea that artists are out there picking through trash and turning into cool stuff.