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Merlin’s weekly podcast with Dan Benjamin. We talk about creativity, independence, and making things you love.

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43Folders.com is Merlin Mann’s website about finding the time and attention to do your best creative work.

Vox Pop: Converting clutter from trash to treasure

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?

Mark R. Brown's picture

Take your old electronics to...

Take your old electronics to a place that recycles them - PLEASE keep electronics out of the landfills! Electronics recyclers used to be hard to find, but they're all over the place now. Even here in the middle of Iowa we have two within easy driving distance. The only problem is, if you're a computer junkie like me you'll probably find something there that you just HAVE to buy and bring home, thus compounding the clutter problem.

For clothes, furniture, home electronics, and knickknacks that still work and look good, don't forget consignment shops. They're a great way to keep good stuff in circulation and out of the landfill, and they can actually put a few bucks back in your pocket. Most will donate anything they can't sell to Goodwill or other charities, so you kill two birds with one rock.

 
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