Green Your Move

Whether it's the big apartment switchover in a college town or a job opportunity that sends your family to a new community, moving means dealing with--and often throwing out--a lot of stuff.

Although some waste is to be expected with moving, there are simple steps you can take to make your move greener. Review our checklist to see what you can do!

Reduce

• Before moving week rolls around, have a plan to pack and organize what you want to keep and what you want to get rid of. Approaching moving with a plan will give you more time to think about what to throw away, what to reuse and what to recycle.
• If you know your moving date well in advance, consider having a rummage sale or donating items you don't want. This way you can reduce what you have to deal with at the last minute.

Reuse

• Consider reusing boxes from previous moves, or boxes from businesses. Many retailers will offer you their used boxes if you ask. Similarly, cloth bags, laundry baskets and large plastic containers are an easy, reusable way to get you from one home to another. If you're using a moving company, it may have reusable materials you can use, especially to protect larger items.
• In addition to containers, look for recyclable or reusable options for packing fragile items. Use newspapers to wrap dishes or T-shirts to wrap pictures and breakables. If you do use bubble wrap or Styrofoam, save it after your move to give to friends or reuse yourself.
• Cleaning supplies can be taken with you, or left to new tenants. Ask your landlord about their policy on leaving reusable supplies for future tenants.
• Donate items you don't want to take with you to thrift stores, charities or other organizations in your community. Donating keeps your old belongings out of the trash loop, and helps those in need. Most organizations accept donations of clothes, household goods, furniture and some electronics. Look for charities such as Goodwill and St. Vincent de Paul and contact them in advance so you know what they accept. You can also contact your college/university or community recycling program to see if they have set up any special donation sites.
• In addition to charitable donation, look for free "stuff exchange" sites that some communities operate, or use print or Internet classified ads to sell more valuable items.
• When furnishing your new home, consider purchasing used furniture, plates, silverware, etc. By purchasing secondhand, you are reducing the need for new materials and saving money!

Recycle

• If items are no longer in usable condition, recycle them. Plastics, paper, glass and metal items are recyclable in most communities. Old electronics are recyclable at many retailers, and in some community recycling programs. Some communities or retailers may have drop-off sites for recycling materials you can't throw in your usual bin, such as plastic plant pots and running shoes. Check with your recycling program to see what they will accept. For information on finding other recycling options in your area, see your county's Web site [exit DNR].
• If you will be getting rid of any large appliances, check with your local recycling program to find out if you need a special permit or pick-up registration for the appliance to be recycled.
• Use caution when disposing of household hazardous wastes. Materials like paint, chemical cleaners, some electronics and others need to be disposed of properly to prevent damage to your health, or those around you. For more information on how to handle household hazardous waste, see information on Clean Sweep programs [exit DNR].
• If you are performing any demolition or construction on your home before moving, look into household reuse and recycling programs in your area. Organizations such as Habitat ReStore accept doors, wood, light and bathroom fixtures, cabinets and many other items in good condition that can be reused. Other businesses or programs accept scrap wood, metal, parts, carpeting and other products for recycling. If you're buying new products or materials, ask your retailer about recycling and reuse options, or contact your local recycling program.

Responsibly Dispose

• Check with your community's garbage program to see if there are special requirements for disposing of large items (such as mattresses and furniture). If you are in a college neighborhood or other area where a large number of people are moving at once, check with your community garbage collection program to see if there are special collections or rules for the big move-out day.
• See How Do I Handle My Waste Materials? for more information on proper disposal of certain materials.

Contact Information

For more information, please contact:

Cynthia Moore
(608) 267-7550