Where Does it Go?

Let's say you are decluttering, organizing, and simplifying your life, and now, you have so many things you no longer want, but have no idea where to take them (and be environmentally-safe); hopefully, this post will be helpful for you. Most of this information is Seattle-centered, but check your local resources too.

• Appliances
• Working appliances may be accepted at thrift stores.
• Pickup with weekly collections (fees apply) and you will need to schedule a pickup (206) 684-3000.
• Batteries and cell phones
• Rechargeable batteries and cell phones you can drop off at stores or Household Hazardous Wastes (HHW) which is free, or go to Call2Recycle.org or HazWasteHelp.org
• Alkaline batteries you can drop off to recycle at HHW and is accepted in the garbage.
• Building Materials
• Drop off for donation and reuse at building supply salvage businesses. Locations include SecondUse, Earthwise, and Ballard ReUse. Make sure you check store websites for accepted materials.
• Bulky Items
• Pickup with weekly collections (fees apply) and you will need to schedule a pickup (206) 684-3000.
• Drop off for donation and reuse (free). Clean, working items may be accepted at thrift stores.
• Furniture
• Pickup with weekly collections (fees apply) and you will need to schedule a pickup (206) 684-3000.
• Drop off reusable items for donations at thrift stores.
• Household Goods
• Drop off reusable items for donation at thrift stores.
• Put unusable items in garbage.
• Mattresses/Pillows
• Pickup with weekly collections (fees apply) and you will need to schedule a pickup (206) 684-3000.
• Pillows are difficult to donate because many places cannot guarantee to keep them hygienic for resell; however, in Seattle area, Value Village is a site you can donate them. Goodwill and even some shelters/churches will not accept pillows, sheets, and mattresses. 
• Clothes/Textiles
• Damaged items can also be dropped off at participating Threadcycle thrift stores kingcounty.gov/threadcycle
• Drop off reusable items at thrift stores.
• Electronics
• Drop off for recycling or reuse. Televisions, computers, laptops, and computer monitors are accepted (free).  Check ecyclewashington.org website for all acceptable items (fees may apply).
• Lightbulbs
• Unbroken florescent tubes, compact fluorescent and mercury bulbs accepted. Drop off for recycling (free) and to find locations go to lightrecycle.org
• Medicine
• Do not flush down the toilet or put in the garbage.
• Drop off over-the-counter and prescription medications for free and to find locations at medicinereturn.org
• Household Hazardous Waste (HHW)
• Products marked "Caution," "Warning," "Danger," or "Poison" may require hazardous material disposal. Safe disposal information and drop off locations: call 206-296-4692 or visit HazWasteHelp.org.
• Do not place these items in garbage, recycling, or food and yard waste.

For more information go to seattle.gov/util/wheredoesitgo