It’s that time of year again! After a long winter indoors, it’s time to give your home the refresh it deserves. For some spring cleaning is just that; cleaning. But others take on decluttering tasks and spend time reorganizing their homes for the year ahead.
If you’re in the latter category, you might find yourself with a number of items to get rid of. Here’s a quick guide to help you determine where and how to dispose of different types of waste (or non-waste items).
Garbage and Recycling Items
If most of your waste is smaller items that fit into your garbage and recycling bins, you should be able to rely on your regular garbage and recycling pickup. Here is a Region of Waterloo guide to help you determine how much waste you can put out for pick-up, the types of items you can include, and how to properly and safely bag your waste.
Yard Waste
If your spring cleaning extends into your yard, you’ll likely have a pile of yard waste to dispose of. Seasonal yard waste collection runs from late March until November or December. Acceptable items include: branches, leaves, pine cones and plant waste. Review this resource to learn how to prepare your yard waste, what is accepted, collection schedule and rules, and other details.
Bulky Items
If you have larger items that don’t fit in the Region’ of Waterloo’s approved garbage containers, mark your calendar for the bulky items collection days (every second week).
Bulk items may include: appliances, rugs or carpets, scrap lumber, furniture, or mattresses.
Use the Region’s Waste Whiz tool to determine how you can recycle of dispose of a specific item.
If your items are too large or you have a large load of waste, look into the drop-off waste management sites.
Clothing & Donation Items
If your spring cleaning tasks include decluttering and getting rid of excess clothing, you’ll likely end up with a pile of items that aren’t waste. Don’t throw away any items that are still in good condition. There’s always someone who would appreciate them. This is the “Reuse” element of recycling!
Consider selling or donating these items. Donated clothing can go to local drop-in centers, clothing donation bins, and second-hand stores.
More Spring Cleaning Guides
Here are some other helpful guides you may want to reference before or during your spring cleaning!
- Spring Cleaning and Home Maintenance Tips
- How to Declutter Your Home & Maintain Your System
- What Spring Cleaning Means If You’re Moving
- Creating & Maintaining An Organized Pantry
