Cleaning is not always at the top of everyone’s list of things that they are looking forward to doing in their spare time. Households and businesses that need garbage removal are looking to upgrade their environment. Removing clutter from interior spaces can feel like a big project. It only takes a few months of not thoroughly cleaning to accumulate a large amount of clutter.

Electronic items are often expensive when they are first purchased. Technology changes every few years and many people feel compelled to upgrade their electronic devices often to stay current. Many people have several different handheld devices and cell phones in their residence or office that are not being used. Recycling electronics for cash is a green solution to eliminating electronic clutter.

Recycling Electronics for Cash

The cash that is gained from the electronics can be used to upgrade a phone or take care of an outstanding debt. Newer phones and smart phones often hold the most value. Never underestimate the value of the electronics before deciding to recycle them.

Spend time to look through storage areas in the attic or in garages on the property for any electronics that may have been left behind. Older phones are often outdated and undesirable for someone in the west; however there is a thriving market all around the world for cell phones. These older phones are often refurbished and sold for affordable prices around the globe.

Throwing electronics into the traditional garbage usually leads to local dumps or landfills. Electronic items do not break down over time and can cause harm to the environment if they are not recycled or disposed of properly. It may therefore be beneficial to you to try to sell your older electronics to repair shops or non-corporate electronics shops who would be willing to take old devices, refurbish them, and resell them at lower prices.

Additional Help

If you have a pile of old electronic devices that you want to be rid of, don’t just throw them in the trash. There very well may be someone who is willing to pay cash for those electronics. Allow TalkLocal to help you find them. TalkLocal is a free service that will connect you with local professionals who can help you dispose of old electronics for cash. Save the online searching hassle and use TalkLocal!

For people who have just finished redecorating their home or refinishing their car, it can be confusing trying to find out where to dispose of paint. Paint can be a messy thing to throw away in the trash; one ripped bag can permanently damage belongings and release harmful fumes into the house or garage. There are also environmental concerns, as the chemicals in paint might be harmful to the ecosystem if disposed of in a land fill. There’s also the chance that old paint doesn’t need to be disposed of at all and can be reused by someone who has a similar project.

Oil-based Paints

If paint is oil-based, it is considered hazardous. It can’t be reused after it has been stored for a certain period of time. This type of paint is toxic and flammable, and oil paint that is very old can even contain lead. For this reason, these types of paints have to be taken to disposal locations that that accept Hazardous Household Waste (HWW). Some cities hold an annual event where people can drop off their HWW. By doing a quick internet search or contacting your town office, you can find a location that will accept your old paint.

Latex-based Paints

In contrast, latex and water-based paints are safer. They are not deemed HHW and can be reused after they have been stored. Unfortunately, many of these types of paints contained high levels of mercury before 1990, so they can’t be disposed of in liquid form. It’s harmful (and sometimes illegal) to pour latex paint into streams, rivers, or the ground, as they can make their way back into the things we eat. Latex paint should also never be burned or put out for normal garbage disposal. Instead, try reusing the paint for new projects or donating cans to charities that refurnish homes or revitalize communities. Many charities paint over graffiti on buildings, and they accept paint donations. If reuse is not an option, latex paint must be dried before being put out with regular garbage pickup. This can be done by leaving small quantities out to air-dry in the can or rolling out larger quantities on cardboard or paper.

Additional Help

If you have old paint cans you want to dispose of, but cannot figure out the proper place to do it, or if you simply have a very large quantity that needs disposing, try contacting a professional garbage removal service. TalkLocal will connect you with up to three high quality garbage removal services in your area who will be able to help you when you need it.