How To Reduce Waste & Recycle During A Move

Aug 04, 2023 Have you ever relocated home? If yes, then it is a messy and time-taking process. The worst part is that it generates a ton of waste, ranging from old electronics to clothing, wooden furniture, to plastic waste. These can add to the landfill waste and pollute the environment. When waste collects, it emits greenhouse gases, such as methane, that can adversely change the climate. Apart from this, hazardous chemicals from decomposing materials can embed into soil and groundwater- contaminating local water resources. If you are concerned about the environment, reduce waste when de-cluttering your home during a move. It is good to think smartly and focus on proper waste management and recycling to reduce carbon footprint. Here are several tips to help you make the right choices that will benefit you and the environment.

What is Waste Management?

It refers to a streamlined process of gathering, transporting, processing, recycling and disposing of waste materials in an eco-friendly way. The main objective is to reduce the negative impact on the planet, human health and the entire ecosystem. This process involves different strategies, including:

• Waste Segregation
• Composting
• Recycling
• Safe disposal of chemicals, etc

Make sure you hire professional Removalists Adelaide that strictly follows green practices to keep the environment safe and sound.

1. Sell or Donate Unwanted Items

De-cluttering a house during relocation gives you a golden opportunity to purge things you no longer need. However, most people drop the waste into the landfill. This can pollute the environment and emit greenhouse gases. Instead of tossing everything, take a deep breath and donate or sell old furniture, books, gym equipment, clothing and other stuff you don’t need. There are various reliable charity organisations that will come and pick up pre-loved items and help the underprivileged people in society. You can also earn extra dollars by organising a garage sale before your move. Sell pre-loved items at heavy discounts and reduce waste.

2. Use Old Blankets and Towels as Packing Supplies

Instead of buying plastic packing paper and bubble wrap that only increases plastic waste, you can go green using old linens, blankets, towels, t-shirts and soft things for packing. You can use double-layered blankets and carefully handle fragile items during a move. Use towels to wrap your fragile items. You can also use sheets and blankets for TV, pool table, and other delicate stuff. Using these things as green packing materials can protect the environment while saving a lot of money. You can also donate your old sheets and other unwanted stuff to the local charity in Adelaide.

3. Use Recycled Moving Boxes

Of course, you can buy new cardboard boxes to pack your expensive and delicate stuff, but these can only end up in landfill. If you want to reduce carbon emissions, opt for reusable boxes. This will reduce box waste after you have relocated to a new home in Adelaide. You can visit the local grocery store, liquor shop or Facebook marketplace to get free boxes in good condition. The best part is that you can reuse these boxes after relocation as creative storage boxes and units. Here are some benefits of using reusable packing materials, such as boxes, bubble wrap, packing peanuts, etc.

4. Dispose of Hazardous Materials

Instead of throwing old batteries, chemical cleaning products and pesticides into the landfill, make sure you dispose of them using proper methods. Batteries are extremely harmful and can pollute the water sources if leaked and soaked into the soil. Lithium-ion batteries can also cause fires in the waste centre or during transport, while chemicals can pollute the air and water. Whether you have paint can, chemicals, batteries and other hazardous waste, visit the Adelaide Waste and Recycling Centre and safely drop off your hazardous waste. Tip: Professionally-trained removalists Adelaide won’t move hazardous materials as it can cause damage during transition.

5. Arrange a Recycling Pick Up For Waste

Make sure you contact the local recycling centre or waste management company in Adelaide, who can come to your place and pick up items that can’t be sold or donated. This includes cardboard, paper, plastic containers, glass, and metal objects. Recycling these items can help you protect the environment in the long run.

6. Compost Organic Waste

Do you have access to a composting facility in your locality? If yes, then compost dried leaves, kitchen scraps and other organic waste before relocating a home. This can help you reduce organic waste sent to the landfill and creates a nutrient-rich compost that will bloom your new garden by feeding your plants.

7. Plan Your Move Efficiently

Plan your moving day properly if you want to reduce unwanted trips and fuel usage. It is good to pack and load items in a streamlined manner to reduce the number of trips. This will also help you save a lot of time and money.  Make sure you donate unwanted household items or sell them before the final moving day. This will also reduce the number of trips as you have to move only the necessary household items. You can also look for the best removalists Adelaide that can bring green moving vehicles for the utmost safety of your possessions.

Wrapping up

Relocating a house is one of the best phases to get rid of unwanted household items. De-cluttering can help you save packing time and a lot of money. However, with these useful tips, you can reduce waste and recycle unwanted items to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect the environment.