January can be a good time of year to organize and clean out old junk. It can be hard to know if an item should be donated or disposed of. Donation centers are not repair centers or equipped to handle waste disposal. They depend on receiving items that can immediately be reused by someone in need. If an item is broken, stained, moldy, missing parts, unsafe, or weather damaged it should be disposed of in the trash.

Each location has its own rules, so it’s important to check what is accepted and reach out with any questions ahead of time. Even items in good condition may be rejected if they don’t meet the locations guidelines. Some examples of materials that may not be accepted for health and safety reasons include mattresses and baby gear (cribs, high chairs, car seats).

Before donating an item make sure that it is clean, safe, functional, and ready to use without repairs. Here’s a few tips:

• Furniture should be gently used with no stains, rips, or damage.
• Clothing, bedding, and other linens should all be clean and free of holes, stains, or damage (some locations may accept clean, but damaged linens for recycling- confirm prior to arrival).
• Dishes, cups, and other kitchen items should be clean, with no stains, chips, or cracks.

You can also think outside the box when it comes to donations. Schools, daycares, and community theater groups may accept books, art supplies, costumes, or paint. Animal shelters need towels, blankets, and cleaning supplies. Neighborhood groups, buy nothing groups, or marketplace sites can also be great options to list items for free.

Sentimentality can make an item feel “too good” to toss. But holding onto items you don’t use creates clutter that drains your time and energy. By staying organized and tackling clutter as it comes you can help to keep usable materials out of the landfill.