Recycling

Recycling Used Furniture and Other Home Items 

When undertaking new decorating projects, clients always ask me what to do with the castoff furniture and other unwanted items. 

Rather than letting those items rot in a landfill, give them a second life. Sometimes, you can even help someone in need at the same time. Here’s a list of places in Omaha that I’ve used:

Hand Me-Ups  --  Hand Me-Ups will send a truck to pick up clean, gently used furniture items and leave you with a donation receipt for tax purposes.  The stores are operated by Angel Guardians, Inc., a Nebraska nonprofit serving teenagers and adults with cognitive and developmental disabilities. For more information, go to:  http://www.angelguardians.org/Hand_Me_Ups.html

Habitat ReStore -- You can donate leftover building materials and home fixtures -- things like unused paint, extra floor tiles or doorknobs -- to this discount retail outlet benefitting Habitat for Humanity. The ReStore donates 100 percent of proceeds to Habitat for Humanity, a nonprofit that builds or renovates homes to build stronger communities. There is one Habitat Omaha ReStore at 1003 S. 24th St. and a second location is scheduled to open in summer 2012 one block north of 108th and Maple Streets. If you can’t deliver your donated items to the store, schedule a pick-up. ReStore accepts all home improvement items as long as they are able to perform their designed purpose. For more information, visit the ReStore website: http://habitatomaha.org/support_habitat.asp

Yesterday’s Best Thrift Shop -- This thrift store at 3569 Leavenworth accepts gently used men’s and women’s clothing, kick-knacks, household items, collectibles, linens and books -- but no furniture. Proceeds from sales of the items support the Assistance League of Omaha’s philanthropic programs. There is no pick-up or delivery service, so plan to drop off your items. For more information, visit the Assistance League of Omaha’s website:  http://omaha.assistanceleague.org/ps.yesterdaysbestthriftshop.cfm?ID=1385 (Full disclosure--I am a member of this organization and I can vouch for the quality of the donations sold at the thrift store!)

FreeCycle.org -- This website connects people in your community with your unwanted items. Someone doing a craft project recently wanted broken terra cotta pots. Another person sought twin mattresses, for example. My leftover upholstery samples were taken by someone who made hammocks for rescued animals! To participate, you’ll need to sign up as a member on the website. Then type in your city and join that group. Everything posted must be free, legal and appropriate for all ages.  http://www.freecycle.org

Under the Sink -- Douglas and Sarpy County residents can dispose of lawn chemicals, motor oil and other hazardous waste at the City of Omaha’s household hazardous waste facility at 4001 S. 120th St. Many items are not accepted, such as batteries, old medicine and devices containing mercury. Check out the Under the Sink website for hours and more information on what items will and will not be accepted. http://www.underthesink.org

EDT -- For 20-cents a pound (or 30-cents a pound for televisions), EDT will recycle your old electronics. This business at 10330 I St. offers a drive-up and drop-off service the first and third Saturday of every month. If you want the items picked up, it’s 35-cents a pound.  Electronics contain hazardous and non-biodegradable materials that are released into the environment when discarded in a landfill. EDT provides recycling services according to the guidelines set by the Environmental Protection Agency. Check out the EDT website for details:  http://edtshredding.com/electonic-recyling

Half Price Books -- If your remodel project required decluttering, you can take those books, music, movies, games, game consoles, e-readers and audiobooks to Half Price Books. The store at 12355 W. Center Road pays cash for these items. The price paid depends on condition and supply and demand. Overstock items are donated to nonprofit agencies or recycled. For more information, visit the Half Price Books website:  http://hpb.com

I hope this  list and the recent blogs inspire you to make earth-friendly decisions with your home decorating projects. If you want to include environmentally responsible practices in your next home project, contact me at aboesen@decorandyou.com. As a Green Accredited Professional through the Sustainable Furnishings Council, I can help.

I promise my next blog will return to conversations about and photos of "pretty, shiny things". In the meantime, I'd love to hear about any recycling resources you use that are not mentioned here.  Now, go forth into the world and decorate--AND recycle!