Sustainable Spring Cleaning Guide

Before you toss everything in the trash, take a sustainable approach: repair and refresh before you replace, donate what still has life, and make sure hazardous items get proper disposal. Here's how to clean out responsibly.

Repair Before You Replace

• Clothing and shoes — Mend tears, replace zippers, and patch holes. Check brand websites for take-back and repair programs.
• Furniture — Scratches, stains, and worn upholstery are often fixable. Furniture repair guide
• Appliances and electronics — Attend a free repair workshop or find a professional through the RE:Source Guide.

Donate What You Can

Items in good condition can find a new home:

• Clothing and textiles — local charities, thrift stores, or online via Craigslist, Nextdoor, or Facebook Marketplace. Clothing & textiles guide
• Furniture and housewares — donation centers, community groups, or curbside with a "free" sign
• Books, toys, and sporting goods — libraries, schools, and community organizations

Hazardous Items Need Special Handling

Don't put these in your regular bins:

• Batteries — HHW facilities or retail drop-off. Batteries guide
• Electronics — HHW facilities. Electronics guide
• Paint and chemicals — HHW facilities. Paint guide
• Medications — pharmacy drop-off kiosks. Medicine guide
• Needles and sharps — FDA-approved containers at pharmacies. Sharps guide

Eco-Friendly Cleaning

Skip the harsh chemicals — simple household ingredients work well:

• All-purpose cleaner — mix equal parts white vinegar and water
• Oven cleaner — baking soda paste, let sit overnight, wipe clean
• Deodorizer — citrus peels in vinegar for a natural cleaner
• Pest control — try homemade alternatives before reaching for chemical pesticides

When you do use chemical cleaners, dispose of leftovers at an HHW facility — never pour them down the drain.

Curbside Sorting Reminders

Know what goes where before you fill your bins:

• Curbside recycling guide
• RE:Source Guide — search by item for city-specific sorting rules