You can’t just throw TVs in the trash!
How to Get Rid of Stuff in Ann Arbor:
You’ve done it! You’ve sorted through all your stuff. Now, the question arises: how to responsibly dispose of unwanted items?
Here’s an Ann Arbor disposal guide to help you navigate the process of getting rid of your stuff.
Special Disposal Centers:
Not everything can simply be thrown in the trash—electronics, cans of paint, batteries, old medications, highly flammable items, and large items need special attention when it comes to getting rid of stuff.
1. Recycle Ann Arbor
Recycle Ann Arbor has a Drop-Off Station at 2950 East Ellsworth Rd open to the public on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:30 am to 6:30 pm and on Saturdays from 9 am to 6 pm.
The Drop-Off Station is your one-stop location for all your recycling and safe waste disposal needs, an environmentally preferable alternative to landfilling or illegal dumping. Serving residents and businesses located in Washtenaw County and beyond, the Drop-Off Station provides convenient and accessible recycling services for hard-to-recycle materials such as electronics (e-waste), textiles, plastic bags, freon appliances, lightbulbs, batteries, tires, and expanded recycling for single-stream and metal.
Recycle Ann Arbor Drop-Off Station where you can dispose of hard-to-recycle materials.
2. The Washtenaw County Household Hazardous Waste Disposal Program
The Washtenaw County Household Hazardous Waste Disposal Program offers recycling services for items like electronics, paints, automotive fluids, batteries, flammables, and pool chemicals, all of which can be rejected from standard trash and recycling services.
There are two drop-off locations. You can recycle most non-standard household items at 705 North Zeeb Road on Saturdays free of charge. For weekday drop-offs, make an appointment at 10843 W. Five Mile Rd. in Northville.
3. Washtenaw County Medication and Medical Sharps Disposal
The Washtenaw County Medication and Medical Sharps Disposal offers various locations for the safe disposal of medications and medical sharps. Materials the program accepts include Antibiotics, Cold and Flu Medications, Over-the-counter Medications, Prescription Medications, Steroids, and more.
Donating to Thrift Stores:
Donating your possessions to thrift shops serves a dual purpose, offering tax write-offs and contributing to philanthropic causes. Many thrift shops issue receipts indicating the estimated value of donated goods, facilitating potential write-offs during tax season. While many thrift shops welcome various items, some may have restrictions based on item types or conditions.
- The PTO Thrift Shop, at 2280 S. Industrial Hwy, directs its income towards bettering the public school system of Ann Arbor.
- The Salvation Army Thrift Shop is located at 1621 S State St and directs its proceeds to charitable causes.
- The Kiwanis Center directs its proceeds to children and families in need in Washtenaw County. They accept drop-offs on Saturdays at 100 N. Staebler Rd., Suite C.
- The Ann Arbor Thrift Shop uses its proceeds to support emergency social services in the Ann Arbor Area. The shop is located at 3500 Washtenaw, Suite K.
- Habitat For Humanity, located at 6241 Jackson Road, accepts donations of furniture and many household appliances. Its proceeds go towards helping low-income families become homeowners.
- The ShareHouse, located at 5161 Jackson Road, is a non-profit that accepts donations of gently used items.
Resale Stores:
Try your luck selling your clothes to secondhand clothing stores. They can be picky about what they accept, so remember to bring name-brand and trendy items in good condition.
- Take your nice, but unwanted clothes to Plato’s Closet at 860 W Eisenhower Pkwy, where they will make an offer on brand-name clothes and accessories.
- Clothes Mentor accepts brand-name women’s apparel in exchange for cash.
Yard Sales:
What better way to get rid of stuff than having a yard sale!
You can offset some of your moving costs by selling some of your things. Items like collectibles, antiques, and household goods often find eager buyers at yard sales. With a successful sale, you can lighten your load before the move while adding to your wallet.
Some tips for a successful yard sale:
- Choose peak hours for your sale, typically on a Saturday morning from 8 AM to 12 PM. This timing ensures a higher volume of foot traffic, improving your chances of successful sales.
- Remember that things will always move faster if you keep the prices down.
- Group similar items together to streamline the shopping experience.
- Advertise your yard sale on Craigslist, Facebook, or Next Door. Additionally, strategically placed signs with clear directions in the neighborhood can attract potential buyers.
Selling Online:
When it comes to parting ways with your belongings, the digital realm offers many options.
- Online platforms such as Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace serve as virtual marketplaces where you can sell a wide array of items.
- eBay, a well-established online auction site, is particularly effective for rare or unique items, allowing you to get more money for your item.
- You can sell clothes on platforms such as Poshmark and Depop.
Put It By The Curb:
For those with time constraints hindering a visit to a thrift shop, hosting a yard sale, or selling things online, there’s always the “put it by the curb” option. This hassle-free approach involves leaving usable items by the roadside with a “free” sign. You never know what people will consider useful. For instance, art students from the university are likely to pick up strange objects that can be used for sculptures!
Leave your stuff on the curb, but make sure your neighbors are okay with it!
“Junk” Removal Services:
This is your best option for quickly getting things out your door or off your curb. These companies will bring their hauling services right to your door, which is great for those big items you can’t use. How else are you going to get that big rusted trailer out of your yard?
A few highly-rated Ann Arbor junk removal companies:
Additionally, we maintain a list of contractors that remove household items that our clients have been satisfied with. Please reach out to us if you need a referral.
In the process of getting rid of stuff, you will not only lighten your load but also contribute to responsible waste disposal. Whether you choose special disposal centers, donate to thrift stores, hire a hauling service, or host a yard sale, your efforts will make a positive impact on the community. As you embark on this new chapter, take pride in the journey you’ve undertaken, knowing that your choices have not only simplified your life but also left a positive mark on the environment and those in need.
If you’re having problems sorting through your things or figuring out how to get rid of what you don’t want, I can help you! Give me a call at (734) 845-9700.
Are you leaving Ann Arbor, or thinking about it? Ask us to find out how much your home is worth, and get a comprehensive, hand-prepared home value report for free!
