Disposing of consumeables I don't need (address, move to, garage, location)

[Nelly Nomad]

Having moved as many times as I have, I feel a little silly asking this question but times are different, so here goes.

Confession time: In years past, when the economy was booming and we weren't all quite as environmentally conscience as we are now, whenever we moved, we poured household consumeables down the drain (I know, I know, bad, bad ). Mostly it was things I'd tried and didn't like, but didn't want to pay to move. Half-used shampoos, lotions, bubble-baths, laundry detergents, cleaners... and so on.

I'd like to dispose of them in a better way this time. Goodwill won't take them because they aren't unopened. Understandable. Is there anything else I can do with them besides toss them in the trash or down the drain? At least there's a little positive to down the drain: I can recycle the packaging.

But I'd love to have some ideas on where I might be able to just give them away.

[gizmobizmo]

Originally Posted by Nelly Nomad

Having moved as many times as I have, I feel a little silly asking this question but times are different, so here goes.

Confession time: In years past, when the economy was booming and we weren't all quite as environmentally conscience as we are now, whenever we moved, we poured household consumeables down the drain (I know, I know, bad, bad ). Mostly it was things I'd tried and didn't like, but didn't want to pay to move. Half-used shampoos, lotions, bubble-baths, laundry detergents, cleaners... and so on.

I'd like to dispose of them in a better way this time. Goodwill won't take them because they aren't unopened. Understandable. Is there anything else I can do with them besides toss them in the trash or down the drain? At least there's a little positive to down the drain: I can recycle the packaging.

But I'd love to have some ideas on where I might be able to just give them away.

I had friends and family stop by and go through the stuff I was going to toss out or donate and pick through it. They took most of it. Saved loads of time.

[M3 Mitch]

Do you really have that many bottles open? You can pack them up and put in your personal vehicle.

If you are determined to be rid of them probably there is a crisis shelter or similar that would take them.

You could have a garage sale and put them out for like 10 cents each.

[Nelly Nomad]

Gizmo, we're way far away from friends and/or family, so while that's probably a good idea for most folks, it wouldn't work for us. It's a good idea, though.

M3, yes, I do have a bunch . Sadly for me, many things I like end up discontinued. Or, because of our many moves, we move to an area where my favorites aren't sold. In cases like these, I tend to try 3-4 different new brands for comparison. I'll end up liking one, but that still leaves 3 runners up. I don't want to move them with me because I didn't like them. But I feel bad dumping them down the drain.

Can't do a garage sale where we are. HOA forbids it. I don't have a problem with that .

Your idea of a crisis shelter is good. Our next move will probably take place in the next month. That gives me time to look into that.

Thanks for the ideas!

[In the Pines]

Try putting an ad on an internet classified site and offer to give them away to whomever comes and picks them up from you.

[firefightermom]

List them on Freecycle or Craigslist free...when we moved, I had a lot of similar stuff that I didn't want to move. I put it on Clist, said Curb Alert! box of ..... and left what street intersection it was near, not my address. It was all gone in two days.

[FreeSpirited1]

They accept most things and give them to the very poor and homeless.

Not sure how you'd find them there; in Wisconsin I called 211 which is a general help line and asked where someone could get free clothes & food for a relative of mine who is on unemployment.

They will give you the location and hours of the places closest to you so you can donate ~ I am certain your things would be appreciated.

Wish I'd have known about it sooner, but I have nieces who love the products I tried & didn't love

[sskkc]

There is probably a hazardous waste disposal site in your area. Look them up and see if you can bring them there.

The town we just moved from had one... but only accepted once a month. I found them the day AFTER that day, and we moved before the next one. We always take that stuff with us though... pack it in Ziplocs first, just like when traveling on an airplane.

[STT Resident]

Unfortunately where social services and other charitable donations are concerned, they won't/can't take opened products because of the possibility of product tampering.

[MaggieZ]

I usually try to use up what I can in the time before the move but anything that's already open, you have to either take with you or throw away or give to someone you know...it shouldn't amount to that much if you know in advance that you're moving.