By Jennifer Alexander Ruple
Earth Day is Friday, April 22, and there’s no better time of year to think about purging, recycling or donating unwanted items that tend to clutter up our homes. If the task sounds daunting, Sylvania and Lucas County have a variety of resources to help lighten the load. Whether you tackle a little or a lot, every effort makes a difference.
General Recyclables
A good place to start the cleanup is with general recyclables such as aluminum cans, paper, cardboard, glass bottles, jars and cartons. If you don’t have a curbside pickup program in place, Lucas County residents may drop off such items in the bins at Kroger, 7545 Sylvania Ave. at King Road.
Food, Personal Care and Cleaning Products
Clean out kitchen cabinets and the pantry. Consider donating extra canned meats, fruits/vegetables, pasta, peanut butter and pet food. As long as items are unopened and not expired, Sylvania Area Family Services will put them to good use for area families in need. The same goes for personal care items and cleaning products. Drop off donations to 5440 Marshall Rd., Monday through Friday from 9 am to 4 pm.
Unwanted Medications
Check medicine cabinets and bathroom drawers for unused or expired medications. Both the City of Sylvania Police Department, 6635 Maplewood Ave., and the Sylvania Township Police Department, 4420 King Rd., have 24/7 drop boxes in their lobbies to deposit unwanted prescription and over-the-counter drugs.
Clothing, Furniture and Household Items
Sort through closets for items that have not been worn in a while or don’t fit. Donate clothing to the Goodwill Donation Station, 7634 W. Sylvania Ave., Monday through Saturday 10 am to 6 pm and Sunday 12 to 5 pm. Goodwill also accepts books, home décor, furniture under 25 pounds, household items, curtains, lamps, sports equipment and toys. All items must be in good, working condition. Visit goodwill.org for a list of acceptable and unacceptable items.
Paperwork
Old paperwork can build up over the years. Take advantage of the City of Sylvania’s annual Shred Day for Sylvania residents on Saturday, April 23 from 9 am to 1 pm at the administration building, 6730 Monroe St. Enter off Monroe Street, via the west driveway. Fifty pounds, approximately three banker’s boxes, of material will be shredded for free. Electronic waste will also be accepted. Visit cityofsylvania.com for details.
Electronics and Computers
Is outdated technology taking over your office or basement? Frogtown Computers in Sylvania offers recycling and will accept, at no charge, computers, tablets, cell phones, iPods/iPads, video games and systems, stereos, receivers, tape decks, CD players, turntables, VCRs, DVD players, Laserdisc, CDs (music and data), DVDs, Blu-rays and players, keyboards, mice, routers, cable boxes, satellite boxes, projectors, servers, all cables and cords along with flat panel LCD computer monitors. Call Erik at 419-517-6069 to schedule a drop-off appointment.
Hazardous Waste
For those hard to get rid of items such as aerosols, fluorescent bulbs, paint, pesticides and cleaning chemicals, Lucas County offers hazardous waste disposal for Lucas County residents for $1 a pound. Flatscreens and box TVs may be recycled for .50 per pound. Electronic waste such as cables, cameras, and laptops may be dropped off at no cost. Residents must register and arrange a time for drop off by calling 419-213-2230.
With a little planning and the assistance of community resources, your home can be cleaner and clutter free this season with the added benefit of helping the environment.