Best ways to dispose of waste items in Homewood [Letter to the Editor]

I am a resident of Homewood, and I do a lot of walking for exercise. I am also concerned about proper disposal of waste items and have a good working knowledge of what the city takes. I see a lot as I walk as you will see below.

Now that Christmas is over, I see a lot of cardboard boxes put out to be taken to the dump. These boxes are recyclable and can go in the BFI recycling bins. Not only does BFI take cardboard, but it also takes plastics numbered 1-7. Plastic No. 6 is Styrofoam. So all the Styrofoam inside those giant cardboard boxes that was used to cushion the new gizmos people got for Christmas can also be recycled in Homewood. Just a little effort and you can get these big boxes into the recycling bins.

In addition to recyclables, people put out old cans of paint on the curbside. Usually there's a little paint left inside. I will see these paint cans untouched by the city for weeks. The city will not take these if they are closed. What I usually do is take a screwdriver with me on my walks and pop the lid. Once the lid is popped, all the VOCs (volatile organic compounds) can evaporate. At that point, the paint can is no longer dangerous and can be taken to the landfill. What I notice is that not long after the lid is off, the city takes away the old can of paint.

Old, broken electronics are set out on the curbside a lot. These can be taken to TKO, a business here in Homewood. TKO, or Technical Knockout, specializes in taking old computers, but they take all electronics — even the old Christmas lights people are getting rid of because they now have the more efficient LED lights. TKO is only too happy to take these items. One caveat is that TVs and computer monitors will not be accepted unless you pay a fee for lead disposal. They also securely destroy the computer if you pay a fee.

Finally, I see a lot of good stuff out on the curb, such as furniture, old appliances and toys. Rather than setting it out to be taken to the dump, why not have a local charity come pick it up? Many charities, such as the Lovelady Center or The Exchange Club will come pick up old items. It's very convenient, and all it takes is a phone call to the charity.

Lots of people are ringing out the old and ringing in the new. This is a great time to rethink how to dispose of older items.

Miriam Newman