Frugal Weekend Blogging — Fix Your Stuff, Don’t Replace It
redwaterlily has found an interesting project (via the GOOD website) promoting the idea of fixing our stuff, rather than replacing it. That can be a real challenge when so much stuff seems to be made to be disposable — finding someone or even a way to fix it can be its own labor.
Anyway — go over to her site and see for yourself. She’s been inspired to find a fixable project, and challenges the rest of us to find something to fix rather than throw out. Let her know what your fixable project is going to be.
As an aside — if you can’t fix it, definitely recycle it. Today is the semi-annual Hazardous Waste collection event down at Frawley stadium. You can bring household hazardous waste (pesticides, cleaning chemicals, oil-based paints, mystery chemicals), batteries, CFLs, electronic items and personal papers you want shredded. Good way to get a start on spring cleaning! (Note: they do not take latex paint. Just mix kitty litter in the can and let it dry, then put it in your regular trash.)
Tags: Delaware
HHWD is really a great service. Having worked in the hazardous waste industries for more than a few years, one tends to be more conscious about what to do with non-jobsite purchases that cannot be fixed or poured down the drain.
I always have a pleasant experience at HHWD. The line was nice and steady at 10:30 A.M. I was politely directed to the electronics truck this time around to ditch my 1982 push button TV and a few scattered electronics that were fried during a power outtage.
I observed at least 5 large hazmat overpack containers that were sealed and waiting on pallets for transfer out of Dodge City. The City of Wilmington volunteers and the Clean Harbors Hazmat crew were all cheerful, pleasant, and glad to see my goodies: some old inkjet cartridges and nail polish from 5+ seasons ago.
It never ceases to amaze me how much old oil-based paint people have in their basements (me included, but I got rid of mine a few years ago). Once I pulled into the regular hazmat lanes, I observed 10 to 15 rusted cans of paint and solvents, hauled out of the trunks of three vehicles by the friendly folks from Clean Harbors. I guess some of our neighbors are still learning about this great service.
Here’s to gathering non-reparable items or hazardous items for the next HHWD!
During the last months I have fixed 2 dressers and made them usable again – though, I am still trying to find something “bigger” to repair. This weekend I Was busy getting my bike ready to go – though I stink at adjusting brakes – they still arne’t right. Oh well.
ANYWA – I have 2 old bikes and I think I will fix them up/repair them to be able to give them away to one of the local shelters – for people who don’t have a car and would like a bike.
A huge part of hazardous waste in the US right now is electronic waste…old laptops, phones people just throw away. I agree with you that more people need to learn how to fix the items…however many electronic items are made to be somewhat disposable and thus they are not very cost effective to fix. There is a website that buys used electronics…like laptops, phones, and ipods. Check it out Cashforiphones.com!
After Saturday’s HHWD in Wilmington, I caught myself looking for a new telephone system. Then I remembered this blog and decided to take my really old Motorola home phone system (12+ yo) to the Farmers Market and see if they can get replacement batteries for the base and hand sets. Any other good rechargeable battery replacement shops in the Wilmington area?