Ah to reuse, recycle, or donate?  That is the question.  I often wonder if certain things in my house can be reused and then they just sit there for years collecting dust. Then there’s my husband.  He actually does find ways to use that thingamajig in the garage that’s been sitting there for just a few weeks. Of course, there’s that inevitable item that you know you will never use again.  Well, my friends let me help you out with determining what truly is worth hanging on to or deciding it is time to let it go.

Baby Bathtubs – This is what I like to call a trifecta.  It can either be donated, sold, or recycled. if you decide to recycle just call your local waste management department to verify they can take it  I’ve learned that some rigid plastics are hard to break down and may not be accepted.

Books – Libraries, schools, daycare centers, and churches will all welcome your literary finds. If the book is beyond repair, then recycle.  Just make sure to remove any hardcovers since they might not be recyclable due to their hard, coated cardboard.

Breast Pumps – If you have a Medela pump like the majority of U.S. hospitals do, then you can send the motor and cord to the Medela Recycles program.  Nearly 30,000 pumps have already been recycled!  Things like the tubing and manual pumps can be put in your recycle container.

Crayons – Did you know since crayons are made from wax they won’t break down naturally?  Not me!  So, don’t throw them away and instead donate them to the nonprofit called, The Crayon Initiative. They turn unwanted crayons into brand new ones and then donate them to children’s hospitals.

Diaper pails – Another trifecta!  Just bear in mind that no one likes diaper odor so there’s not a huge demand for them when selling.

High Chairs, Strollers, and Car Seats  – These are great items to try and sell.  Make sure the car seats haven’t been recalled first, though, at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.  You can also recycle these products with the Baby Earth RENEW program. You do have to pay for shipping but you’ll have a sense of goodwill knowing that your donation helped developing countries.  Alternatively, you can call waste management to schedule a bulk pick up.

Stuffed Animals – Donating these can pose a germ risk to other kids.  So, consider asking your local animal shelter if they can take them.

Toddler Mattresses – If there’s been a potty accident, then obviously it’s toast but can be recycled.  Again, call up waste management and leave it at your curb.  If it’s in good condition, then sell away!

I hope this gives you ways to do some spring cleaning and some peace of mind knowing you cleared out the house.   Maybe in the process, you’ll even find the head to that Lego toy that’s been lost somewhere in the household abyss.