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Recycling Resources for Abandoned Property

Posted on 28. Jun, 2010 by Kimberly Madrigal in Real-World Ideas

A recurring problem for many property managers today is that the resident moves out but leaves behind their household items. This is such a problem in school dormitories that colleges now have year-end auctions just to try to unload the stuff. Amazingly, much of it can be reused or recycled instead of thrown away: electronics equipment, furniture, kitchenware, small appliances and rugs.

Added to the general cleaning, painting and repairs undertaken after a resident vacates, disposal of abandoned property can negatively affect profitability. If what is left behind can be reused or recycled by someone, then it makes sense for green property management professionals to keep it out of the landfill. Now taking that extra step to see what can be recycled has never been easier. Earth911.com is a wonderful resource for recycling unwanted items.

Earth911.com provides a searchable database of recycling centers nation wide. Enter a category and then a city and state and it will search to find recycling resources within a 20 mile radius approximately. By searching the major categories, you can find ways to save paper, recycle metal, plastic, glass, and reuse electronics, automotive, household, garden and construction items. This comprehensive site also links keywords to the items each organization accepts to make the contact information more meaningful.

Incidentally, Goodwill and many of these types of organizations will pick up certain goods, saving you time, transportation, hauling or dumping fees. There are many local and national groups that also hold on-line auctions and swap meets as fundraisers, so if you have a favorite charity like a local symphony, you may want to contact them first.

Save money, keep usable goods out of a landfill and earn a tax deduction. Remember, one person’s junk becomes another person’s treasure.

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Reduce, Reuse & Recycle: How Reusing Will Reduce Your Recycling

Tags: environmentally conscious, recycle, Tax Incentives