Waste Management’s Hannah Scholes has some tips to make spring cleaning easy, safe and more productive. (Waste Management)

Waste Management’s Hannah Scholes has some tips to make spring cleaning easy, safe and more productive. (Waste Management)

How to make spring cleaning easy — the fresh and healthy way

Waste Management gives some simple tips for an easy, safe and more productive clean-up.

You’ve made up your mind — today’s the day. With sleeves rolled up, you’re ready to get down and dirty. You’re ready for spring cleaning. Good for you!

But before you dig in, take a moment to consider how your clean-up effort can also protect the environment and help others in need, Sound good? We’ve got you.

Let’s start with that bag of bats, gloves and balls. You gave up softball 10 years ago. Do you still need that gear? You can be sure somebody else does. Imagine your once loved, but now neglected, sports equipment, clothes and shoes getting a new start with someone who needs them. To give them a new life, you can donate items to thrift shops, host a yard sale with your neighbors or give them to friends. Your old things will look better on others than they do in a landfill.

ADVERTISEMENT
0 seconds of 0 secondsVolume 0%
Press shift question mark to access a list of keyboard shortcuts
00:00
00:00
00:00
 

Now for the clean-up. Cleaning products often contain harsh and unhealthy chemicals, and it’s often hard to tell if the active ingredients are safe or not. You can know for sure if you make your own cleaning products. By mixing non-toxic items like baking soda and vinegar, or even soap and warm water, you can have plenty of scrubbing power without the unwanted health and environmental side effects. Go here to find great recipes for non-toxic cleaners: ecology.wa.gov/Regulations-Permits/Guidance-technical-assistance/Dangerous-waste-guidance/Common-dangerous-waste/Cleaners.

What about those old cleaning supplies with labels that say “caution” “warning,” “danger,” “poison” or “hazardous”? Don’t put them in the garbage or down the toilet or the sink! For safe disposal, it’s important to take household hazardous waste items to a hazardous waste facility. In Snohomish County, residents can drop off items at the county’s Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off Station, 3434 McDougall Ave., Everett for safe disposal. For more information, visit snohomishcountywa.gov/477/Hazardous-Waste.

Got old paint? If it has a label and it’s water-based or latex, you can recycle it at any Take It Back Paint Recycling location. If that’s not workable, remove the lid or stir in some kitty litter to dry it up, and then toss it in the trash. If the label is gone and you don’t know what kind of paint it is, drop it off with other hazardous waste items.

Next stop, the medicine cabinet. You can easily get rid of expired prescription and over-the-counter medications at drop-off locations in Snohomish County. Visit TakeBackYourMeds.org to find the closest location to you.

Finally, don’t forget the great outdoors! Grass trimmings, leaves and branches all go into the yard debris cart. Just make sure to cut them into small enough pieces to fit with the lid closed.

There you have it — some simple tips for an easy, safe and more productive spring cleaning. Just add elbow grease!

Hannah Scholes is the recycling education & outreach manager for Waste Management. Learn more at sustainability.wm.com.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Life

Auston James / Village Theatre
“Jersey Boys” plays at Village Theatre in Everett through May 25.
A&E Calendar for May 15

Send calendar submissions for print and online to features@heraldnet.com. To ensure your… Continue reading

Kyle Parker paddles his canoe along the Snohomish River next to Langus Riverfront Park on Thursday, May 8, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Tip to Tip: Kyle Parker begins his canoe journey across the country

The 24-year-old canoe fanatic started in Neah Bay and is making his way up the Skykomish River.

Photo courtesy of Historic Everett Theatre
The Elvis Challenge takes place Saturday at the Historic Everett Theatre.
A&E Calendar for May 8

Send calendar submissions to features@heraldnet.com. To ensure your item is seen by… Continue reading

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e plug-in hybrid compact luxury SUV, shown here in the European version (Provided by Mercedes-Benz).
2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e PHEV has a 54-mile range

The plug-in hybrid compact luxury SUV goes a class-leading distance in full electric mode.

RAV4 Hybrid XSE AWD photo provided by Toyota USA Newsroom
2025 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Provides 39 MPG And 566-Mile Range

Versatile And Functional Compact SUV A Family Pleaser

Photo provided by Subaru U.S. Media Center
Subaru Adds Bronze And Onyx Trims to 2025 Ascent

Three-Row Family SUV Delivers Equal Parts Safety And Comfort

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid SUV (Provided by Hyundai).
2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid evokes outdoor adventure

Boxy styling leaves lots of room for gear. A refined ride ensures comfort around town.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna minivan in the top-level Platinum grade (Provided by Toyota).
2025 Toyota Sienna maintains reputation for fuel efficiency

Every model in the minivan’s lineup has a hybrid powertrain.

An autumn-themed display at Wagner Jewelers in Marysville. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Shine bright with Snohomish County’s top jewelry finds

Three dazzling shops where elegance, craft, and sparkle come together.

The 2025 Lexus TX 350 is a three-row luxury SUV. It’s offered in Base, Premium, Luxury, and F Sport Handling grades (Provided by Lexus).
2025 Lexus TX 350 welcomes new F Sport Handling model

Unique exterior highlights, a glass roof and sport-tuned suspension are among the attractions.

Hybrid Touring Photo Provided by Subaru U.S. Media Center
2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid Increases Fuel Economy And Range

Sixth-Generation Model Receives Complete Refresh

Image from Pexels.com
Top 3 Cannabis Shops You’ll Love in Snohomish County

Looking for quality products and good energy? Let’s discover the top spots.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.