Getting rid of possessions you have amassed over the years can be tedious, especially when most of them carry sentimental value. But some things simply have to go when they are no longer valuable or beneficial.

That said, when decluttering, you should dispose of items responsibly instead of chucking everything into one bin. Here are four categories that you can sort your old belongings into.

1. Usable goods

Sort items that are still usable in one box. You can give them a second life by selling them, donating to charity, or simply giving them away.

Always opt for options to extend the life cycle of your unwanted items before discarding or recycling them.

2. E-waste

It is important to dispose of damaged electronics, appliances, batteries and cables responsibly as they contain harmful chemicals and components that are detrimental to health and the environment.

Look into local council waste-management facilities or private recycling organisations to dispose of your e-waste correctly.

3. Fabrics

Clothes, bedsheets, tablecloths and other textiles should be kept out of landfills as they will release methane gas as they decompose and contribute to global warming.

Consider donating such items to second-hand shops or charities, or recycle them with your local fabric recycling company.

4. Recyclables

Make a habit of segregating your household recyclables into different categories – paper, glass, plastic, aluminium and tin – and bringing them to your local recycling facilities.

Some recycling centres even offer a buyback system where you are given money for your recyclables.

This article first appeared in kaodim.com.

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