By Brandon Hearn

Whether you are moving out of your home or just need to tidy up, spring is a great time to clean up your garage or shed and get rid of those unwanted items collecting dust.

As you are doing your spring cleaning this year, please remember to consider our environment when deciding what to do with that old paint, broken electronics, or even that old love seat.

Here are a few options for you to be green as you spring clean:

Since 1993 Johnson County Government has operated a Household Hazardous Waste recycling facility, allowing Johnson County residents the ability to recycle their used or unwanted chemicals.

Located in Overland Park, this facility accepts everything from paint, stain and batteries and fluorescent light bulbs to household cleaners, used gasoline and a wide range of other household chemicals. Giving these items a second life and keeping them out of the environment. Empty paint cans can go in your regular trash.

Johnson County HHW is open year-round on Monday, Wednesday and Thursdays. There are two options for scheduling a drop off at the facility: you can schedule online by going to jocogov.org/hhw or by calling 913-715-6907.

Usable items are available to the public through its Free Store and latex paint can be purchased through its Paint Recycling Program. Disabled or homebound residents are eligible for a mobile collection service. For more information on that program, please call 913-715-6907.

The city of Olathe also has a drop off location that any Johnson County resident can use. You can schedule a drop-off by calling 913-971-9355.

Electronic Waste

Electronic waste can be recycled but not in a curbside bin. Electronic waste includes anything that has a cord or is powered by batteries. Electronic recycling locations include the Olathe Household Hazardous Waste facility (for Olathe residents ONLY), Secure E-Cycle located off I-35 and Lamar, additional locations can be found at recyclespot.org. Electronic recycling events occur throughout the year, the city of Overland Park host several events throughout the spring and summer.

Furniture

Consider donating to Flourish Furniture Bank, which accepts used furniture and household goods. Donated items will be refurbished and go directly to someone moving into a new home. More details are available at flourishfurniturebank.org. Other donation services like Catholic Charities and Goodwill may also accept furniture. If your furniture can’t be donated, it would need to go in your trash or as a large-item pickup.

Other Resources

• Habitat ReStore: Donate certain construction and home remodeling items, proceeds help support Habitat for Humanity. habitatkc.org.
• RecycleSpot: Website with a ton of info on recycling as well as a search tool to help you find recycling options. recyclespot.org.
• Re.Use.Full: Connects people with stuff to donate with the nonprofits that put it to good use. Check them out: reusefull.org.

If you have any questions about recycling, Johnson County HHW, or anything else environmental please contact me at brandon.hearn@jocogov.org or 913-715-6936.

Brandon Hearn is environmental health specialist at the Johnson County Department of Public Health and Environment.