How to Dispose of Toxic Junk Safely

Cost: Free

Commitment: Medium

Green Impact: 4 out of 5

Got a scary slurry of old, hazardous items in the basement that you're not sure what to do with? Set a date with your neighbors to combine and sort.

Find out where to properly dispose of each category at Earth911.com, and then divvy up the drop-off duties.

Items to Collect

• Aerosols
• Antifreeze and motor oil
• Batteries
• CFLs, thermometers, and other items that contain mercury
• Chemical-laden cleaning products
• E-waste (televisions, computers, stereos, cell phones)
• Paints and solvents
• Pesticides
• Smoke detectors

But what about the junk that's not toxic -- and still usable -- that you just don't need anymore? Here's how to donate or sell unwanted possessions.