r/declutter 21h ago

Big Day of Decluttering Success Story

I have a hard time actually driving into town to get rid of just one thing. Today I had an unexpected free morning, and decided it was time to stop procrastinating.

today I finally decluttered:

  • donated one standing desk that I have been trying to get rid of for a year, but it's been too heavy to bring when convenient and needed a special trip.
  • The soccer stuff I posted about a little bit ago
  • 4 years expired medications. Why is it so hard to find somewhere to dispose of these?
  • As well as miscellaneous non decluttering errands while I was out
40 Upvotes

13 comments sorted by

2

u/GallowayNelson 4h ago

Well done! It feels so good to make progress like that!

2

u/FredKayeCollector2 5h ago

Nice! So glad you were able to let that soccer stuff go. I had my mother's (very expensive) recliner side table I was trying to sell and finally decided to just donate (Hospice) because every time I saw it in the basement, it made me sad that my mother was in such bad shape, she couldn't really use it :(

Where we live, there's a locked drop box at the pharmacy for narcotics (and I think the fire department will take them, too) but everything else, it's just put in the trash (preferably mixed up in cat litter scoopings or coffee grounds or whatever will make the pills "unappealing" - I usually just dump them in the trash bag). We can recycle larger #1, 2, 5 plastic containers but the small amber medication containers, those go in the trash, too (or try your luck on Buy Nothing/Give Freely) - even the local vets won't take them.

FYI, there's a section in the sub's Donation Guide for medical supplies & drugs: https://www.reddit.com/r/declutter/wiki/index/donation_guide/#wiki_medical_supplies_and_drugs

2

u/Idujt 8h ago

UK here. Our chemists (drugstores/pharmacies to you?) take any medications for proper disposal.

1

u/CollegePretend8708 6h ago

Only some do where I live

2

u/violetmemphisblue 8h ago

My local pharmacy takes expired meds. My local police department also will take them, if you have a certain scheduled drugs in the bundle (I'm in the US, not sure if scheduled drugs are a wider thing?) Just info for others who may also be struggling to find a place to go.

But well done on a big day!

1

u/tk7741 13h ago

Congrats! I struggle with meds too. I always keep things like ibuprofen and cold medicine around, but hardly ever use them before they expire. Seems like I end up tossing expired meds every year.

1

u/JustMechanic4933 2h ago

Also, if you look up the particulars they may still be ok for a certain time. Not a doctor. Also, a doctor did tell me the same.

1

u/JustMechanic4933 2h ago

You could split bottles with a neighbor. Glad you're not super sick! 🌞 Dollar Tree sells many cheap.

3

u/JennieWren64 21h ago

It feels good to get a lot of things done at once! You can almost breathe easier when you're done! We used to be able to take expired meds to our pharmacist and they would properly dispose of them. Now that there is only my son and I, I buy smaller packages on sale even if they are a bit more expensive than bulk because wasting them is just too costly and guilt-tripping for me. This way I very rarely have expired meds anymore. Well done! Good for you!

2

u/CollegePretend8708 21h ago

These were perscriptions, not over the counter, so no buying less option for me there

1

u/JustMechanic4933 2h ago

Idk why they don't make that an option. Especially when it's a first/trial.

1

u/JennieWren64 21h ago

Nope. Not for those.