Last Household Hazardous Waste Recycling Event of the Year Is October 18

Delaware County's final HHW recycling event of the year will be Saturday, October 18 at Upper Chichester Township Municipal Building, 8500 Furey Road (off Chichester Avenue), Upper Chichester, PA 19061.

Computers, portable TVs and small electronics (excluding items containing Freon) will also be collected at this event.

For more information, see http://www.co.delaware.pa.us/recycle/hhw.html.

Household Hazardous Waste Recycling Event at New Location on September 14

Check out this new location for one of Delaware County's Household Hazardous Waste Recycling Events! The Sunday, September 14th event will take place at Penn State's Brandywine Campus, 25 Yearsely Mill Road (Rte. #352), Media, PA, 19061.

Computers, portable TVs and small electronics (excluding items containing Freon) will also be collected at this event.

For more information, see http://www.co.delaware.pa.us/recycle/hhw.html.

Shredding Events in the Fall: September-December 2014

Here are some upcoming paper shredding events coming up this autumn. Remember to double-check with the companies to make sure none of the details have changed, and read all of the instructions and limitations. Happy shredding!

SEPTEMBER 2014

Friday, September 5, 3-5:30
West Chester Wiggins Auto Tags
http://www.wigginsshredding.com/residential/tear-fests.php
2 paper grocery bags are $10.00

Saturday, September 6, 8-2
Delaware Solid Waste Authority, Lantana Square Shopping Center, Rt. 7 and Valley Rd. Hockessin, DE 19707 (Residents Only)
http://www.shredone.com/shredding-services/community-shredding-events

Saturday, September 13, 9–11
Quaint Oak Bank, 501 Knowles Ave., Southampton, PA 18966
http://www.titanshredding.com/Community-Shredding-Services.aspx

Saturday September 13, 9-12
Lopatcong Township, Lopatcong Park, Wildew Avenue, Phillipsburg, NJ 08865
http://www.titanshredding.com/Community-Shredding-Services.aspx

Saturday, September 13, 9–12
DEXSTA, 110 Sandhill Drive, Middletown, DE 19709
http://www.proshred.com/philadelphia/events

Saturday, September 20, 9–12
Inspire Federal Credit Union, Maple Point Middle School, 2250 Langhorne-Yardley Road, Langhorne, PA 19047
http://www.titanshredding.com/Community-Shredding-Services.aspx

Saturday, September 20, 10-12
West Chester Wiggins Auto Tags
http://www.wigginsshredding.com/residential/tear-fests.php
2 paper grocery bags are $10.00

Saturday, September 20, 11-1
Representative Tim Briggs, 554 Shoemaker Road, King of Prussia, PA
http://www.proshred.com/philadelphia/events

Saturday, September 27, 8-2
Delaware Solid Waste Authority, Rehoboth Beach Convention Ctr. Parking Lot, 229 Rehoboth Ave. Rehoboth, DE 19971 (Residents Only)
http://www.shredone.com/shredding-services/community-shredding-events

Saturday, September 27, 9–11
First National Bank & Trust of Newtown, Bucks County Community College, 272 Swamp Rd, Newtown, PA 18940
http://www.titanshredding.com/Community-Shredding-Services.aspx

Saturday, September 27, 9-12
Lehigh Valley Educators Credit Union, 3720 Hamilton Boulevard, Allentown, PA 18103
http://www.proshred.com/philadelphia/events

Saturday, September 27, 10-12
Wolner Insurance Management, 1717 Swede Road, Blue Bell, PA 19422
http://www.proshred.com/philadelphia/events

Sunday, September 28, 9-1
Congregation Beth Or, 293 Welsh Road, Maple Glen, PA 19002
$10 per box
http://www.shredone.com/shredding-services/community-shredding-events

OCTOBER 2014

Saturday, October 4, 8-12
Luther Woods Nursing & Rehabilitation, 313 W. County Line Road, Hatboro, PA 19040
http://www.shredone.com/shredding-services/community-shredding-events

Saturday, October 4, 9-12
American Heritage FCU Main Office, 2060 Red Lion Road, Philadelphia, PA 19115
http://www.titanshredding.com/Community-Shredding-Services.aspx

Saturday, October 4, 9-12
Friends of Easttown Pubilc Library, 720 First Ave, Berwyn, PA 19312
http://www.proshred.com/philadelphia/events

Saturday, October 4, 11-1
PFCU, 5000 Baltimore Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
http://www.pfcu.com/about-pfcu/Events/event-details/14-01-02/Paper_Shredding_Day_-_West_Phila.aspx

Saturday, October 11, 9–12
State Senator Mike Stack, Parkwood Shopping Center, 12361 Academy Road, Philadelphia, PA 19154
http://www.titanshredding.com/Community-Shredding-Services.aspx

Saturday, October 11, 8-12
Schuylkill Township, CAT Pickering Campus, 1580 Charlestown Pike, Phoenixville PA  19460
http://www.proshred.com/philadelphia/events

Saturday, October 18, 9–11
Middletown Township (Residents only), 3 Municipal Way, Langhorne, PA 19047
http://www.titanshredding.com/Community-Shredding-Services.aspx

Saturday, October 18, 9–11:30
Merck Sharp & Dohme Federal Credit Union, Harleysville Branch, 665 Main Street, Harleysville, PA 19438
http://www.titanshredding.com/Community-Shredding-Services.aspx

Saturday, October 18, 9-12
Abington Township, Public Works, 2201 Florey Lane, Abington, PA 19001 (Residents Only)
http://www.shredone.com/shredding-services/community-shredding-events

Saturday, October 18, 9-12
Montgomery Cty Comm, Lower Merion High, 315 E. Montgomery Ave., Ardmore, PA 19003 (Residents Only)
http://www.montcopa.org/DocumentCenter/View/6715
http://www.shredone.com/shredding-services/community-shredding-events

Saturday, October 18, 2014, 8-12
White Marsh Township, 4021 Joshua Rd, Miles Park - Lower Parking Lot, Lafayette Hill, PA
http://www.proshred.com/philadelphia/events

Saturday, October 18, 2014, 9-12 (NEW!)
NBC Great Shredder Event, Wells Fargo Center, 3601 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
http://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/contact-us/community/NBC10-Great-Shredder-Event-October-18-2014-Wells-Fargo-Center-270898371.html

NOVEMBER 2014

Saturday, November 1, 8-2
Delaware Solid Waste Authority, Mount Pleasant Elem. School, 500 Duncan Road, Wilmington, DE 19809 (Residents Only)
http://www.shredone.com/shredding-services/community-shredding-events

DECEMBER 2014

Saturday, December 6, 8-4
Delaware Solid Waste Authority, University of Delaware Campus Guard Building, 550 S. College Ave. Newark, DE 19713 (Residents Only)
http://www.shredone.com/shredding-services/community-shredding-events

Household Hazardous Waste Recycling Event on June 7

Delaware County's next Household Hazardous Waste Event will be Saturday, June 7, 2014 at Marple Transfer Station, Marpit Drive & Sussex Blvd., Broomall, PA, 19008. Only hazardous waste will be accepted at this event--no electronics.

For more information, see http://www.co.delaware.pa.us/recycle/hhw.html.

Recycle Your Household Hazardous Waste on May 3

Delaware County will host the first Household Hazardous Waste Recycling Event on the spring on Saturday, May 3, 2014 at the Emergency Services Training Center, 1700 Calcon Hook Road, Darby, PA 19079.

Computers, portable TVs, and small electronics (excluding items containing Freon) will also be collected at this event.

For more information, see http://www.co.delaware.pa.us/recycle/hhw.html.

Shredding Events in Spring 2014

It’s that time again! Paper shredding event season has begun. Here is a list of shredding events in the Delaware Valley this spring. Please contact me if you would like to add events or if you have corrections to these events. If you are planning to attend an event, it’s wise to check the website or call or e-mail to make sure the event isn’t canceled due to weather or other circumstances.

If you can't wait for an event, try drop-off shredding services from Staples, Office Depot, Wiggins, or Mail Source (Springfield) for about $1 per pound. (Thanks for the tip, Donna!) 

Happy shredding!

MARCH

Saturday, March 22, 2014

8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Whitemarsh Township 

4021 Joshua Rd.

Miles Park - Lower Parking Lot

Lafayette Hill, PA 19444   

http://www.proshred.com/philadelphia/events

APRIL

Friday, April 4, 2014
3:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

West Chester Wiggins Auto Tags

1301 West Chester Pike
West Chester, PA 19380

2 paper grocery bags are $10.00

http://www.wigginsshredding.com/residential/tear-fests.php

Saturday, April 5, 2014

8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Luther Woods Nursing & Rehabilitation Center

313 W. County Line Rd
Hatboro, PA 19040

http://www.shredone.com/community-shredding-events

Saturday, April 5, 2014
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Shred A Thon at United Savings Bank (Thanks, Jackie!) 
301 E Baltimore Pike
Springfield, PA 19064
http://www.unitedsavingsbank.com/branches.aspx

Saturday, April 12, 2014

9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.         

Abington Township Public Works

2201 Florey Lane

Abington, PA 19001

(Residents Only)

http://www.shredone.com/community-shredding-events

Saturday, April 12, 2014

9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

EZ Storage – Montgomeryville

289 Dekalb Pike

North Wales, PA 19454

http://www.titanshredding.com/Community-Shredding-Services.aspx#calendar

Saturday, April 12, 2014
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Friends of Easttown Public Library

720 First Ave.

Berwyn, PA 19312 

http://www.proshred.com/philadelphia/events

Saturday, April 12, 2014

9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.   

Montgomery Cty Comm

Perkiomen Valley Middle School East

100 Kagey Road, entrance on Campus Drive

Collegeville, PA 19426

(Residents Only)

http://www.shredone.com/community-shredding-events

Saturday, April 12, 2014

9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Perkiomen Valley Middle School East

100 Kagey Road (enter on Campus Drive)

Collegeville, PA 19426

http://www.montcopa.org/DocumentCenter/View/6715

Saturday, April 12, 2014

NBC's Great Shredder Event (Thanks, Dan!) 
Wells Fargo Center
See http://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/contact-us/community/ for updates.

Saturday, April 19, 2014

9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Amity Township Crime Watch

Redner’s Market

Intersection of Rt. 422 and Rt. 662

Douglasville, PA 19518

http://www.proshred.com/philadelphia/events

Saturday, April 19, 2014

10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
State Rep. Kevin J. Schreiber 

101 South George Street                  

York, PA 17401

http://www.proshred.com/philadelphia/events

Saturday, April 26, 2014

9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

American Heritage FCU Main Office

2060 Red Lion Road

Philadelphia, PA 19115

http://www.titanshredding.com/Community-Shredding-Services.aspx#calendar

Saturday, April 26, 2014

9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

American Heritage FCU Rhawn Street Branch

430 Rhawn Street

Philadelphia, PA 19111

http://www.titanshredding.com/Community-Shredding-Services.aspx#calendar

Saturday, April 26, 2014

9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

American Heritage FCU Horsham/Maple Avenue Branch

339 Maple Avenue

Horsham, PA 19044

http://www.titanshredding.com/Community-Shredding-Services.aspx#calendar

Saturday, April 26, 2014

9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Merck Sharp & Dohme Federal Credit Union Chalfont Branch

335 West Butler Avenue

Chalfont, PA 18914

http://www.titanshredding.com/Community-Shredding-Services.aspx#calendar

Saturday, April 26, 2014

11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Philadelphia Fed Credit Union Operations Center

12800 Townsend Road

Philadelphia, PA 19154

(Residents Only)

http://www.shredone.com/community-shredding-events

MAY

Friday, May 2, 2014

3:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

West Chester Wiggins Auto Tags

1301 West Chester Pike
West Chester, PA 19380

2 paper grocery bags are $10.00

http://www.wigginsshredding.com/residential/tear-fests.php

Saturday, May 3, 2014

9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Buckingham Township Public Works Building

4991 Upper Mountain Road

Buckingham, PA 18912

(Residents Only)

http://www.titanshredding.com/Community-Shredding-Services.aspx#calendar

Saturday, May 3, 2014

9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

First National Bank & Trust of Newtown

Bucks County Community College

272 Swamp Road

Newtown, PA 18940

http://www.titanshredding.com/Community-Shredding-Services.aspx#calendar

Saturday, May 3, 2014

9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Middletown Township

3 Municipal Way

Langhorne, PA 19047

(Residents only)

http://www.titanshredding.com/Community-Shredding-Services.aspx#calendar

Saturday, May 3, 2014

10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Rider University General Services Building

2083 Lawrenceville Road

Lawrenceville, NJ 08648

(Rider University Faculty, Staff, Students & Alumni only)

http://www.shredone.com/community-shredding-events

Saturday, May 3, 2014

8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Schuykill Township 

(CAT Pickering on Charlestown Road)

1580 Charlestown Road     

Phoenixville, PA 19460

http://www.proshred.com/philadelphia/events

Saturday, May 3, 2014

10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
State Rep. Nick Miccarelli

605 E. Chester Pike         

Ridley Park, PA 19078

http://www.proshred.com/philadelphia/events

Saturday, May 3, 2014

1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
York Township

190 Oak Road

Dallastown, PA 17313

http://www.proshred.com/philadelphia/events

Saturday, May 10, 2014

9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
State Rep Warren Kampf

422 Business Center

Mill Road

Oaks, PA 19456

http://www.proshred.com/philadelphia/events

Saturday, May 10, 2014

9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

State Rep. Mike McGeehan

Linden Avenue Boat Launch

Linden Ave. & Delaware Ave.

Philadelphia, PA 19114

http://www.titanshredding.com/Community-Shredding-Services.aspx#calendar

Saturday, May 10, 2014

9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

State Senator Stack

Parkwood Shopping Center

12361 Academy Road

Philadelphia, PA 19114

http://www.titanshredding.com/Community-Shredding-Services.aspx#calendar

Saturday, May 10, 2014

9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

First Federal of Bucks County

Bucks County Community College – Lower Bucks

1304 Veterans Highway

Bristol, PA 19007

http://www.titanshredding.com/Community-Shredding-Services.aspx#calendar

Saturday, May 17, 2014

9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Borough of Media

301 North Jackson Street    

Media, PA 19063

http://www.proshred.com/philadelphia/events

Saturday, May 17, 2014

9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Bucks First Federal Credit Union

Bucks County Tech. High School

610 Wistar Road

Fairless Hills, PA 19030

http://www.titanshredding.com/Community-Shredding-Services.aspx#calendar

Saturday, May 17, 2014

10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

West Chester Wiggins Auto Tags

1301 West Chester Pike
West Chester, PA 19380

2 paper grocery bags are $10.00

http://www.wigginsshredding.com/residential/tear-fests.php

Saturday, May 17, 2014

9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.         

Williams Township

Municipal Office

655 Cider Press Road

Easton, PA 18042

(Residents only)

http://www.titanshredding.com/Community-Shredding-Services.aspx#calendar

Saturday, May 31, 2014

10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Passyunk Square Civic Association (PSCA)  

1400 East Passyunk Avenue & Reed

Philadelphia, PA 19147                 

http://www.proshred.com/philadelphia/events

JUNE

Friday, June 6, 2014

3:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

West Chester Wiggins Auto Tags

1301 West Chester Pike
West Chester, PA 19380

2 paper grocery bags are $10.00

http://www.wigginsshredding.com/residential/tear-fests.php

Saturday, June 21, 2014

9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Montgomery Cty Comm

Copper Beach Elementary School

825 North Easton Road

Glenside, PA 19038

(Residents Only)

http://www.montcopa.org/DocumentCenter/View/6715

http://www.shredone.com/community-shredding-events

Saturday, June 21, 2014

10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

West Chester Wiggins Auto Tags

1301 West Chester Pike
West Chester, PA 19380

2 paper grocery bags are $10.00

http://www.wigginsshredding.com/residential/tear-fests.php

Saturday, June 28, 2014

9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.         

Doylestown EAC Central Park

Wells Road

Doylestown, PA 18901

http://www.titanshredding.com/Community-Shredding-Services.aspx#calendar

JULY

Saturday, July 12, 2014     

9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Abington Township Public Works

2201 Florey Lane

Abington, PA 19001

(Residents Only)

http://www.shredone.com/community-shredding-events

Hazardous Waste and E-Waste Recycling Event October 19

Delaware County will host a Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Recycling Event from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 19, 2013 at the Upper Chichester Township Municipal Building at 8500 Furey Road, Upper Chichester, PA 19061.

Delaware County has expanded what can be accepted at this Household Hazardous Waste Collection Events to include most small E-Waste. Simply stated, if it has a cord, does not contain Freon (air conditioners, dehumidifiers, small refrigerators), and is not considered a large appliance, they will accept it. Visit http://www.co.delaware.pa.us/recycle/hhw.html for more information.

Shredding Events This Fall

If your spring cleaning stretched into summer cleaning, you're probably ready to shred a lot of the old paperwork you cleared. Fortunately, there are some free and reasonably priced public shredding events coming up this fall. Since a lot can change, especially due to weather, it's probably best to check hosts' website and/or call them before attending.

Saturday, September 14, 2013

RE/MAX Action Realty
1126 Horsham Rd
Maple Glen, PA 19002
10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
215-358-1100
http://www.actionrealty0440099.remaxagent.com/remaxpade/index.asp?p=professionalprofile.asp
http://www.proshred.com/all-events

Saturday, September 21, 2013

Upper Darby High School
601 N Lansdowne Ave

Drexel Hill, PA 19026

9:00 a.m.-12:00 noon
http://www.upperdarby.org/News/199/Upcoming_Township_Events.html

PA Senator Mike Stack
215.281.2539
www.senatorstack.com
and
Polonia Bank
www.poloniabank.com
The Parkwood Shopping Center
12361 Academy Road
Philadelphia, PA 19154
9:00 a.m.-12:00 noon
http://www.titanshredding.com/Community-Shredding-Services.aspx

Penn Liberty Bank East Goshen
1301 Paoli Pike
9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
610-535-4850
https://www.pennlibertybank.com/UserFiles/File/2013Shred_Event_flyer.pdf

Quaint Oak Bank
501 Knowles Ave.
Southampton, PA 18966
9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.
215-364-4059
http://www.quaintoak.com
http://www.titanshredding.com/Community-Shredding-Services.aspx

Saturday, September 28, 2013                       

Larry Farmbry & Associates
7300 City Line Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19151
11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
215-877-4950
http://larryfarmbry.com/new/larryfarmbry/
http://www.proshred.com/all-events                  

Representative Rozzi
4933 Kutztown Road
Temple, PA 19560
11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
610-921-8921
http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/home/member_information/house_bio.cfm?id=1647
http://www.proshred.com/all-events

Bucks First Credit Union & Bucks County Planning Commission
Lower Makefield Corporate Center
770 Township Line Road
Yardley, PA 19067
9:00 a.m.-12:00 noon
215.788.5270
http://www.bucksfirstfcu.com

Saturday, October 5, 2013

Friends of Easttown Public Library                
720 First Ave  
Berwyn, PA 19312
9:00 a.m.–12:00 noon
http://www.proshred.com/all-events
http://www.easttownlibrary.org/friends-of-the-library
$10 for one box or two shopping bags

First National Bank & Trust of Newtown
Bucks County Community College
275 Swamp Road
Newtown, PA 18940
9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.
http://www.fnbn.com
http://www.titanshredding.com/Community-Shredding-Services.aspx

Saturday, October 12, 2013

Whitemarsh Township
Miles Park – Lower Parking Lot, Germantown Pike
Plymouth Meeting, PA 19444
8:00 a.m.–12:00 noon
610-825-3535
http://www.whitemarshtwp.org/services/public-works/waste.aspx

Middletown Township (Residents only)
3 Municipal Way
Langhorne, PA 19047
9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.
http://www.middletowntwpbucks.org
http://www.titanshredding.com/Community-Shredding-Services.aspx

Upper Macungie Township
Public Works Garage
8550 Schantz Rd.
Breinigsville, PA 18031
9:00 a.m.-12:00 noon
610-395-4892
http://www.uppermac.org
http://www.titanshredding.com/Community-Shredding-Services.aspx

Saturday, October 19, 2013

Penn Liberty Bank Trooper
2724 Ridge Pike
9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
610-535-4860
https://www.pennlibertybank.com/UserFiles/File/2013Shred_Event_flyer.pdf

Schuylkill Township                                          
1580 Charlestown Road           
Phoenixville, PA
610-933-5843
http://www.schuylkilltwp.com
http://www.proshred.com/all-events

Saturday, October 26, 2013

Montgomery County
Lower Merion High School
Montgomery Avenue
Ardmore, PA
9:00 a.m.-12:00 noon
http://www.montcopa.org/index.aspx?NID=1588

Representative Briggs
554 Shoemaker Road
King of Prussia, PA 19406
11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
610-768-3135
http://www.pahouse.com/briggs/
http://www.proshred.com/philadelphia/events

If you have a fall 2013 shredding event to add to this list, please e-mail sara@saralong.com.

Delaware County will host a Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Recycling Event from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 12, 2013 at Rose Tree Park at 1671 N. Providence Road, Media, PA 19063.

Delaware County has expanded what can be accepted at this Household Hazardous Waste Collection Events to include most small E-Waste. Simply stated, if it has a cord, does not contain Freon (air conditioners, dehumidifiers, small refrigerators), and is not considered a large appliance, they will accept it. Visit http://www.co.delaware.pa.us/recycle/hhw.html for more information.

Reducing Clutter Room by Room by Paul Benjamin

Here is a guest post that I hope you will find useful!

A cluttered house can be a stressful house. Many people assume that getting organized and reducing clutter once and for all is just as, if not more stressful than the mess itself. The good news is that conquering clutter doesn’t have to be a painful process. Follow these simple steps to get organized one room at a time.

The Bedroom

Because of the private nature of a master bedroom, it is often an afterthought during the house-cleaning process. But messy bedrooms can actually make it harder to relax and fall asleep. Having too much clutter and disorganization can be counterproductive and actually make it harder for you to relax and get a restful night’s sleep. 

Instead, turn your bedroom into a clutter-free sanctuary by making sure that everything is properly stored.  Start with your closet by clearing out anything you no longer have use for. A common tactic for going through clothes (or any belongings) is to sort into 3 piles:

• Toss
• Keep
• Giveaway / Donate

So if that old concert tee-shirt doesn’t fit anymore, donate it. If your favorite dress has slipped out of style, get rid of it. The most important part of this process is to be honest about how likely you are to use something again. If you haven’t worn an item in over a year – chances are you can get rid of it.
Once you’ve gotten rid of all of the clothing and accessories you no longer use, hang your in-season clothing on easy-to-access hangers and store the rest in clearly labeled containers on closet shelves. The goal here is to keep your floor as clear as possible.

Finally, clear any flat surfaces. Do not use night stands or dressers as a catch-all. If you can’t clear it away, then consider extra storage options like shelving or hooks. Maintaining the rule that no items are to be stored on these surfaces will not only help repel clutter, it will also help induce relaxation by reducing bed-time stress.

The Kitchen

The kitchen is often the hub of the whole family, which means that it is a magnet for all things clutter. Stop the madness before it begins by designating a place for everything: in- and out-boxes for paperwork, an art stand for crafts or jars for pins and paperclips are great ways to start. Keep only items you need regularly in close reach and come up with a system that your family will use for storing everything else in an organized fashion.

Take the time to go through your pots and pans, Tupperware cabinet or any other problem area.  Toss anything that is damaged or rarely used in your recycle bin, and organize the rest.  Using old CD racks as lid storage or rolling under-cabinet drawers for bulkier items are easy solutions that can make a big impact. You can also use an over-the-door shoe organizer to store paper products such as wax paper and foil behind pantry doors.

The Living Room

Most households today use their living room for a variety of purposes from lounging to entertaining guests.  Because of the high amount of traffic and use this room gets it is especially important to get it organized and under control. Everything should have a home – it’s best to store everything near the area it is used. For example, keep all magazines stored neatly near a comfortable chair and keep all electronics, CDs and video games close to the entertainment center.  Better yet is to purchase furniture that can double as storage – there are many great pieces that serve double duty available at most retailers.

Converting all of your media to digital formats and donating the hard copies is one way to not only reduce clutter, but also to keep all of your favorite movies and music at you and your family’s fingertips.

Going through this process and reducing the clutter in your life is a great exercise with many benefits. Once you have brought order back to your household make a conscious effort to practice good cleaning habits – even taking just 15 minutes each day will help maintain all of your hard work. Also be sure to involve the entire family by creating guidelines or rules for everyone such as clear instructions on where specific items are stored and putting things in their correct spot after use.
All it really takes to tackle clutter is committing to completing a specific task – taking it one step at a time is the best way to do it.

Paul Benjamin is a District Manager at EZ Storage, a self storage company serving the Philadelphia Metro Area for over 40 years.

NBC Shredding Event in Philadelphia

NBC Channel 10 Philadelphia will host a paper shredding event at the Navy Yard (4747 South Broad Street, Philadelphia) on May 18, 2013 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Volunteers from the National Association of Professionals-Greater Philadelphia Chapter (NAPO-GPC) will be there to help. Visit the NBC website for more information.

Shredding Event and Electronics Collection on May 4

Representative Joe Hackett will host a shredding event on Saturday, May 4, from 9:00 a.m. to noon. In conjunction with this event, Covanta Energy Corporation will host a free electronics collection to help residents recycle electronics. Both events will take place at the Brookhaven Borough Building, 2 Cambridge Road in Brookhaven.

If you have any questions on what can be shredded or recycled, call 610-461-5543.

Hazardous Waste Recycling Event May 4

Delaware County will host a Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Recycling Event from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 4, 2013 at Marple Transfer Station at Marpit Drive & Sussex Boulevard, Broomall, PA 19008. Visit http://www.co.delaware.pa.us/recycle/hhw.html for more information.

E-Waste Recycling and Hard Drive Shredding Event April 6

On April 6, 2013 the Mother of Providence Regional School Student Technology Club "The iSquad" under the direction of technology teacher, Preston Tyrrell, will be hosting an electronic recycling event at the school. This event will be open to anyone and everyone the community.

They are collecting:

• Computers
• Laptops
• Printers
• Cell Phone
• Scanners
• Photo Copiers
• Office Equipment
• Fax Machines
• Digital Camera
• Servers
• Car Batteries
• Networking Equipment
• Switches
• Routers
• And any old Chargers and Power Cords

Essentially they will take all old electronics with the exception of CRT monitors, TVs, and VCRs.

On April 6th, from 8:00 to 1:00 during the event, they will also have a hard drive shredder on location to destroy any hard drive and its personal information.

The Electronic Recycling Event will be held at Mother of Providence School, 607 South Providence Road, Wallingford, PA 19086 next to St. John Chrysostom Church. For more information please visit the website at http://www.mpregional.org or contact Preston Tyrrell at ptyrrell@mpregional.org or 610-656-3859.

E-Waste Recycling Event in Media on March 9

The Pennsylvania Resources Council and Ecovanta are hosting an Electronic Waste (E-Waste) Recycling Collection Event from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 9, 2013 in the Route 1/Baltimore Pike parking lot of the Granite Run Mall at 1067 W. Baltimore Avenue, Media, PA, 19063.

Acceptable items include:

• Computers / Laptops / Monitors 
• Computer Mice / Keyboards / Peripherals 
• CD Players 
• VCR/DVD Players 
• Cell Phones/Phones 
• Small Home Office Copiers/Fax Machines 
• Printers 
• TVs / Radios / Stereos 
• MP3 Players 
• Electronic Toys and Games 
• Photo and Video Cameras 
• Microwave Ovens 
• Mixed Household Electronics
• Prohibited Items:
• Hazardous Wastes / Liquids 
• Loose Batteries 
• Toner Cartridges 
• Fluorescent Lamps
• Common Electrical Appliances (e.g., washers, dryers, stoves, air conditioners, refrigerators, satellite dishes, space heaters)

They remind attendees that, as a general safety precaution, you should always make sure information in data storage devices, such as computers, smart phones, copiers, etc., is completely removed prior to donation or recycling.

Visit the Granite Run Mall online calendar for more information.

Hazardous Waste and E-Waste Recycling April 6

Delaware County will host a Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Recycling Event from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 6, 2013 at the Emergency Services Training Center at 1700 Calcon Hook Road, Sharon Hill, PA 19079.

Delaware County has expanded what can be accepted at this Household Hazardous Waste Collection Events to include most small E-Waste. Simply stated, if it has a cord, does not contain Freon (air conditioners, dehumidifiers, small refrigerators), and is not considered a large appliance, they will accept it. Visit http://www.co.delaware.pa.us/recycle/hhw.html for more information.

Organizing Toys: IKEA's Trofast System

The toys were taking over. My three-year-old son doesn't have as many as many toys as many of his peers, especially in houses with several kids of different ages and genders, but the abundance was still overwhelming our under-1,000-square-foot house.

The Old System

I had tried to keep up with it all, purging every few months and having a storage basket in the living room and the rest of his toys in his bedroom. Then the toys changed. Some got bigger, some got smaller, some came in sets with many little parts. Cars and figures and things kept falling to the bottom of the storage basket. He was in the habit of dumping it out or dumping out the under-bed storage bins to find those elusive, favorite, tiny items. It wasn't too difficult to clean up--just drop everything back into the big bins--but too much was taken out too often. Everything had a place, but he couldn't find anything. It didn't work.

Enter IKEA

I had been drooling over IKEA's Trofast storage system for a while. Since Thomas is a climber, regular shelves won't do. He even took the bins off of a rod system (pictured here), used the bare frame as a jungle gym, and then stacked the bins and used them as step stools. This was when he was two. Never again.

Trofast is unique because the wooden sides of its frame have slots in which you can place either a shelf or a bin. I decided to use the bottoms and tops of the frames as shelves and then use a lot of bins.

Purging

Some purging was necessary before I planned out which Trofast components I was going to buy. I separated toys into "keep" and "hide." I chose to box up some toys instead of giving them away just in case he asked for something specific weeks later. (He has--two things out of dozens.) The hide pile included broken toys, toys he didn't play with much anymore, and toys that annoyed me with their noises or battery requirements.

I have to admit that the most difficult part was weeding the books. While I am all too aware how much libraries and under-served children need books, I was surprised at how attached I was to some of these books. The width of the Trofast frame set a rigid limit on how many books I could store on its bottom shelf. I convinced myself that 40 or so books was enough for any three-year-old, especially when we live within a 15-minute drive of four public libraries. I kept a few baby books in Thomas's memorabilia box, and I kept the books that he loves to read now and that are appropriate for his age now and for the next few years. The rest will go to the library either for their shelves or their fundraising book sale.

Our System

There have to be thousands of ways to set up your Trofast system. I wanted Thomas's bedroom to be the "home" for all of his toys, so I only had room for three Trofast frames. I wrote down types of toys that could be stored in each bin and then sketched out a few possible configurations.

I purchased three of the tallest frames and then six small bins and three medium bins. Bins come in three sizes and a variety of colors. I chose white because, as far as I can tell, it is the only color that is translucent. Clear and translucent bins are great for kids (and adults) who are very visual and tend to forget where items are when they're put away ("out of sight, out of mind").

I am very happy at how the system turned out. Thomas likes it too. I made labels using Microsoft Word and photos of toys from the Internet.

Some of the bins can be a little heavy, but he enjoys using them as drawers or pulling the whole bin out. He can even carry a whole bin downstairs. Clean-up is easy, and it's much easier to find things.

Success! For now...

Household Hazardous Waste Recycling Event in Upper Chichester, PA

Saturday, October 13, 2012 Upper Chichester Township Municipal Building 8500 Furey Road (off Chichester Avenue) Upper Chichester, PA 19061 Computers, portable TVs and small electronics (excluding items containing Freon) will also be collected at this event. http://www.co.delaware.pa.us/recycle/index.html

Household Hazardous Waste Recycling Event in Media, PA

Thursday, September 13, 2012 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Rose Tree Park 1521 N. Providence Road Media, PA 19063 Computers, portable TVs and small electronics (excluding items containing Freon) will also be collected at this event. http://www.co.delaware.pa.us/recycle/hhw.html

Shredding Event on September 8

Pennsylvania State Representative Joe Hackett will host a shredding event on Saturday, September 8, from 9am to noon at his Folsom office. The office is located at 554 E. MacDade Blvd. in Folsom, Delaware County, PA. Call the office at 610-461-5543 for details. His website is http://www.rephackett.com/.