As summer winds down and a new school year approaches, many families find themselves knee-deep in closets, drawers, and storage bins. Back-to-school season is the perfect time to reset and clear out the clutter that’s piled up over the summer months. But before you start throwing things in the trash, take a moment to sort your items – many can be recycled or donated instead of tossed. Here’s a quick guide to help you declutter responsibly and efficiently.

Toss: What Truly Belongs in the Trash

Not everything can be salvaged, and that’s okay. Go ahead and toss:

• Broken or worn-out school supplies like dried-up markers, chewed-up pencils, and ripped notebooks.

• Damaged backpacks or lunchboxes that are beyond repair.

• Expired or leaking glue sticks, paint, and other unusable art supplies.

• Cracked plastic containers or water bottles that are no longer food-safe.

Be sure to check packaging for any items that might require special disposal, like batteries or electronics, so they don’t end up in a landfill improperly.

Recycle: Give Materials a Second Life

Many back-to-school items can be recycled, either curbside or through special programs:

• Paper from old notebooks, loose-leaf binders, and folders (remove metal or plastic parts first).

• Cardboard boxes from shoe or supply purchases.

• Some types of plastic containers, depending on local recycling rules.

• Used electronics like old calculators, tablets, or printers (for more information on e-waste, read our recent blog on the topic).

If you’re unsure about what your local facility accepts, a quick call to your waste provider or visit to your county recycling site can help clarify.

Donate: Help Others While Clearing Space

Plenty of items that your family has outgrown may still be useful to someone else. Consider donating:

• Gently used backpacks, lunch bags, and school uniforms.

• Extra pens, pencils, crayons, or notebooks in good condition.

• Clothing and shoes that no longer fit your growing little ones.

• Books your kids have outgrown but are still in readable shape.

Local schools, shelters, community centers, and nonprofit organizations often welcome school supply donations, especially during back-to-school season.

Make Decluttering a Family Activity

Getting your kids involved in the cleanup process can be a great way to teach them about responsibility, organization, and the importance of reducing waste. Let them help sort through their old items and decide what to keep, toss, recycle, or donate. It’s a practical life lesson—and a big help to you!

Back-to-school season is about fresh starts, and that includes your home. Taking the time to declutter responsibly not only clears space but also supports your community and helps protect the environment. By knowing what to toss, what to recycle, and what to donate, you can make your family’s transition into the new school year smoother and more sustainable.

If you’re tackling a bigger cleanout and need help managing the waste, Ryland Environmental offers convenient services to keep your project clean, efficient, and eco-friendly. Contact us to learn more.