Less Stuff, More Sunshine: Spring Cleaning for You and the Environment
As the days start getting longer and we start thinking about spring, there’s that familiar feeling in the air: change is coming. In most places, that means warming temps and blooming flowers. In Florida? It could mean sunshine one minute, a thunderstorm the next, and somehow a cold front by dinner. Gotta love our “four seasons in one day” lifestyle.
But unpredictable weather aside, this time of year is perfect for something we all need to do more often - cleaning and purging. Spring is just around the corner, and now’s the perfect time to get a head start on clearing out the clutter and safely getting rid of things you no longer need.
That’s where the Martin County Solid Waste Division makes it easy for us.
Every Martin County resident knows preparing for hurricane season includes checking batteries for flashlights and radios in case of power outages. But many people don’t realize that batteries are considered household hazardous waste and shouldn’t be tossed into your regular curbside garbage. Batteries - and many other everyday items - need to be diverted from the landfill and disposed of properly.
Luckily, there are two free and convenient ways to do just that: Martin County’s Household Hazardous Waste Collection Vehicle, better known as the HazMobile and the Household Hazardous Waste Disposal Center.
The HazMobile. This vehicle travels to locations throughout Martin County, giving residents a safe, easy way to dispose of hazardous household items. Each month, it stops at fire stations in Hobe Sound, Stuart, Jensen Beach, Indiantown, Port Salerno, and Tequesta, as well as Town Commons Park in Sewall’s Point. The full schedule - with dates, times, and locations - is available on Martin County’s website.
Household Hazardous Waste Disposal Center. The County also operates a permanent disposal Center at 9155 Busch Street in Palm City, where residents can drop off up to 100 pounds of waste at no charge.
What exactly is household hazardous waste?
You might be surprised how many items around your home fall into the “hazardous” category. Take a look in your kitchen, bathroom, and garage for things like:
- Aerosol cans and fertilizers
- Batteries of all sizes, including car and boat batteries
- Pool chemicals, cleaners, acids, and corrosive products
- Electronics like TVs, computers, cell phones, and printers
- Used motor oil, antifreeze, and automotive fluids
- Fluorescent bulbs and other mercury-containing items
- Paint, paint thinners, and solvents
- Pesticides, herbicides, and weed killers
Keeping Martin County clean, green, and beautiful goes beyond cleanups and litter removal. Disposing of your household hazardous waste properly is a simple step that makes a big difference - and it’s something every resident can do.
Letting go of things that no longer serve you isn’t just good for the environment - it’s good for you, too. Clearing out clutter can bring a sense of calm, focus, and even a little peace of mind. When we simplify our spaces, we often find we’re also simplifying our lives.
It’s also a great time to be mindful about what we bring into our homes in the first place. Before making a purchase, pause and ask: Do I really need this? Will I use it? Choosing to consume less and buy more intentionally helps reduce waste, save money, and protect the beautiful place we call home.
To learn more about Keep Martin Beautiful and how you can get involved in projects and initiatives to protect our environment, visit the Keep Martin Beautiful website or follow Keep Martin Beautiful on Facebook and Instagram.
And as always, thank you to everyone already doing their part to Keep Martin County Beautiful!
