Readers Share Their Disposal Dilemmas

By Lisa Pemberton, The Olympian, Olympia, Wash.

Apr. 8–The ongoing series, “Where Do I Take My … ?” strives to make it easier for those committed to recycling, reusing and curbing waste.

Here are some of the latest reader disposal dilemmas:

Question: I came across a gallon container of expired mayonnaise that had gone rancid. I considered that as a fat. It might be desired by bio-fuel places, but I could not get an answer to that so I’d appreciate your wisdom on the correct way of disposing or recycling same.

Answer: We ran this question by folks in Thurston County Environmental Health.

They said mayonnaise has an emulsifier that won’t allow the oils to break down for bio-fuel.

Their recommendation is to add the mayonnaise to a food-waste compost bin, or include it in your regular garbage. They said another option, because it is a relatively small amount of mayonnaise that will break down quickly, is to dig a hole and bury it.

Q: Do you have any ideas or leads on where to take my strollers, car seats and playpens to be reused? They are all in pretty good shape. … Are there any local churches that could use them?

I just don’t feel right about taking them to the dump, but I don’t want to store them until s pring waiting for garage sale time. Any help you can offer would be appreciated.

A: Yes, several community groups and organizations accept used baby gear. Be cause of safety concerns, most organizations won’t accept car seats.

But if you have items that are clean and in good shape, consider donating to one of the following groups.

As always, call ahead to make sure your donation will be accepted.

n Providence Maternal Child Health — which visits the homes of 500 families liv ing in Thurston, Lewis and Mason counties — accepts children’s clothing, baby blankets and baby furniture for several of its clients. Call Linda Clark at 360-493-5944.

n The Baby Bank, operated by the Church of Christ in Olympia, accepts donations of infant and toddler clothes, strollers, highchairs, bouncy seats and just about any other type of baby gear, except used car seats. Call 360-357-6617.

n Care Net Pregnancy Center, 135 Lilly Road N.E., Olympia, is a nonprofit, Christian-based organization that helps pregnant women in need. They accept maternity clothes and clothing for children up to age 4, as well as sling-type carriers, blankets, b ottles, high chairs, swings, chairs and other furniture. Call 360-753-8023.

n Children’s Hospital Thrift Store, 2703 Capital Mall Drive S.W., Olympia, ac c epts toys, books, furniture and children’s clothing. Call 360-236-8245.

n Goodwill Industries, 400 Cooper Point Road S.W., Olympia, accepts clothing and furniture for resale. For donation hours, call 360-956-0669.

n Goodwill, 1145 Galaxy Drive N.E., Lacey (on the corner of Galaxy Drive and Martin Way), accepts clothing and furniture. Call 360-413-7191.

n Value Village, 604 Sleater-Kinney Road S.E., Lacey, accepts clothing, furniture, books and other baby items that are in resalable condition. Call 360-923-2410.

n Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 812 Bowker St. S.E., Lacey, operates a clothing bank that accepts baby clothes and blankets. It does not accept large appliances or furniture. Items can be dropped off at any time at the drop box in front of the clothing bank, which is behind the church. Call 360-528-2036.

n St. Vincent de Paul accepts clothing, baby cribs, blankets, strollers, car seats and other baby furniture for its Pregnancy Aid program at St. Michael Catholic Church, 1021 Boundary St., Olympia. For hours, call 360-352-7554.

Each Tuesday in Living, learn how to dispose of everything from electronics to hazardous materials. Share ideas for reducing, reusing or recycling with Lisa Pemberton at lpemberton@theolympian.com.

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