Do Just One Thing

Donating used items to charity is a great way to find a new home for your old things, get a tax deduction and help a worthwhile nonprofit raise funds. But not everything can be donated to charities, so it's best to ask before you drop off. In general, there are four categories of goods that are very difficult to donate and should either be recycled or sent to a landfill. Mattresses and box springs, for example, are difficult to donate, since it is illegal in most states to refurbish or resell beds, for sanitary reasons. Used electronics have become very difficult to give, since prices have come down and functionality is constantly and rapidly evolving. It's best to take old electronics to stores like Best Buy, where they are collected and recycled.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Tired of getting unsolicited offers in the mail that want to sign you up for a new credit card or insurance? One way to opt out on these mailings is to register online at the official Consumer Credit Reporting Industry website. There you'll have the option to opt-out from all mailings for five years, or permanently. Be sure to register twice if your billing address is different from your home address, so you can stop mailings at both addresses. To opt out, just visit optoutprescreen.com.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Yes, your dog's favorite toys need to be cleaned periodically. They spend a lot of time in mouths, outdoors or just lying on the ground picking up germs and bacteria. When you're ready to clean them, inspect them first. Are they falling apart or brittle? It may be time to dispose of the toys, since small pieces that break off can be a choking hazard. Then ditch using detergents or bleach to clean them; those products can leave a harmful residue. Instead soak the toys in a white-vinegar-and-water mixture, then run them on the gentle cycle in your washing machine.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION