The Secret Lives of Hoarders_ True Stories of Tackling Extreme Clutter - Matt Paxton [86]
Prescription Drug Disposal
One way for clearing out used or expired prescription medication is to call a local veterinarian’s office or police department, as both process large amounts of controlled substances. Also check with local pharmacies, as many of them have national bag campaigns in which customers can fill a bag and the pharmacy will mail it to the FDA to be destroyed (free of charge).
EPA
It’s possible that the house may have some chemicals that are no longer safe. Have a list of the chemicals and call the EPA one time to discuss disposal options. They will most likely point the resident in the direction of a local dump on a special day, but it never hurts to contact the EPA first. Many professional cleaning companies will take care of this for the family.
Environmental Protection Agency: www.epa.gov
Bio-waste
If the house has alarming amounts of feces, urine, or medical waste, then the family should most likely hire a professional service. But if the family has questions during the research phase, I suggest contacting the company below and asking about their medical waste pickup.
Stericycle: www.stericycle.com
REMOVAL
We’ve found that many hoarders are in financially challenging situations and could use a few extra dollars. Although few sales of hoarded items yield financial windfalls, these resources are the best opportunity to earn some cash or a tax deduction.
Donation
Salvation Army: www.salvationarmyusa.org
Goodwill: www.goodwill.org
Craigslist: www.craigslist.org
Freecycle: www.freecycle.org
Appraisers and Auction Houses
Having a yard sale or estate sale is rarely worth the effort. We only work with auction houses, which typically take between 25 and 35 percent of the sale to cover their expenses.
American Society of Appraisers (Find an Appraiser tool): www.appraisers.com
Antiques Roadshow (listing of appraisers by name or specialty): www.pbs.org/wgbh/roadshow/appraisers/index.html
International Society of Appraisers (searchable membership database): www.isa-appraisers.org
Auction Guide: www.auctionguide.com
National Auctioneers Association: www.auctioneers.org
Home Shopping Networks
Most home shopping networks will accept recent returns on merchandise still in the packaging (obviously it must be clean). Call to ask about the options, and if the first customer service representative says no, then speak with a manager and explain the situation.
Scrap Metal
Scrap metal prices fluctuate according to the economy and time of year. Local scrap metal yards can quote prices for “separated” and “mixed” scrap. Unless the aluminum and copper are already separated, they will pay the lower “mixed” rate. Get a receipt and make sure the rate per ton matches the quote over the phone.
If delivering the metal isn’t an option, ask the local scrap yard if they can recommend a delivery service (expect to split the proceeds fifty-fifty with that service). For junked cars, most localities will insist that the registration and title are present before scrapping the car.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
I’ve always believed that opportunities can show themselves at any time. The first time I met my writing partner, Phaedra Hise, I learned that the magazine she worked for had just folded. I ended up paying for the coffee, but by that afternoon I had a literary agent and a rough draft for a book proposal. I must thank Phaedra for working side by side with me on this project and crafting my ramblings into purposeful stories with action and direction. Phaedra turned her life upside down to make this book happen, and I could never thank her enough. I also want to thank Jane Dystel at Dystel & Goderich Literary Management for putting her name behind mine and having