from flickr user lightsight
I'm like a kid at Christmas when it comes to council cleanups.
Every kerb is a Christmas tree, just bursting with presents and the angel on top is that everything is free! One year I was lucky enough to find a skateboard, sure it might have given me a few bruises, a broken arm and ended up back where I found it within a week but I had never had so much fun. Plus, when you're the kid at school with a cast because of a skateboarding accident you're living the life.
So you think searching through piles of someone else's rubbish sounds like more fun for your kids than you? Why not borrow some of their enthusiasm and imagination and see what DIY projects you can find. See some old dining chairs? Sand them back, paint them and chuck on a cushion – wallah, something you can be proud of. Not to mention the saving on refurbishment fees.
Council cleanups are also good for your figure. Why not combine some exercise and take a walk around your neighbourhood, to see what treasures you can find. I can guarantee that when your legs can't get you from pile to pile quick enough, there will be a discarded bike/scooter/pram that you can use. For me, cleanups aren't so much about throwing stuff out but more doing my duty and relieving other people of their burdens. It's a tough job but I'm willing to do it.
Council cleanups often mean that there are utes, vans or trucks scouring your rubbish for something they can use or sell. This often comes at an inconvenience to you so scavengers please take note:
1. Do not open tied up bags and throw the contents across the lawn - what if we have our old undies in there?
2. Do not double park in a street to heave a fridge into the back of your truck.
3. We know we have awesome things but to get in first is 3am really necessary?
Council cleanups generally happen twice a year however some councils have a phone-in service that you are entitled to up to 4 times a year. Each council is different so make sure to check out your Councils rules and start cleaning up at Council cleanups.
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