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Clean the house and collect recyclables: how to tidy up without harming the environment

Clean the house and collect recyclables: how to tidy up without harming the environment

Published on: 2026-05-27

Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

On the eve of summer, specialists of the complexcity economy of Moscowand capitalDepartment of Natural Resources and EnvironmentThey explained how to properly organize space in the house and maintain cleanliness without unnecessary odors and harm to the environment.

Recycling Collection Corner

The regional operator of Moscow JSC “Ecotecprom” recommends organizing a separate space at home for collecting recyclables. If there is little space in the kitchen, a second container can be placed in any free space — in the pantry, corridor, or on the balcony. Recyclables must be preliminarily cleaned of food residues and dried, after which they will not cause inconvenience.

It is necessary to collect recyclables compactly so as not to take up much space either at home or in the courtyard container. Plastic bottles, aluminum and tin cans need to be compressed; cardboard boxes — folded along the seams; and containers and other packaging — nested inside each other. It is worth placing small containers for small items: caps, batteries, and blister packs from medicines.

For those who separately collect different types of recyclables and send them to recycling collection points“Moscow Eco-Spots”, yellow and green “bellflowers” or, for example, in the city eco-center of the regional operator JSC “EkoTeS Prom”, for temporary storage, it is recommended to use containers that can be placed one on top of another.

Convenient ways to recycle secondary raw materials in Moscow

Today in the capital, all conditions have been created to transfer items for reuse or processing. Within the framework of the project “Eco-points of Moscow,” which is being implemented by the capitalDepartment of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection, over 840 specialized reception points have been opened.

The main goal of the project is to reduce the volume of waste disposal and its negative impact on the environment, to put used household items or materials into secondary circulation, and also to create convenient infrastructure for separate collection for residents.

Thanks to this initiative, Muscovites can donate items for reuse or recycling. Clothes and textiles, books, toys in good condition will find new owners, and those that are unsuitable for further use will gain a second life as components for other products. In addition, you can donate electrical appliances, batteries, blister packs, and caps — from these raw materials will be obtained for the production of new goods.

The nearest eco-point can be found on the mapproject. Special containers are located in public places, parks, business centers, and shopping and entertainment complexes. Items can be brought there at a convenient time.

You can get rid of large-sized objects using the service“Removal of unnecessary items”on mos.ru, developed jointly with the capital’s departmentsInformation technologiesиhousing and communal services. Muscovites can leave a request for the removal of heavy furniture, appliances, and even an old car.

For those wishing to give their belongings a second life, the service also offers the opportunity to donate unwanted clothes and shoes for free inIn good condition. Wardrobe items will be sent to social platforms after processing, so they must be suitable for reuse: clean and free of foreign odors.

After submitting the application, an operator will call to agree on a convenient date and time for the removal. On the agreed day, specialists from the partner company will come and pick up the prepared items.

In addition, last year the first urban eco-center of a regional operator opened in MoscowJSC “Ecotechprom”. More than 20 components of secondary raw materials are accepted separately there, including hazardous waste — batteries and thermometers. Free lectures, excursions, and master classes are also held for guests.

Reasonable attitude towards products

You should evaluate the stock of products in the refrigerator and cupboard, as well as check their condition and expiration dates. Some products can be frozen to extend their shelf life.

Products should be kept away from direct sunlight to prevent them from spoiling prematurely. In the refrigerator, it is important to apply the principle of product adjacency and to keep ready meals separate from raw products.

Bulk products can be stored in airtight glass or plastic containers to protect against moisture and pests. For cereals, nuts, and dried fruits, linen or calico bags are well suited.

Order in the wardrobe

One should also responsibly treat things in the wardrobe. A slightly damaged favorite item of clothing can be tried to be repaired.

Clothes that are no longer planned to be worn can be handed over to special containers. Items in good condition will be given to those in need — large families, low-income citizens, pensioners, people with limited health capabilities. The rest will be sent for recycling.

Clothing containers can also accept bed linen and home textiles. Fabrics with a high cotton content will be used to make wiping rags. These are needed in auto repair shops and various industrial manufacturing facilities.

Harmony on the bookshelf

On the bookshelf, it is important to evaluate which editions will no longer be useful and which readings will definitely not find time. Unnecessary copies can be given to friends, donated to the library, or left at a book exchange point.

Veterinary publications without covers and with torn-out pages, as well as outdated textbooks and reference books, can be submitted for recycling as waste paper in blue containers or specialitemsпо приему книг.

Household appliance is in order

Devices that are out of order, unnecessary chargers, and cables can also be handed over for recycling. Household appliances and electronics are accepted in large chain stores — and the address can be found on the project map.“Moscow’s Eco-Spots”.

Another way is to put unnecessary devices up for sale with the help of advertisements. A technician in working condition may still be useful to someone, and broken items can go for spare parts. It is not worth discarding devices into ordinary gray and blue containers in the yard, because this can harm the environment.

Thanks to the “Removal of Unwanted Items” service, Muscovites have sent more than 200 tons of items to social platforms.Children’s toys can now be brought to the reception points of the “Ecotochki Moscow” project

Ecological cleanup

Instead of the usual household chemicals, natural products can be used — they easily cope with household dirt. Soda and vinegar will help remove lime scale and greasy stains. Vinegar solution can be used to wash mirrors and windows, while citric acid whitens and removes scale.

Instead of disposable wipes, towels, and sponges made of foam that quickly become unusable and are not accepted for recycling, it is better to use durable wipes made of microfiber and bamboo fiber, sponges made of cellulose and jute. An excellent idea is to cut old cotton T-shirts and use them as cleaning material.

A good helper is a steam cleaner. It does not require the use of household chemicals and allows you to disinfect and clean surfaces using only water. If possible, it is advisable to choose a vacuum cleaner with a container or a reusable bag for collecting dust, so as not to increase the amount of waste.

The implementation of the “Eco-points of Moscow” project corresponds to the goals and objectives of the national project“Ecological welfare”. More about the national projects of Russia and the contribution of the capital can be found atspecial page.

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Please note; This information is raw content directly obtained from the information source. It represents an exact report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.