DEAR SUN SPOTS: I have several cans of latex paint that I’d like to dispose of. Would you know of a place that accepts these? Thanks for any help you can provide. — No name, Turner

ANSWER: If you feel the paint is still usable and you have a full can or more, please take the time to call around to some area nonprofits to see if they can use them. White and any other neutral colors that can be used inside or out are usually welcome. I say this because someone donated cans of paint to a community hall in the town I live in and they were used to give the restrooms and the kitchen a fresh coat of paint by a few teenage volunteers.

If it’s just a small quantity, open the can and allow the paint to dry up so it can be disposed of easily. Do you have a permit to use the transfer station in town? Call 225-2980 and ask the experts what to do with it.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I have some old cellphones to dispose of. Where do they go and do I need to remove the battery? — No name, no town

ANSWER: You can recycle those phones rather than dispose of them. Touch base with your local cellphone store. They should take them.

Another option is to donate your phone to bigskyrecylcing.com. They recycle any type of cellphone to support nonprofits. Instructions are on its website.

Is your cellphone new enough and in good condition to sell? Wipe the information off it, return it to its factory settings then look up some places to sell it.

Online yard sale sites (on Facebook) are good for this and there is a kiosk outside Walmart. Go to ecoatm.com to find all the directions to walk you through the process. It’s easy, helps the environment, and will bring in a few dollars (or more) for you!

Readers, if you have other suggestions, we’d love to hear them.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I’m looking for a reputable company to clean out my barn and garage. Nothing needs to be sorted or sold. What is left just needs to be disposed of or recycled. I’d love to have some recommendations from readers and of course, have any Rolodex listings. — Linda, Mechanic Falls

ANSWER: It looks like everyone is getting into spring cleaning in both big and small ways. I hope lots of readers will write in with other recommendations. The Dump Guy (thedumpguy.com) is a company that will take care of your barn, and more, for you. They are reasonably priced and very easy to communicate with.

Another option is 1-800-Got-Junk (1800gotjunk.com).  This business is also incredible when it comes to getting rid of things you no longer want or need.

With both of these companies, you really don’t have to lift a finger, except to point at what you want gone whether “the stuff” is in your attic, basement, crawl space, garage, barn, or your living room. They also remove demolition materials and yard debris. I think it’s a wonderful feeling to clear the space around you and make room for some air!

This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name. We won’t use it if you ask us not to. Please include your phone number. Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can also be emailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com.

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