For those not familiar with that early 90's show "Dinosaurs" we can call this day- Dump Run Day.

Here at the Lazy K, Hurling Day does not occur on the basis of the lunar line up, it happens when we can no longer walk through our garage.

Like most major holidays there is a great deal of preparation before the celebration. Everything that can be recycled is recycled. If it can be Goodwill'd or Habitat ReStore'd it is. Last but not least, everything has had one last chance at life via the FreeCycle lists. FreeCycling has saved us from celebrating extra Hurling Days.

You can be married to the same person for nearly 30 years but this day can cause a strain on any relationship. That half screams LOAD IT while this half has to study on the item just a bit longer to make sure it is really ready for that final rest. I am also stalling. I look forward to what comes next as much as that certain yearly doctor's visit. When the van is finally filled off we go to wait in line at the county landfill for our chance to hurl these things which have outlived their usefulness.

On this day, due in large part to my constant stalling, we are 12th in line for the scales. The county landfill has a wonderful view of the mountains and there is a very large entertainment factor in the waiting. Did you ever notice there is a correlation between the quality of the vehicle bringing in the trash and the quality of that trash?

The guy with the brand new SUV and trailer is hauling what appears to be a nearly new mattress and box springs. Dude- could those go to Habitat? The line there is shorter and instead of paying to get rid of it- you get a tax deduction!
The guy with stuff barely clinging to the sides of his truck reminds me of Hurling Day in NewMexico. Show up there without your load of junk covered and you get a nice fine in addition to the tipping fees.
In Santa Cruz County, CA that load of broken bikes would have ended up at the "Community Closet" where folks are free to come and leave stuff and you are welcome to take what you need.

In the past year we have seen everything from telephone poles and mounds of cardboard boxes to nice bicycles and antique wood doors being hurled. All things that had more life left in them had their owners a bit of time to find someone who could use them.

Now, I am not saying we at the Lazy K are perfect. We know we are not. I enjoy a store-gasm as much has the next person. Having lived in so many different places and seeing that there are some really great ways to free ourselves from our unloved items I can't help but want to see some change. Oh yeah, and as much as we move I think three times before I buy things. "Do I really want THAT following me around the rest of my life?"

How cool would it be if there were those little information signs all along the driveway leading to the scales?

Have you tried to recycle that?
Are you sure Goodwill won't take it?
Tax deductions beat paying tipping fees!
Ever hear of FreeCycle?
Why did you buy THAT in the first place?
The people of China thank you for your purchase, please come again soon!
This dump as X years left before it is full. The next one will be in your back yard. Have a nice day!

I have read the facts and figures and Blount County is doing a much better job of keeping these items out of the landfill. BRAVO! I just think we can do better if folks knew there are options to simple hurling.

Blount by Choice recycles by choice.