April 10, 2024 Copiague

IS IT A STROKE?

WHAT TO KNOW & WHERE TO GO

BE FAST to recognize stroke symptoms and get help immediately—because prompt treatment is crucial.

At Northwell's South Shore University Hospital, our 24/7 team of experts—and prestigious Comprehensive Stroke Center certification—mean we can effectively treat even the most complex stroke events within minutes. So recovery is within reach.

Northwell.edu /BEFAST

BALANCE off?

EYESIGHT changes?

FACE drooping?

ARM weakness?

SPEECH difficulty?

TIME to call 911, if “yes” to any of the above.

April Happenings

Make a submission! Events must be submitted at least two weeks prior to the event date and will run free of charge on a space available basis. For more info, call 631.226.2636 x211 or send events to natalieraccuglia@longislandmediagroup.com.

THURSDAY, APRIL 11

7:00PM

HISTORY OF THE FIRE ISLAND LIGHTHOUSE

The Seaford Historical Society will host Angela Reich from the Fire Island Lighthouse Preservation Society. Her presentation will be about the history of the Lighthouse and it's historic rescues. Her book, "Shipwreck of Hopes", will be for sale that evening (cash only). Held at 3890 Waverly Ave in Seaford. Refreshments, raffles. $5 for nonmembers, free to members. For more info email mapfannon@verizon.net.

FRIDAY, APRIL 12

10:00AM-1:00PM

WHITE ELEPHANT AND BAG SALE

The Simpson United Methodist Church in Amityville is having a thrift shop sale. Pack a bag of clothes for $5 or buy some thrift shop treasures. New and used items are available for sale. Located at 30 Locust Avenue, Amityville. Call Mary for more information at 516-991-8098. Donations are accepted.

SATURDAY, APRIL 13

6:30PM

RADIO BINGO

The St. Rose of Lima Outreach in Massapequa is having a fun fundraiser. The event will take place in the school's all-purpose room. Admisson is $35 per person (over 21 please) and includes bingo, and refreshments. Tickets for raffle baskets and other prizes will be available for purchase. For more information call 516-798-6237.

7:00PM

SUPERMARKET WINGO AND CHINESE AUCTION

The Grace United Methodist Church is hosting a Supermarket WINGO and Chinese Auction. Doors open at 6PM. Admission is $10. For more information call 631-226-8690.

SUNDAY, APRIL 14

8:00AM-10:00AM

FLAPJACK FUNDRAISER

Support the West Islip Boy Scout Troop 95 for a Flapjack Fundraiser at Applebee's in East Islip. Tickets are $15 for adults, and $6 for children under 10. Tickets available at the door. For more information call 631-379-0577 or email mommymastro5@gmail.com. If you are unable to attend, donations are accepted by Venmo at @troop-95.

10:00AM-4:30PM

ALL KIDS FAIR

This year’s All Kids Fair will be held at Samanea New York Mall, formerly The Source Mall, at 1504 Old Country Road in Westbury. There will be various activities and for children such as face painting, balloon animals, ninja warrior obstacle course and more. Tickets can be purchased online, $5 for children ages 2 and up and adults, at www. AllKidsFair.com/Tickets. Tickets purchased at the door are $10 for children ages 2 and up and $5 for adults. Children 1 and younger are admitted at no charge. Visit their website at www.AllKidsFair.com for more information.

FRIDAY, APRIL 19

7:00PM

AUCTION/TRIVIA NIGHT

The Our Lady of Perpetual Help Blue Door Boutique is sponsoring an auction/trivia night at the school auditorium, 240 South Wellwood

Avenue, Lindenhurst. There will be a fun-filled night of trivia and exciting auctions. Admission is: $5 and includes an auction paddle and entrance to the trivia quiz. Admission tickets are available at the door. Proceeds benefit the Church. Email gtonness@optonline.net for more information.

SATURDAY, APRIL 20

10:30AM

GARDENING CLASS

A series of gardening classes created to address everything that's going on in your garden at the time of the class. Held at Organics Today Farm in East Islip. Visit OT Farm on Facebook for more info or text 631-480-6497.

THURSDAY, APRIL 25

7:15PM-10:30PM

JINGO

The Constantino Brumidi Lodge n Deer Park presents JINGO, a fun spin on traditional bingo where bingo balls are replaced with music beats. Doors open at 6:30 PM $30 per person Includes: 1 JINGO packet, crayons or markers on the table,dessert, coffee/ tea, cash bar, and door prize. For tickets or more information call Karen at 631-943-3622.

SATURDAY, APRIL 27

8:30PM

DRIVE-IN MOVIE

A charity drive-in movie, screening Back To The Future, at Costello's Ace Hardware in Copiague. Attend for a donation of any amount. Proceeds benefit Kids Need More, helping families coping with life-threatening illnesses. Just show up or reserve your parking spot on their website at www.kidsneedmore.org/movie.

Renovations That Help Sell Homes HOME & GARDEN

The adage “there’s a lid for every pot” suggests that, even in relation to the real estate market, there’s bound to be a buyer for every home on the market. Price is a significant variable in the minds of potential buyers, but there are additional factors that can affect the impression people get of a given home. Certain home features can tip the scales in favor of sellers. In fact, various renovations can help sell homes more readily. And these renovations need not cost a fortune. Putting a home on the market can be stressful, but these renovations may help it sell fast.

• A fresh coat of paint: Although painting is relatively inexpensive and a job that some doit-yourselfers can tackle, it’s not a task relished by many. Painting is messy, it takes time, and requires moving furniture. In fact, prepping a room for painting often is the toughest component of any painting job. But fresh coats of paint can create a strong first impression. Choose a neutral color and get painting. Jennie Norris, chairwoman for the International Association of Home Staging Professionals, says gray is a “safe” color that has been trending in recent years.

• Minor bathroom remodel: Remove dated wall coverings, replace fixtures, consider reglazing or replacing an old tub, and swap old shower doors for fast fixes in a bathroom. If there’s more room in the budget, replacing a tub, tile surround, floor, toilet, sink, vanity, and fixtures can cost roughly $10,500, says HGTV. You’ll recoup

an average of $10,700 at resale, making a minor bathroom remodel a potentially worthy investment.

• Redone kitchen: The kitchen tends to be the hub of a home. This room gets the most usage and attention of any space, and it’s a great place to focus your remodeling attention. The National Association of the Remodeling Industry estimates that homeowners can recover up to 52 percent of the cost of a kitchen upgrade upon selling a home. Buyers want a functional and updated kitchen. Trending features include drawer-style microwaves and dishwashers, commercial ranges, hidden outlets, and even wine refrigerators.

• Updated heating and cooling system: Better Homes and Gardens reports that homeowners may be able to recoup 85 percent of the cost of new HVAC systems when they

sell their homes. Heating, cooling and ventilation components are vital to maintain. You don’t want buyers to be taken aback by an older system, and many millennial buyers are not willing to overlook old mechanical systems.

• Fresh landscaping: A home’s exterior is the first thing buyers will see. If they pull up to a home with eyecatching landscaping and outdoor areas that are attractive yet functional, they’re more likely to be intrigued. Often buyers will equate a home that features an impressive exterior with upkeep inside as well. The American Nursery Landscape Association says the average homeowner may spend $3,500 for landscaping.

Improving a home’s chances to sell quickly and at a higher price often comes down to making smart improvements that catch the eyes of buyers.

Jeff Lambert ASSISTANT TO THE

Joe Lambert

Edward Rodriguez

Patty Franks ADMINISTRATION

Teri Tinkler

Diana Lambert

Dorrine Lambert

PRODUCTION MANAGER

Josh Marlowe GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

Felicia Edwards

MARKETING MANAGER

Noelle Lambert

ADMIN & EDITORIAL ASSISTANT

Natalie Raccuglia

Victoria Kokolakis

Stephan Schulze

PROOFREADING

Carol Link

Bob Liquorie

Nicole Sims

Kim Volz

Bonnie Schifano

Lucille Moran

Terry Rydyzynski

Noelle Lambert

Kathy Trotta SCAN HERE

Kerry Mastrobuoni ACCOUNT

Maintaining A Lawn Routinely Roamed By Pets HOME & GARDEN

Vibrant, green lawns can draw attention to any landscape. Many homeowners toil for hours each week to ensure their lawns are pristine or invest in lawn care services to help maintain a yard if they do not have the time to do so themselves. While many treatments can be applied to lawns to help them thrive, animal waste is not among them. Pet owners who aspire to have beautiful lawns have to take a few extra steps to ensure lawns can persevere despite the presence of furry companions.

Reseed with a damage-resistant grass

There are many different types of grass, and some are more resilient than others. Tall fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, and Bermuda grass are just

some of the grass varieties that can capably handle pet traffic. If replacing the entire lawn is not possible, consider reseeding or addressing the areas that pets frequent.

Strengthen the root system

It may be tempting to cut the lawn short, particularly if dogs or cats like to nibble on long blades of grass, but that approach could be doing the lawn a disservice. According to The Home Depot, letting the lawn grow to at least three inches will keep moisture in the soil and prevent evaporation. That moisture will strengthen the roots, creating a healthier lawn.

Create pet paths

Various materials can be used in these high-

traffic areas to minimize the sights and signs of pet traffic. Mulch or crushed stone can establish these pet highways and look like intended features.

Set boundaries

Pet urine contains high levels of nitrogen, which can burn grass and turn it brown. It’s not possible to water down urine or pick up solid waste immediately every time a pet goes outdoors, so designate a pet-friendly spot for potty time. Use fencing or a dog run to separate this area and help mitigate “land mines” all over the lawn. Fencing also can keep pets out of vegetable gardens and away from potentially toxic plants.

Avoid chemical lawn treatments

When pets use the yard

and rest on the lawn, you’ll need to eliminate products that can be harmful to them. Choose all-natural fertilizers and weed and pest preventatives.

Look for alternatives

If maintaining a lawn with pets seems like an

uphill battle, consider swapping out your landscape with a variety of materials. Scale back on grass, and incorporate groundcover, hardscape materials like pea gravel, or extend the patio. Artificial turf also is an option, as it won’t brown

and wither. Some turf products can even be quickly and thoroughly cleaned with water.

It takes trial and error for pet parents to protect their lawns from the effects of having furry friends playing in the yard.

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KIWANIS CLUB OF COPIAGUE

Save The Date! Thursday, May 16 th

Copiague Libr ary 50 Deauvill e Blvd. Copiague

Copiague Students Honored By Local Knights Of Columbus

Copiague School District students were recognized by members of the Knights of Columbus for their participation in the organization’s annual poster and essay contests at the March 11 board of education meeting at Copiague Middle School.

The poster contest, now in its 14th year, garnered more than 250 entries to tackle the issue of drug and alcohol abuse. Students received a certificate and gift card sponsored by the Knights of Columbus. Ten students from Copiague School District were

chosen as winners. The district congratulates the following students for their winning entries: Sophia Viacava (Copiague Middle School);

Hailey Hitzel (Copiague Middle School); Aliyah Fernandez (Copiague Middle School); Nauddys Sanchez DeJesus (Copiague Middle School); Mia Guillen (Deauville Gardens East Elementary School);

Olivia Charles (Susan E. Wiley Elementary School); Daniela Rodriguez (Susan E. Wiley Elementary School); Marek Gonzalez (Deauville Gardens East Elementary School); Sallyiah Abdullah (Deauville Gardens East Elementary School); and Yamila Guiterrez (Deauville Gardens East Elementary School). This year’s annual essay contest focused on the concept of religious liberty. Each student winner received a gift card and council certificate. From Copiague Middle School, this year’s Knights of Columbus essay contest winners were: Keyrin Hernandez Burgos (first place), Jaden Rose (second place) and Aiden Lopez (third place).

Copiague Middle School. Photos courtesy of Copiague School District

State Senator Martinez Announces Small Business Administration Disaster Loan Outreach Center Opens In Babylon Center Will Assist Residents Impacted By January Storm,

New York State Senator Monica R. Martinez is welcoming the opening of a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loan Outreach Center in Babylon. The center is located at Babylon Town Hall and will assist constituents from across the Fourth Senatorial District who suffered losses as a result of the January 9-10, 2024 storm that impacted the region with heavy rain, high winds, and coastal flooding.

Representatives of the SBA will assist eligible residents and businesses in Suffolk and Nassau Counties who suffered economic losses as a result of the storm to apply for low-interest loans. Those who can apply include businesses, homeowners, renters, and private nonprofit organizations. They must be in a declared disaster area and meet other eligibility criteria depending on the type of loan. The types of disaster loans available are:

• Business Physical Disaster Loans –Loans to businesses to repair or replace disaster-damaged property owned by the business, including real estate, inventories, supplies, machinery, and equipment. Businesses of any size are eligible. Private, non-profit organizations such as charities, churches, private universities, etc., are also eligible.

• Economic Injury Disaster Loans

(EIDL) – Working capital loans to help small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture, and most private, nonprofit organizations of all sizes meet their ordinary and necessary financial obligations that cannot be met as a direct result of the disaster.

• Home Disaster Loans – Loans to homeowners or renters to repair or replace disasterdamaged real estate and personal property, including automobiles.

“Picking up the pieces after a natural disaster can be overwhelming. I

Newly Diagnosed Breast Cancer Support Group On Zoom

thank Governor Hochul for coordinating with our federal partners to get support to the Long Island region and the Small Business Administration for recognizing the severity of this event and for being there to help our neighbors find the resources to recover after its devastation,” said Senator Martinez.

The Babylon Town Hall Disaster Loan Outreach Center is located at 200 Sunrise Highway in Lindenhurst and will open to the public.

The site’s hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and closed on Saturdays and Sundays.

The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is May 10, 2024, and

December 11, 2024, for economic injury applications.

To apply online, please visit lending.sba.gov or call the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 1-800659-2955.

The Adelphi New York Statewide Breast Cancer Hotline and Support Program offers emotional

The Adelphi NY Statewide Breast Cancer Program is forming a new online support group for individuals diagnosed with breast cancer within the past 18-months. The group, which is free, will provide the opportunity for people to meet with others, and receive support. Sessions will be held on Thursdays from 12:00 noon to 1:30 p.m. on Zoom for 6 weeks from May 2nd through June 6, 2024. For more information and to register, call Nina Foley, LMSW at (516) 877-4315.

support and resources to people with and/or concerned about breast cancer. To reach the Hotline, which is staffed by volunteers who are breast cancer survivors, call 800877-8077 or online at breast-cancer.adelphi.edu. You are not alone.

& GARDEN

Tips To Revitalize A Garden This Spring HOME

Gardening is a rewarding hobby that pays a host of significant dividends. Many people love gardening because it allows them to spend time outdoors, and that simple pleasure is a notable benefit of working in a garden. However, the National Initiative for Consumer Horticulture

notes that gardening provides many additional benefits, including helping people get sufficient levels of exercise, reduce stress, and improve mood. With so much to gain from gardening, it’s no wonder people look forward to getting their hands dirty in the garden each spring.

Lindenhurst

Moose Lodge 1421

883 South Broadway

Lindenhurst, NY 11757

All of the Following events are for Members and Qualified Guests. For Members only our Main Dining Hall is available for your Special events,Showers, Weddings, Birthdays, etc.

Contact Coworker

Theresa Restivo 631-2524203 for Information.

Our Social Quarters

Open ~ 6:00 pm to 10:00pm - Sun, Mon, Tues, & Thurs. 6:00 pm to 12:00 am

- Friday & Saturday CLOSED Wednesday.

** Kitchen Open Monday and Thursdays 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm

*Sunday on Pool Nights 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm

(Permitting - keep an eye on the App. for event changes)

As the weather warms up, consider these tips to help bring a garden back to life.

• Discard the dead weight. Winter can take its toll on a garden, even in regions where the weather between December and early spring is not especially harsh. Discard dead plants that have lingered into spring and prune any perennials that need it. Branches that fell during winter storms also should be removed at this point if they have not previously been discarded.

• Test the soil. Soil testing kits can be purchased at local garden centers and home improvement retailers. Such tests are inexpensive and can reveal if the soil needs to be amended to help plants thrive.

• Mulch garden beds. Mulching benefits a garden by helping soil retain moisture and preventing the growth of weeds. Various garden experts note that mulching in spring can prevent weed seeds from germinating throughout spring and summer. That means plants won’t fight weeds for water when the temperature gets warmer. It also means gardeners won’t have to spend time pulling weeds this summer.

• Inspect your irrigation system. Homeowners with in-ground irrigation systems or above-ground systems that utilize a drip or soaker function can inspect the systems before plants bloom. Damaged sprinkler heads or torn lines can deprive

Moose Corner

** Event Tickets are available in the Social Quarters. Please ask your server. ***

~Saturday Nights~ Queen of Hearts is up there! Drawing is at 9:00 pm every Saturday.. Tickets are ONLY available in the Social Quarters to Members who are in good standing. Please have your I.D. card ***

~Saturday April 13th~

Lindenhurst Women of the Moose Chinese Auction

Come one Come All In Person!!

Items from XXL to Small Doors open at 6:00pm

Admission: $10.00 pp

Includes Ticket Package, Coffee & Tea, Food will be available for Purchase from the Kitchen.

Questions or concerns please call Teri at

631-415-2249

Location: Lindenhurst Moose Lodge #1421 883 South Broadway Lindenhurst.

~Monday April 15th~ Lodge General Membership Meeting 8:00pm.

If you have a Question, Suggestion or Concerns. Please ask to speak with the Board Members on meeting nights, they are here to help you.

Contact The Lodge President Bridget Ahlers 631-834-4742

~Tuesday April 16th~

Women of The Moose Officers Meeting 6:30pm

Women of The Moose General Meeting 7:30pm

~Saturday April 20th~

All you Can Eat Breakfast Buffet Buffet Includes: Pancakes, Fresh Made Texas French Toast,

plants of the water they need to bloom and ultimately thrive once the weather warms up.

• Tune up your tools. Gardening tools have likely been sitting around gathering dust since fall. Serious gardeners know that tools can be expensive, so it pays to protect that investment by maintaining tools. Sharpened pruners help make plants less vulnerable to infestation

and infection. Wellmaintained tools like shovels and hoes also make more demanding gardening jobs a little bit easier, so don’t forget to tune up your tools before the weather warms up.

It’s almost gardening season, so gardeners can start on the necessary prep work to ensure their gardens grow strong and beautiful this spring.

Eggs, Cheese Eggs, Bacon, Sausage, Toast, Juice, Coffee & Tea. Dining doors are open 9:00 am - 11:00 am

Admission: $10.00 pp

Kids under age 12 - $5.00 For more Information or table reservation please call, Keyana 631-457-9484 ***

~Sunday April 14th ~ NYSMA District 4 & Council of Higher Degrees Meeting at 9:30 A.M.

Lindenhurst Lodge 1421 883 South Broadway

Contact Paul LaMartina516-650-8903 ***

~Monday April 15th~ Lodge General Membership Meeting 8:00pm.

Lodge Installation of Officers

If you have a Question, Suggestion or Concerns. Please ask to speak with the Board Members on meeting nights,

they are here to help you.

Contact The Lodge President Bridget Ahlers 631-834-4742 ***

~Tuesday April 16th~ Women of The Moose Officers Meeting 6:30pm Followed by WOTM Chapter Meeting 7:30pm Installation of Officers

Volunteers are needed for all in house and outside events. Let us know what you CAN do....to help Your Lodge thrive.

Whether you can or are willing to learn, how to cook, set-up, breakdown, serve food, make drinks, assist or hold your own activities.

MEMBERS Your Lodge & Co-Workers Need You and Your Ideas..

Call or text Bridgette F. 631-988-4589 she will put you in touch with the right person(s).

Save The Dates:

**~ April 28th - NASCAR 400

**~ May 4th - Mutant Kings

**~ May 11th - Night at The Races

**~ May 12th - Mother’s Day Brunch ***

All Members must present there Membership Card upon entering the building, If you do not have your Membership Card you must sign the guest book.

Please Call the Social Quarters after 6:00pm 631-226-4364 for more information on all Dates and Events Listed.

Thank you for supporting our Community, Mooseheart, Moosehaven & Our Lodge. LIKE us on FacebookLOOM1421 (The Official Lodge Page).

Copiague Memorial Public Library

50 Deauville Boulevard, Copiague, New York 11726

Tel 631-691-1111

Baby Shower Donations

Be part of helping new parents start strong! The Copiague Library will be taking donations of NEW items for our Community Baby Shower to be held on May 25. Items such as bottles, pacifiers, onesies, swaddle blankets, pajamas and diapers will be accepted.

Trex Recycling Challenge

The Copiague community recycled over 1700 pounds of plastic in 2023, as part of the Library’s Trex Recycling Drive! Help us reach our goal of at least 1000 pounds recycled in 2024 and you could win a Trex bench! Stop by the Library with your clean plastic bags, film or packaging and enter our Trex bench raffle. Donate all year to keep plastic out of our landfills and waterways, and increase your chances of winning! Go to copiaguelibrary.org to find out more information and to track our progress.

Earth DayGarden Passport

Pick up an Earth DayGarden Passport at the Information Desk. After each Earth Day or Gardening program you attend at the Library, stop by the Information Desk to receive a stamp for your passport. Attend three programs by May 25 and drop off your passport to enter to win a fabulous garden basket.

Seed Library

The seed library is back! Please feel free to take 5 packets of our organic, non-GMO vegetable and flower seeds to plant in your garden this year. Stop by the Information Desk to check out your seed packets.

Afternoon Games

Fridays, April 12, 19 12:30 - 3:30 PM

Come with your group to play any game of your choice. Registration is necessary.

Fax 631-691-5098

VA Outreach

Wednesdays, April 10 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Are you a Veteran? Unsure of what benefits you are entitled to? Need information on any benefits? Then come to the Library and see an Outreach Specialist from the Nassau Veterans Center. Registration is necessary.

Afternoon Book Discussion

Thursday, April 11 1:30 - 3:00 PM

Better Living Through Birding: Notes from a Black Man in the Natural World by Christian Cooper Download a copy of this book from Libby or pick up a copy at the Circulation Desk. Registration is necessary.

Long Island Sierra Club: Clean Energy

Thursday, April 11 6:30 - 8:30 PM

This program will be held in person and via Zoom. Learn how the solar industry has come into its own in the last few years. Join Empire Clean Energy president Bill Feldman for this informative lecture. Registration is necessary.

Paper Shredding Event

Saturday, April 13 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

A shredding truck from Storage Quarters will be in our parking lot for contactless, on-site shredding of personal documents. There will be a limit of 2 standard file boxes per vehicle. Cardboard, plastic, and binders will not be accepted. Registration not required.

A Rundown On DIY Demos HOME & GARDEN

Joseph Dwyer

Veterans Project

Tuesdays, April 16 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

The Dwyer Project serves Veterans, service members, and their families with postservice transitional issues, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI). Support groups are led by Veteran peers who can relate to the experiences of group members. Registration not required.

Evening Book Discussion

Tuesday, April 16 7:00 - 8:30 PM

This program is via Zoom only. Better Living Through Birding: Notes from a Black Man in the Natural World by Christian Cooper. Download a copy of this book from Libby or pick up a copy at the Circulation Desk. Registration is necessary.

The Wonders of Central Park

Wednesday, April 17 6:30 - 8:00 PM

In the early 1850’s wealthy New York merchants and landowners admired the public grounds of London and Paris. They argued that New York needed a comparable facility to establish its international reputation. Find out how Central Park was created and recently restored to the beautiful place it is today. Explore the many destinations that comprise the park with travel expert Sheila Taub. Registration is necessary.

Homeowners looking to make improvements to their homes likely want to make such projects as budget-friendly as possible. After soliciting estimates from contractors, homeowners may seek to do some work themselves to cut costs. That is why many individuals handle demolition and other preparatory tasks before contractors start. There are important things to keep in mind when doing a demo.

• Prybars are your friend. These tools, sometimes called crowbars, can be used to remove nails or pull materials apart.

• Cover vents in the

space where you’re working. Construction dust can be sucked into the HVAC system and cause furnaces to clog. This also may cause the distribution of dust throughout the home.

• Use safety gear. Always wear safety goggles, gloves, boots, and other equipment as needed to remain safe.

• Get a power saw. Circular and reciprocating saws can cut through various materials, making faster work of demolition.

• Exercise caution when removing drywall. You don’t know what is behind the drywall,

including electric wires, so be careful when choosing a spot to make the first hole in the drywall.

• Get a trash container with a gate. You’ll save yourself some aches and pains by being able to fill a wheelbarrow and dump it into the container, rather than tossing debris over the top.

• Bust up heavy or bulky items. Cast iron tubs and shower surrounds can be heavy and difficult to move. Unless it’s a family heirloom, cut or break large items into pieces to remove them more easily.