to think “decluttering” isn’t actually that simple if you want to dispose responsibly?

Don't all our recycling plastics just end up floating in the Indian Ocean anyway?

At which point I'll fire it in the black bin and think no more of it.

Its stuff like that I really struggle with and stuff I think i should sell on.

Very much agree. I am slowly decluttering, lots of kids things that they don’t use any more, and I try not to just bin things. H&M (and I’m sure others) will take bags of textiles, any brand or condition and recycle them. This works really well for
clothes and old sheets/towels/curtains. When I’ve tried to use local forums people say they will collect and then don’t turn up.
The worst for me is old CD’s and DVD’s we waited too long to get rid of them and now no one wants them.

I agree aspects of it are not easy but it is simple. Not all rubbish goes to landfill and you can pay for clearance by a licensed refuse disposal company. I don't think anyone should feel ashamed. Either its an illness or you were that person who had more stuff than you needed and you aren't that person now. neither are a cause for shame. I am not saying "oh its easy, just stop feeling ashamed," its not turning off a tap but I do think that people shouldn't castigate themselves for making changes.

people with gardens and allotments use them for bird scarers

and yes I know this is an old thread

Depending on your area there are groups like Anglodoorsteps that take it and sort it. Theyvtake a bit of a cut but make your life easier. I have used them before when I have just not been able to face the issues that you are talking about.

I think things are harder than they need to be, but there's also a point we have to be realistic about what we can and can't do in terms of responsible disposal.

Our waste disposal sites will take electricals and clothes. Yes, it would probably be better if I could find exactly the right family who want the clothes we don't want, but life is busy, so sometimes it all goes in the clothes bin and I don't feel too bad about it. If I waited to dispose of everything perfectly, I'd never get through the decluttering.

Yes I could not agree more. I find it especially annoying that local charities set up Amazon wishlists when rehousing someone, rather than accept used but good condition household items that people offer. Also I never know what to do with old clothes which aren't good enough for a charity shop to re sell. I think we need to make more effort to buy less and repurpose items we already have.