How do you dispose of a suitcase you no longer use? New Trip gives you an easy solution!

使わなくなったスーツケースはどう処分する?New Tripが教えてくれる簡単な解決法!
When traveling, a suitcase is a necessity. But what do you do with it once you're done using it? Maybe you bought a suitcase you liked, only to realize it doesn't suit your travel needs. Or maybe your old suitcase has broken or become outdated, leaving you wondering how to dispose of it. If you live in Japan, you might be faced with the problem of paying for waste sorting and bulky waste disposal.

So how do you dispose of a suitcase you no longer use? Today we will introduce some methods that will help you solve this problem easily!

Method 1: Donate or give away

If your suitcase is still usable, or if it just doesn't suit your tastes or needs, consider donating or giving it away to someone in need. This not only saves you money on bulky waste disposal, but also helps others. You can donate or give away your suitcase in the following ways:

Friends and relatives: If you have a friend or relative who needs a suitcase, you can give it to them directly as a gift or sell it to them at a low price. However, you should check with them in advance and get their permission. It is also important to accurately describe the condition and characteristics of the suitcase.

Second-hand stores and websites: If you want to sell your suitcase, you can try listing it at a local second-hand store or website. But be careful: second-hand stores and websites may charge a commission or brokerage fee. It's also important to clearly state the price, quality, and shipping method of your suitcase.
Here's how to sell your suitcase in a second-hand store or on a website:
  • Second-hand stores: You can bring your suitcase directly to a second-hand store and have it appraised. If you are satisfied with the appraisal price, you will be paid in cash on the spot. However, second-hand stores may refuse to buy your suitcase if it is in low demand or in poor condition.
  • Websites: On websites, you can upload photos and descriptions of your suitcases and list them for sale. If interested buyers contact you, you can discuss the price, payment method, and shipping method. However, websites may incur fees and intermediary charges, and there is also the risk of being scammed or encountering other problems.

Charity or Community Center: If you want to do something charitable, you can donate your suitcase to a charity or community center, such as the Red Cross or Salvation Army. They will distribute your suitcase to those in need or use it to transport disaster relief supplies. Here's how to donate your suitcase:

  • Red Cross: The Red Cross accepts donations of clothing, household items, and other items, including suitcases. You check the Red Cross website for donation instructions and precautions, then call your nearest Red Cross branch to schedule a donation. Once you've made the reservation, you can drop off your suitcase at the designated time and date.
  • Salvation Army: The Salvation Army accepts donations of clothing, furniture, and other items, including suitcases. After checking the donation procedures and precautions on the Salvation Army's website, you can call your nearest Salvation Army store to make an appointment. Once you have made the appointment, you can drop off your suitcase at the designated date and time to donate it. The Salvation Army also offers a service where they will collect your suitcase from your home. In this case, you can fill out and submit an application form on their website. Once you receive a call from the Salvation Army, you can decide on a collection date, time, and location.

Method 2: Recycle or reuse

If your suitcase is no longer usable, broken or damaged, consider recycling or reusing it. This not only reduces waste but also helps protect the environment. You can recycle or reuse it in the following ways:

  • Recycling Centers: You can take your suitcase directly to a recycling center for disposal. However, you should check the acceptance conditions and fees beforehand by phone or on the website. Also, remember to remove the contents and accessories from your suitcase before taking it. You can find the location and contact details of recycling centers online.
  • Recycling companies: Recycling companies offer a service where they will collect your suitcase from your home. All you need to do is fill out an application form on their website, and the recycling company will contact you. Once you have decided on the collection date and location, you can prepare your suitcase. The recycling company will set a fee based on the type and condition of your suitcase. You can pay by cash or bank transfer.
  • Creative Modification: If you want to reuse your suitcase, you can use your creativity and imagination to turn it into something useful or fun. For example:

Remaking an old suitcase into a cat house



If you have a suitcase at home that you no longer use, you can repurpose it into a comfortable cat house. First, remove the wheels and sharp parts, then place a soft blanket inside. Next, place two old fluffy pillows inside, and your new cat house is complete!
Your cat will love its new home. For an even more stylish look, choose blankets and pillows in colors and patterns that match the suitcase's color and pattern.

Give your old suitcase a new lease of life with this unique desk organizer

If the wheels on your large suitcase break, don't throw it away. Why not turn it into a DIY desk organizer? First, remove the lining from the suitcase and insert suitable dividers. Then, decorate it with small, warm-colored light bulbs. Place the suitcase on a sofa or table in your room and you'll have a convenient and beautiful desk organizer.
This desk organizer is perfect for organizing stationery, books, magazines, photos, etc. When lit, the bulb creates a warm and romantic atmosphere in the room. Choose a battery-powered or USB-powered bulb to avoid cords getting in the way.

The discarded suitcase instantly appears on the nightstand



If you find yourself renting a room you're happy with but don't have a nightstand, an unused suitcase can come in handy. Buy a high-quality cotton-linen tablecloth online and drape it over your suitcase, instantly transforming it into a practical nightstand. This is fantastic, and it solves the problem of disposing of your suitcase and keeping things by your bedside.
If your suitcase is too low, you can adjust the height by placing cardboard underneath. You can also use the inside of the suitcase as storage space for clothes, towels, cosmetics, etc. Choosing a tablecloth that matches the color and theme of your room will create a more unified look.

Flowers and grass blooming in an old suitcase



You can use discarded suitcases to plant plants by removing the zippers, wheels, and lining, drilling holes inside, and placing a waterproof cloth inside the suitcase, then adding soil and plants to create a unique vase. Place the suitcase on your balcony or entryway to bring a touch of greenery and vitality to your home.
You can plant different flowers or plants in this vase to suit the season or your mood: tulips and pansies in spring, sunflowers and lavender in summer, cosmos and chrysanthemums in autumn, poinsettias and cyclamens in winter, etc. You can also decorate the outside of the suitcase with ribbons or paint.

Discarded suitcases transformed into bookshelves



You can repurpose an old suitcase that you no longer use into a bookshelf. First, open the zippers and buttons of the suitcase and leave it open. Next, decorate the inside and outside of the suitcase with paint, stickers, or fabric in your favorite colors and patterns. Next, insert wooden or metal shelves into the inside of the suitcase to create shelves for the bookshelf. Finally, place books and other items on the shelves and your old suitcase will be reborn as a bookshelf.
This bookshelf not only saves space but also allows you to show your personality and creativity. The size, shape and style of the bookshelf can be adjusted to suit your tastes and needs. You can also place this bookshelf in your living room, bedroom or study to add character and interest.

    Method 3: Dispose of as bulky waste

    If your suitcase cannot be donated, given away, recycled, or reused, you will have no choice but to dispose of it as bulky waste. Bulky waste refers to large items with sides measuring 30cm or more, such as sofas, carpets, and dressers. To dispose of bulky waste, you must make a reservation by phone in advance and purchase and pay for a "disposal ticket."

    The procedure for disposing of bulky waste is as follows:

    • Phone reservation: First, call your local bulky waste disposal office and tell them what type and size of waste you have. They will tell you how many disposal tickets you need and schedule a collection date and time. When making a phone reservation, it is important to tell them the exact brand, model, color, size, and weight of your suitcase. Also, don't forget to remove any contents or accessories from your suitcase before disposing of them.
    • Purchase disposal tickets: Next, purchase the number of disposal tickets given to you by the collection staff at a supermarket or convenience store. The price and color of the disposal tickets vary depending on the type and size. For example, suitcases are often classified as "metal products," so you will need to purchase a blue disposal ticket. The price of a disposal ticket varies depending on the region, but generally costs around 300 to 1,000 yen.
    • Attaching the disposal ticket: After that, attach the purchased disposal ticket to the suitcase you are going to discard. Attach it in a conspicuous place and make sure not to cover the characteristics of the suitcase itself. Also, once the disposal ticket has been attached, do not remove it. If it is removed or torn, it will become invalid.
    • How to Dispose: Finally, take your suitcase with the disposal ticket attached to it to the designated location during your reserved time and date. Do not place it near other garbage, and be careful not to obstruct traffic or pedestrians. You should also keep an eye on your suitcase until the collection staff arrives. If your suitcase is stolen or taken away, you will be responsible for any damage.

      These are the three methods we have introduced. We hope they can be of help to you.

      Of course, if you want to avoid all of these hassles, the best thing to do is to choose a suitcase that is high quality, durable, practical, beautiful, and suited to your travel needs from the start. Is there such a thing as a perfect suitcase? Of course there is! It's the New Trip suitcase!

      "New Trip" is available in three sizes: S, M, and L. The S size is carry-on compatible and is ideal for trips of 1 to 3 nights. The M size is ideal for trips of 4 to 7 nights. The L size is ideal for longer trips of 7 nights or more. There are also six colors to choose from, so you can choose the color that best suits your preferences and purpose.

        Image link: https://newtrip.online/collections

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