And be practical: do you really need that Quesadilla maker? We're not suggesting that you trim down to an uber-minimalist lifestyle, but the quickest way to cut your cleaning time is to simply have less stuff to clean.
Once you've taken stock of what you can use, separate out items that someone else might need. This includes dishes, kitchen gadgets, clothes, books, magazines, toys, home décor - all of these items could find a second life with someone else.
If you like the idea of helping those less fortunate, just drop it all off at your local Lifeline or Salvation Army. If you're slightly more patient, try having a garage sale, or selling them on eBay. Your house will be less cluttered; someone else can skip buying new; and the landfills will be that much emptier.
Once you've exhausted all the other options, it's time to hit the recycling bin. Of course you're already recycling newspapers, magazines, glass and plastics, but take a second look at the rest of your throw-aways too. Get rid of old electronics, from mobile phones to VCRs, to ancient computers, by passing them off to retailers with a recycling program or to a specialised electronics recycling company.
Make sure to safely dispose of anything that's not recyclable or rubbish bin-friendly, like old paint or batteries.