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Figuring out what belongs in the trash, what can go into the recycling bin, and what needs a completely different disposal method isn’t always easy. Some household items look harmless enough to toss, but they can create problems once they reach a landfill or waste-processing facility.
Paint, batteries, electronics, medications, and motor oil are just a few examples. Some can contain hazardous chemicals, while others can cause fires, contaminate water, or create privacy concerns.
Before you toss something simply because you don’t need it anymore, check whether there’s a better way to get rid of it. Here are 12 common household items that shouldn’t go straight into your regular trash.
1. Paint
Leftover paint is easy to forget about after a home improvement project, but don’t automatically put the cans in your garbage.
How you dispose of paint depends on the type. Oil-based paint, stains, and similar products often need to go to a household hazardous waste facility. Water-based latex paint can sometimes go in the regular trash once it has completely dried, though local rules vary.
If you have only a small amount of latex paint left, you can often let it dry out or absorb it with materials such as kitty litter or sand before throwing it away. Check with your local waste department if you’re unsure about the rules in your area.
Related: Specialty Furniture Paints Give You The Ability To Transform Your Furniture
2. Books
Books don’t automatically belong in the garbage just because you no longer want them.
If they’re still in decent condition, consider donating them to a local library, charity, thrift store, school, or community group. You can also sell them online if they have some resale value.
Books that are badly damaged, torn, or missing pages may be accepted through your local paper recycling program. Check your community’s recycling guidelines first, since rules can differ from one area to another.
Related: 16 Responsible Ways to Get Rid of Old Books
3. Medical Waste
Used needles, syringes, certain medications, and other medical waste shouldn’t be tossed into your household garbage.
Loose needles can injure sanitation workers, while medications can create problems if they end up in waterways or are accidentally taken by someone else. Some medical products also require special handling because they may carry contamination risks.
For unused or expired medication, check whether your community has a medication take-back program. Pharmacies, hospitals, doctors’ offices, and local waste agencies may also provide disposal instructions.
Used needles and syringes should go into an approved sharps container and be taken to a location that accepts them. Never put loose sharps in a recycling bin.
4. Mail With Personal Information
Old mail can contain names, addresses, account numbers, medical information, and other personal details.
Rather than throwing sensitive documents straight into the trash, shred them first. Shredded paper may or may not be accepted by your local recycling program, so check the rules before putting it in the recycling bin.
For ordinary junk mail without sensitive information, recycling may be an option if your local program accepts it.
5. Old Electronics
Old phones, tablets, computers, and other electronics shouldn’t go into the regular garbage.
Electronics can contain materials that require special handling, and they may also contain personal information. Before getting rid of an old device, back up anything you need and perform a factory reset when appropriate.
Many electronics retailers and recycling programs accept unwanted devices. Some may even offer trade-in credit for working equipment.
6. Fluorescent Light Bulbs
Fluorescent bulbs contain mercury, which is why they shouldn’t simply be thrown into the trash.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommends checking local disposal and recycling options for fluorescent lamps. Many communities have household hazardous waste programs or collection sites that accept them.
Handle old bulbs carefully and keep them from breaking before you can take them to the proper collection point.
7. Batteries
Batteries can create a serious fire risk in household garbage, particularly lithium-ion batteries. They can be crushed or punctured during collection and processing, which can lead to fires.
Instead, look for a local battery recycling or household hazardous waste program. Some stores also collect certain types of used batteries.
Don’t put loose batteries into your recycling bin unless your local program specifically accepts them. For added safety, follow the disposal instructions for the particular battery type.
8. Old Clothes
Throwing unwanted clothes in the garbage should be a last resort.
Clothing that’s still wearable can be donated, sold, given to someone who needs it, or dropped off at a textile collection program. Some organizations also accept damaged clothing for textile recycling.
Before tossing an old shirt or pair of jeans, check whether a local charity, shelter, thrift store, or textile recycler can use it.
9. Ink Cartridges
Empty printer cartridges can often be recycled instead of thrown away.
Many office supply stores and manufacturers have cartridge recycling programs. Some programs also offer store credit or rewards, although the rules vary by retailer.
Check with the store where you normally buy printer supplies to see whether they accept used cartridges and whether there are any limits on the number you can return.
10. Large Appliances
Old refrigerators, washing machines, dryers, air conditioners, and other large appliances require more than a trip to the curbside trash bin.
Some appliances contain refrigerants or other components that need special handling. Refrigerators and air conditioners are particularly important because their refrigerants must be recovered properly.
Check with your local waste department, appliance retailer, or recycling facility about pickup and disposal options. Some programs will collect old appliances directly from your home.
11. Tires
Old tires take up a lot of space and can create problems in landfills. Some areas also prohibit putting them in ordinary household garbage.
A tire shop, auto service center, or local recycling facility may accept used tires for a fee. Some communities also hold special tire collection events.
If you’re replacing your tires, ask the shop whether it handles the old ones for you. That’s often the easiest option.
12. Motor Oil
Used motor oil shouldn’t go into your household trash, onto the ground, or down a drain.
A small amount can contaminate a large amount of water, and pouring it into a storm drain or sewer can cause serious environmental problems.
Many auto parts stores, service stations, and recycling centers accept used motor oil. Keep the oil in a sealed, clearly labeled container and check with the collection site for its requirements before dropping it off.
Knowing what not to put in the trash can prevent plenty of avoidable problems. Before throwing away anything that contains chemicals, electronics, batteries, medication, or other unusual materials, check your local disposal rules. A few extra minutes can keep hazardous materials out of the wrong waste stream and may even give an old item another use.
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