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Determining what should go in the trash versus what should be recycled can sometimes be tricky. The distinction isn’t always clear, and it’s easy to be less careful about what ends up in the garbage bin.
Even though we try to separate recyclables, we often toss everything else together without considering that some items need special disposal. Certain items can pose risks to people, pets, and the environment, so managing them properly is crucial.
Here, we outline 12 things you should never throw away and offer alternative ways to dispose of them responsibly.
Paint
If you have paint leftover from a home improvement project, it’s important that you properly dispose of it. Proper paint disposal depends on the type of paint you’re dealing with. Never dispose of oil-based paints or stains in your regular garbage but water-based paint can be discarded normally once it’s dry or absorbed with materials like kitty litter or sand. For guidance on disposing of other types of paint, it’s best to contact your local waste management.
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Books
If you’re a book lover facing a stack of books to part with, there’s an environmentally responsible way to get rid of it. Instead of tossing them in the trash and contributing to greenhouse gas emissions that harm the planet, you can recycle them by donating them to a local library, charity, thrift store or sell them online. If the books are torn, missing pages, or unreadable, you can recycle them through a curbside recycling program.
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Medical Waste
Improper disposal of medication, needles, plastic syringes, and prescription containers can have serious consequences, including contaminating the water supply, harming local wildlife or falling into the wrong hands. Medical waste, often considered biohazardous, cannot be recycled and should never be tossed in the trash.
Many municipalities provide designated disposal locations for controlled substances year-round, so it’s a good idea to start by checking with them. Alternatively, you can reach out to your doctor, pharmacy, or local hospital to explore safe disposal options.
For security and safety reasons alone, it’s important to never discard your mail in the trash. Your mail often contains personal sensitive data that you may want to protect from identity theft. Therefore, it’s advisable to shred your mail before placing it in the recycling bin.
Old Technology
Never dispose of laptops, cell phones, or tablets in the trash, as they may contain hazardous chemicals and sensitive data. Retailers such as Staples offer convenient solutions for disposing of your unused old computers, cell phones, or tablets. Depending on their condition, you can either recycle them or trade them in for cash.
Fluorescent Light Bulbs
Never toss your fluorescent lightbulbs into the trash. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) warns that these bulbs contain mercury, which can have significant environmental repercussions if released. Instead, locate a recycling service for your old fluorescent bulbs. When these bulbs are recycled correctly, their components, such as glass and metal, can be effectively repurposed, preventing any harm to the environment.
Batteries
Never dispose of batteries in the trash. Incorrect disposal of batteries can be dangerous. Batteries present a significant fire hazard when placed in the garbage, as they can get punctured or crushed, potentially leading to fires or explosions. Proper disposal of batteries as e-waste or hazardous waste is essential to ensure they are handled safely and prevent such incidents. Furthermore, batteries may contain hazardous chemicals and if it is not disposed of correctly, these chemicals can leach into the soil and contaminate groundwater.
Old Clothes
Most unwanted clothes ultimately find their way to landfills, and because these clothing piles don’t biodegrade, they add to environmental pollution. Fortunately, there are companies that offer eco-friendly clothing recycling services.
Ink Cartridges
A good number of big office supply retailers provide a way for you to recycle your used printer ink cartridges. However, there are certain conditions to keep in mind, often related to where and when you bought the cartridges. Just contact your local office supply store for more information, and don’t just put them in the trash.
Appliances
Most appliances won’t fit inside your standard trash cans, but even if they could, it’s essential not to dispose of them there. Certain components within appliances can be environmentally harmful. For instance, the freon in a broken refrigerator harms the ozone layer.
Tires
Tires are large and occupy significant landfill space. In certain areas, it’s even against the law to dispose of tires in the regular trash. Opting for tire recycling is a responsible choice that helps prevent harmful emissions and safeguards the environment. Many car dealers and tire shops offer tire recycling services, often for a fee.
Motor Oil
Dumping motor oil into regular trash is a bad idea because it extremely hazardous and harmful to our ecosystem. Pouring it down drains or sewers can clog or harm pipes. Fortunately, many auto parts or repair shops that sell motor oil often accept used oil for recycling.
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