Reduce, reuse, and recycle: these three tenants have become ingrained in the minds of environmentalists everywhere in recent years. However, many folks out there who want to manage waste properly are still left questioning what they should do with potentially hazardous items and materials that aren’t disposed of frequently.
While the sorting and recycling of items like aluminum cans and paper waste are easy to understand, a few household items require alternative disposal methods. Things like batteries, paint, and electronics call for more stringent safety precautions before they can be discarded.
So, before you head to the dumpster, learn more about what can and cannot be thrown away and what to do with items that can’t be disposed of regularly. Understanding the dangers of throwing away certain items and taking necessary precautions to properly dispose of hazardous materials will protect you, your home, and the environment.
8 Items to Avoid Throwing in the Garbage (And What to Do With Them)
1. Lightbulbs
In recent years, the use of LED and compact fluorescent lightbulbs (CFLs) has increased exponentially. While they may be better for the environment, CFLs still contain trace amounts of mercury, which is released when the filament burns out. Because of this, it is dangerous to dispose of lightbulbs directly into the trash.
Instead, take burnt out bulbs to a Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) facility near you, where professionals can adequately discard them.
2. Mercury Thermometers
It is no secret that mercury, an outdated and nearly unused substance, is incredibly dangerous. These days, many states have banned the sale of items containing mercury. Even though the old-school mercury thermometers have been edged out by electronic temperature-taking devices, there is a chance that you still have an old mercury thermometer lying around.
Standard mercury thermometers contain 500 milligrams of mercury, which can be incredibly hazardous to humans if exposed to it. Instead of throwing the thermometer in the garbage, these items can be deposited at an HHW facility.
3. Fire and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Fire and carbon monoxide detectors are life-saving devices that should be present in every building. However, when it comes time to replace them, avoid chucking them out with your regular waste.
Instead, remove the batteries from the devices, and contact the manufacturer for information on how to send the detector back. These items are often refurbished and recycled for future use. The batteries within them should be brought to an HHW facility for proper disposal, as batteries are incredibly hazardous to the environment.
4. Batteries
It should come as no surprise, but avoid throwing batteries of any kind away in your household garbage at all costs; This includes any battery type. Improper disposal of these items leads to the seepage of toxic waste into groundwater and septic systems, which can be incredibly dangerous for humans, animals, and the environment.
Different kinds of batteries can be disposed of in different ways. Here are some guidelines for battery disposal:
5. Paint
While you’re visiting the local HHW facility to dispose of old batteries, check your garage for old cans of paint too. Oil-based paints, stains, finishes, strippers, and varnishes contain harmful chemicals. If the paint can is practically full and still usable, consider donating it to a school or local theater program. Otherwise, all oil-based paints must go to an HHW facility.
If you have empty or near-empty cans of water-based latex paints, fill each can with sand or cat litter and place them in a regular recycling bin without the lids. Water-based paints can be recycled as you usually would.
6. Oils
There are many different types of oils that can be harmful to the environment if not disposed of properly. Motor oils, lighter fluid, kerosene, and other flammable liquids can infiltrate groundwater and sewage systems, often contaminating them. Take any leftover oils and fuels to an auto shop or HHW to be thrown away or recycled by professionals.
Additionally, avoid pouring cooking oils down the sink drain, as this can corrode or clog up your pipe systems. Instead, let the oil cool before pouring it into a disposable container, then place it in the trash.
7. Clothing
Clothing is a huge source of waste in America and all across the globe. In 2015, the EPA estimated that 10.5 million tons of textile waste wound up in American landfills. If used clothing is beyond the point of donation, consider reaching out to eco-friendly clothing recycling programs to help you dispose of the items safely.
8. Electronics
It seems as if every other day, there is a new smartphone or tablet available for purchase. This means that electronics quickly become outdated. If electronics are beyond the point of donation, you may think they can simply be put in the trash. However, electronics are not biodegradable, so they should not be placed in landfills.
Electronic waste or “e-waste” should be brought to a local HHW or recycling center. Luckily, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) compiled a list of locations and resources for e-waste disposal in the United States.
Conclusion
It can be easy to toss out old batteries or an ancient flip phone mindlessly. However, many household items and materials contain hazardous waste that can be detrimental to humans, animals, and the environment.
As a commercial property owner or homeowner, it’s crucial to understand the rules and regulations for recycling or disposing of dangerous substances.
