Top Items You Should Never Throw in the Trash (And How to Dispose of Them Properly)
It may seem like the simplest way to get rid of unwanted things is to throw everything in the trash, but not all waste should end up in a landfill.
Some materials are dangerous, bad for the environment, or even prohibited from being disposed of in ordinary garbage.
In addition to ensuring safety and safeguarding the environment, proper disposal permits recycling and repurposing.
This list of the top things you should never throw in the trash explains how to properly dispose of them.
1. Batteries
Reasons Not to Throw Them Away:
Heavy metals like lead, cadmium, and mercury found in batteries have the potential to contaminate soil and water and pose health hazards.
How to Get Rid of Them:
- Rechargeable batteries: Bring them to a store that accepts batteries or a nearby recycling facility.
- Single-use batteries can be recycled at certain stores. Look into initiatives such as Call2Recycle.
- Automobile batteries can be safely disposed of at AutoZone and Advance Auto Parts, and they may even give store credit.
2. Electronics (E-Waste)
Why You Shouldn’t Throw Them Away:
Hazardous chemicals and rare metals found in outdated phones, laptops, TVs, and other electronics can contaminate the environment.
How to Dispose of Them Properly:
- Give functional electronics to nonprofit organizations or programs that refurbish them.
- Make use of manufacturer take-back programs (for example, recycling services are offered by Apple, Dell, and Best Buy).
- Drop off e-waste at nearby centers or events for electronic recycling.
3. Paint and Paint Thinners
Reasons Not to Throw Them Away:
Paint contains flammable and toxic chemicals and solvents that can harm water supplies and landfills.
How to Get Rid of Them:
- After letting latex paint completely dry, dispose of it with regular household trash (as per local laws).
- Paints and thinners that contain oil should be transported to locations that collect hazardous waste.
Check out How to Clean a Stinky Garbage Disposal in Minutes
4. Prescription drugs and medications
Reasons Not to Throw Them Away:
Medicines that are thrown in the trash run the risk of being misused, and flushing them down the toilet can contaminate water sources.
How to Get Rid of Them:
- Utilize pharmacies’ or law enforcement’s approved drug take-back programs.
- In the absence of a take-back program, combine prescription drugs with cat litter or coffee grounds and store them in a sealed container.
How to Dispose of Them Properly:
- Utilize pharmacies’ or law enforcement’s approved drug take-back programs.
- In the absence of a take-back program, combine prescription drugs with cat litter or coffee grounds and dispose of them in a sealed bag.
5. Light Bulbs that are fluorescent
Reasons Not to Throw Them Away:
Mercury, which is harmful to both human health and the environment, is found in fluorescent bulbs.
How to Get Rid of Them:
- Bring them to home improvement stores with recycling programs, such as Home Depot or Lowe’s.
- Consult the hazardous waste collection facilities in your area.
6. Old Tires
Reasons Not to Throw Them Away:
Tires take up too much room in landfills and are not biodegradable. They may also turn into mosquito breeding grounds.
How to Get Rid of Them:
- When you buy new tires, many tire stores will take your old tires.
- Seek out local tire recycling activities.
- Use them for do-it-yourself projects like garden barriers, planters, or swings.
7. Chemicals & Cleaners for the Home
Reasons Not to Throw Them Away:
Hazardous chemicals found in cleaning supplies have the potential to contaminate water and soil.
How to Dispose of Them Properly:
- Before recycling the container, use the product all the way through.
- Transport dangerous substances to a nearby waste disposal site.
- When disposing of different cleaners, never mix them together as this can produce harmful fumes.
8. Antifreeze and Motor Oil
Reasons Not to Throw Them Away:
Even a minor spill of motor oil can contaminate vast volumes of water, making it a major pollutant.
How to Get Rid of Them:
- Used oil is frequently accepted for recycling at auto parts stores and service stations.
- Numerous cities have programs in place to collect hazardous waste.
9. Plastic Bags
Why You Shouldn’t Throw Them Away:
Plastic bags are a big environmental contaminant that frequently harms wildlife and don’t break down easily.
How to Get Rid of Them:
- There are collection bins for recycling plastic bags at many supermarkets.
- To reduce waste, use reusable bags instead.
10. Treated wood furniture
Reasons Not to Throw Them Away:
When burned or disposed of in a landfill, furniture constructed from chemically treated wood may emit toxic substances.
How to Get Rid of Them:
- Give usable furniture to thrift shops or charitable organizations.
- For information on large-item pickup days, contact your neighborhood waste disposal facility.
- Think about recycling or reusing old furniture.
Final Thoughts
Resource conservation and environmental protection depend on proper waste disposal. Spend some time looking into local recycling and disposal options rather than throwing dangerous items in the trash. You can help create a cleaner, safer world for coming generations by making responsible decisions.
