We have all been guilty of tossing things in the trash without a second thought. However, some items require special handling to protect our health and the environment. Here is a detailed list of fifteen things you should never throw in the garbage.
Batteries
Batteries contain toxic metals like cadmium, lead, and mercury. When thrown away, these can leach into the soil and water, causing serious environmental harm. Instead, recycle them at designated drop-off locations. Many stores like Best Buy and Home Depot offer free battery recycling. Additionally, check local guidelines, as some areas have battery collection points in public buildings. The Call2Recycle program is a great resource for finding battery recycling locations near you.
Electronics
Old electronics, also known as e-waste, should not be tossed in the trash. They contain hazardous materials like lead, mercury, and cadmium, which can pollute landfills and water sources. Recycling programs exist to handle these materials safely. Best Buy, for example, has an extensive recycling program for electronics. Additionally, organizations like e-Stewards and R2 Certification ensure proper e-waste recycling practices. According to the EPA, Americans generated over 2.7 million tons of consumer electronics in 2018, highlighting the importance of proper disposal.
Paint
Leftover paint contains harmful chemicals that can contaminate soil and water. Check with your local waste management facility for special disposal instructions, or look for paint recycling programs in your area. Many communities have paint stewardship programs that allow you to drop off unused paint for recycling or safe disposal. The PaintCare program operates in several states and provides drop-off sites for leftover paint.
Light Bulbs
Traditional incandescent bulbs can go in the trash, but compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) and LED bulbs contain small amounts of mercury and other materials that require special handling. Many hardware stores offer recycling for these types of bulbs. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends using local hazardous waste collection programs to dispose of these safely. CFLs can be recycled at many retail locations, including IKEA and Home Depot.
Medications
Flushing medications down the toilet or throwing them in the trash can harm the environment. Many pharmacies offer medication take-back programs, ensuring they are disposed of safely. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) also sponsors National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day to provide a safe way to dispose of unused medications. The FDA provides guidelines for disposing of medicines if no take-back programs are available, such as mixing them with undesirable substances and sealing them in a bag.
Motor Oil
Used motor oil can pollute waterways and harm wildlife. Auto parts stores like AutoZone and Advance Auto Parts often accept used motor oil for recycling. The EPA states that recycling just two gallons of used oil can generate enough electricity to run the average household for nearly 24 hours. Additionally, many local recycling centers and service stations will accept used motor oil.
Pesticides
Pesticides are hazardous and should never be thrown in the trash. Contact your local hazardous waste disposal center for proper disposal methods. The National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC) offers guidance on safe disposal and local collection sites for unused pesticides. Improper disposal of pesticides can lead to contamination of water supplies and harm to wildlife.
Mercury Thermometers
Mercury thermometers are highly toxic. If broken, they can release mercury vapor into the air, which is harmful to health. Many local health departments or waste disposal agencies offer mercury thermometer exchange programs. Mercury can cause serious health issues, including damage to the nervous system, so proper disposal is crucial. The EPA recommends using mercury-free alternatives and provides resources for safe disposal.
Household Cleaners
Many household cleaners contain chemicals that are dangerous to both human health and the environment. Check for local hazardous waste collection events or facilities to dispose of these safely. The EPA suggests looking for hazardous waste collection days in the community to dispose of these items responsibly. Additionally, consider switching to environmentally friendly cleaning products to reduce the need for hazardous waste disposal.
Cooking Oil
Pouring cooking oil down the drain can clog pipes and harm the environment. Instead, let it cool and then take it to a recycling center that accepts cooking oil or dispose of it with a designated oil disposal company. Some areas even convert used cooking oil into biodiesel, a renewable energy source. Restaurants often have partnerships with recycling companies for cooking oil, so ask about local options.
Fire Extinguishers
Fire extinguishers contain pressurized chemicals and should not be thrown in the trash. Many fire departments or hazardous waste disposal sites accept old or used fire extinguishers for proper disposal. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) advises checking with local fire departments for recycling options. Some fire extinguisher manufacturers also offer take-back programs.
Propane Tanks
Propane tanks, even empty ones, can be dangerous if thrown in the trash due to the risk of explosion. Many locations that sell propane also offer tank exchange or recycling services. AmeriGas and Blue Rhino, for example, have exchange programs that ensure old tanks are disposed of safely. The National Propane Gas Association provides guidelines for the safe disposal and recycling of propane tanks.
Tires
Old tires can be a fire hazard and breeding ground for mosquitoes if improperly disposed of. Tire retailers often take back old tires when you purchase new ones or check with local recycling centers for proper disposal. According to the Rubber Manufacturers Association, nearly 80% of scrap tires are reused or recycled into products like rubberized asphalt and playground surfaces. Some states have tire recycling programs that offer convenient drop-off locations.
Aerosol Cans
Aerosol cans can explode under pressure if not completely empty when thrown in the trash. Many communities offer special recycling programs for aerosol cans. The Household Hazardous Waste Program recommends using up the entire product or checking local disposal guidelines. Some recycling centers accept empty aerosol cans with other metal recyclables.
Thermostats
Older thermostats may contain mercury. To prevent mercury pollution, they should be recycled properly. Many states have thermostat recycling programs through HVAC contractors or waste management facilities. The Thermostat Recycling Corporation (TRC) provides a national recycling program for mercury-containing thermostats. Newer digital thermostats do not contain mercury and are safer to dispose of, but check for electronic recycling programs to ensure proper disposal.