Experts Say You Should Never Put These 8 Things In The Trash
I used to think that once something went into the trash, it was basically out of sight, out of mind. It feels so satisfying to clear out the clutter and just toss it all away, doesn't it? But lately, I have realized that our local trash collectors have a really tough job, and some of the things we throw out can actually be quite dangerous or hard on the environment. Not everything can be thrown in the garbage, ane we should all be a little more mindful of what we let go of.
Batteries
We all have that junk drawer filled with old AA and lithium batteries. It is tempting to just sweep them into the bin, but they are actually a fire hazard. When they get crushed in the garbage truck, they can spark and start a fire that is hard to put out. Most hardware stores have a little bucket near the front where you can drop them off for free. It is a much safer way to handle them.
Old Paint Cans
If you have leftover paint from a DIY project, please do not pour it down the drain or toss the wet cans in the trash. Liquid paint can leak out of the truck and make a huge mess on your street. If the can is almost empty, let it sit open until it dries out completely into a solid block. For full cans, many towns have special drop off days where they take hazardous liquids.
Used Cooking Oil
I learned this the hard way after a messy kitchen disaster. Pouring grease or oil into the trash can lead to leaks that attract pests and create a terrible smell. Even worse, if it gets into the plumbing, it causes massive clogs. The best trick is to pour your used oil into an old glass jar or a sturdy plastic container with a lid. Once it is sealed tight, you can dispose of it much more responsibly.
Light Bulbs And Glass
Standard incandescent bulbs are usually okay, but those curly fluorescent ones contain a tiny bit of mercury. If they break in your kitchen trash, you might be breathing in stuff you really should not breathe in. Even regular broken glass can be a literal pain for the people picking up your bags. If you have broken glass, try wrapping it in thick newspaper or a cardboard box first so nobody gets a nasty surprise.
Electronic Waste
Our old phones and tablets are full of heavy metals and valuable materials that do not belong in a landfill. They are also like little fire starters if their internal batteries get punctured. Most of us have an old "tech graveyard" in a closet somewhere. Instead of tossing them, check if a local electronics store has a recycling program. They often take cords and chargers too, which helps keep the clutter down.
Harsh Cleaning Chemicals
When we finish a deep clean, we might find old bottles of bleach or ammonia that we do not want anymore. Mixing these in a trash bag can actually create toxic gases that are dangerous for you and the sanitation workers. If you cannot use the rest of the bottle, try giving it to a neighbor who might need it. If it is empty, rinse it out well before putting it in the recycling bin.
Medication And Pills
It might seem easy to just dump old prescriptions in the bin, but it can be risky. Animals or even kids might find them, and they can eventually seep into the soil. Most pharmacies now have a secure drop box specifically for expired meds. It is a very simple way to make sure those chemicals do not end up where they shouldn't. It only takes a minute next time you go for a refill.
Propane Tanks
Whether it is a big tank from the grill or a small one from a camping trip, propane tanks should never go in the regular trash. Even if they feel empty, there is often a little bit of pressurized gas left inside. If they get compacted in a garbage truck, they can actually explode. Most places that sell propane will take your old tanks back or swap them out for a small fee.
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It can feel like a lot of extra steps to sort through your garbage, and I know we are all busy. But taking that extra moment to set things aside makes our neighborhoods a lot safer for everyone living there. We are all learning as we go, and every little bit helps. So make sure that your garbage is safe and you’re getting rid of your trash the right way
Bliss Donahue-Power
