There are several items that cannot simply be tossed in your trash, and each state has different laws regarding the disposal of certain products. If you come across an item that you’re not sure how to get rid of, it is important to check local guidelines to ensure that you are disposing of the object properly. Common items that cannot be thrown away in your trash include tires, motor oil, car batteries, household batteries, electronics, thermometers, and paint.
Tires are one item that cannot be tossed in the trash. Instead of throwing them away, you can reach out to a local auto shop or a registered scrap transporter in your area that may be able to recycle your old tires for you. Alternatively, you can bring your old tires to a recycling center that allows for their disposal.
When it comes to motor oil, it is illegal to throw it in the garbage. When changing the oil in your car, be sure to set aside the container the new oil came in to safely transport your used oil. You can bring used oil to a recycling facility or an auto center for disposal.
Car batteries should not be disposed of at a landfill as they can release harmful substances into the environment. Instead, you can take your car battery to an auto shop for an exchange, bring it to a metal recycling establishment, or to a facility that handles hazardous chemicals.
Household batteries should be disposed of properly to prevent harm to the environment. While alkaline batteries can be thrown in the trash, button cell or coin batteries, which contain silver and mercury, should be brought to a battery recycler or a retailer that accepts them for disposal.
When disposing of electronics, such as cellphones or televisions, it is important to consider recycling options to avoid harmful chemicals from being released into the environment. Many carriers and electronics stores offer recycling programs, and you can also contact your local recycling facility for more information on how to properly dispose of your electronic devices.
Thermometers containing mercury should not be thrown away with regular trash. Instead, these thermometers can be donated to small businesses, universities, or hazardous waste collection facilities. Paint can also be toxic and must be disposed of properly. Latex paint can be dried out before tossing in the trash, and oil-based paint should be taken to a drop-off center for safe disposal.
