Whether you’re decluttering, renovating, or just doing a weekly cleanup, it’s important to know which items can go in the trash and which items need careful disposal. If you throw out the hazardous or prohibited items, your dumpster or trash might not get picked up, or you might end up paying extra landfill fees. Zan’s Refuse Service, Inc. has put together a list of nine items you should not throw out in your trash.
9 Waste Items You Should Not Throw Away
The U.S. EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) regulates hazardous waste that poses a threat to human health and the environment. It is illegal to dispose of household hazardous waste in your trash, dumpster, or landfill. Here are nine items that require specific disposal methods and cannot go in the trash:
1. Electronic Devices
Electronic devices in your home, such as TVs, computers, monitors, DVD players, or game consoles, cannot be thrown in the garbage. The components of these devices will eventually break and can leak hazardous chemicals. Even your small electronics, including flashlights, clocks, and MP3 players, contain chemicals that are dangerous to dump in a landfill.
2. Appliances
Your appliances, including microwaves, refrigerators, and toaster ovens, contain electronic components that become hazardous if they are not disposed of properly.
3. Paints and Solvents
Wet paint, oil-based paint, lead-based paint, paint thinner, and other solvents should never be thrown out with regular garbage. When these products leak into the ground, they contaminate groundwater and septic tanks and can also cause physical injury to sanitation workers.
4. Pesticides
You should never throw chemicals, granules, liquids, or spray pesticides in the regular garbage, as they can harm plants, wildlife, and even people. Never dump pesticides in the garbage, sink, toilet, or sewer drain.
5. Oil and Gas
Automotive fluids such as oil and gas are flammable, so they should never be dumped in a dumpster. It is also illegal to dump them in regular trash cans.
6. Medical Needles & Sharps
Disposing of medical needles and sharps in regular trash disposal increases the chances of needlestick injuries, increasing the risk of bloodborne diseases.
7. Light Bulbs
Certain light bulbs, particularly fluorescent and compact fluorescent bulbs, contain mercury in small amounts, which is harmful to the environment. To safely dispose of these bulbs, they must be taken to a recycling center or a designated drop-off location.
8. Batteries and Lighters
Batteries, including rechargeable, car, and button cell batteries, contain heavy metals like lead, cadmium, and lithium that can be harmful if they leak. Lighters also pose a hazard if they are not disposed of properly. They should never be disposed of in a normal trash bin but must be taken to specialized recycling centers.
9. Tires
Tires are made of durable materials that do not break down easily and can take up significant space in landfills. Never throw tires in a dumpster since they can be recycled and repurposed for products like rubber mulch or asphalt. Many tire retailers offer recycling services to ensure proper disposal.
How to Dispose of Waste Items That Can’t Be Thrown in the Trash?
You might be wondering how to safely dispose of hazardous waste; here are some environmentally responsible methods.
- Appliances, paints, solvents, pesticides, oil, gas, and light bulbs should be brought to a local household hazardous waste collection event or facility.
- You can drop off tires to tire retailers or automotive shops that offer tire recycling services. Some municipalities also have tire drop-off days or designated recycling centers.
- For appliances and electronics, if the items are still usable, consider donating them.
- For specific hazardous items, including light bulbs, batteries, and electronics, consider their brand’s or manufacturer’s mail-back programs. You can also contact a hazardous waste company to properly dispose of your hazardous waste.
- Lastly, check with your local government’s waste management services for specific programs designed to handle various hazardous items. They often provide guidelines on where and how to safely dispose of items like chemicals, electronics, and more.
Why Choose Zan’s Refuse to Dispose Your Waste?
If you are renting a dumpster or signing up for trash pick up with us, give us a call to learn more about what items require special disposal methods. With years of experience in the waste management industry, Zan’s Refuse Service, Inc. offers reliable and convenient services tailored to meet both residential and commercial needs. Contact us today to learn more!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, you might be fined for throwing out the wrong items in regular trash bins. To avoid fines, it’s important to follow your local waste management guidelines and use appropriate disposal methods. If you are unsure about how to dispose of specific items, call us today!
An easy way to differentiate between disposable and non-disposable items is to check the labels or packaging to see if the product is marked “single-use” (i.e., disposable), “reusable,” or “long-lasting” (i.e., non-disposable).
