Americans generate up to 250 million tons of trash a year, which includes everything from food waste to household garbage. There is maybe nothing we do with less thought than tossing things in the garbage. However, did you know that there are some things that are illegal to throw into the trash? Here is a quick list of some common items you cannot just throw away.
Batteries
These can contain toxic chemicals, and if they end up in landfills these chemicals can leak into the soil and into the drinking water system.
Paint
Leftover paint can be flammable and poisonous, so it needs to be disposed of with extreme caution. There are facilities that can help take care of the recycling of paint.
Motor Oil
Oil can be taken to a local auto shop to be disposed of properly at an HHW facility.
Electronics
Our vast amount of electronics cannot be trashed. They need to be recycled at the proper facilities.
Mercury Thermometers
Mercury can cause serious health and environmental issues, so your old thermometer needs to be taken to the proper facilities.
Prescription Drugs
These can be dangerous if they leak into the water supply, harming wildlife, as well as impacting human health and the environment.
Fluorescent Light Bulbs
Incandescent light bulbs can be trashed, but fluorescent ones contain mercury and need to be recycled at a household hazardous waste facility.
Lawn Chemicals
To prevent leaching into the water supply, lawn chemicals need to be disposed of at a household hazardous waste facility.
Smoke Detectors
Some detectors have radioactive material in them, which means they need to be dealt with at a proper facility in order to make sure they are recycled properly.
Fireworks
These can be thrown out, but only when prepared properly. They need to be soaked in water for up to 24 hours to render the powder inert, then wrapped in plastic bags so that they do not dry out.
Tires
While tires cannot simply be tossed out, they can usually be recycled by returning them to a dealership.
Mothballs
These are actually classified as pesticides, which means they cannot be tossed out or flushed down the toilet. They need to be disposed of at an HHW facility.
Asbestos
We now know that asbestos can cause serious health issues. This is why it is best left to professionals to dispose of. You cannot simply toss it into the kitchen trash.
Gasoline
Old canisters in your shed cannot simply be tossed out. Gasoline needs to be disposed of in government-certified containers at specific facilities.
This post was written by Chad Merk. Chad is the owner of Dad and Son Hauling. Dad and Son Hauling is a family-owned and operated company that offers junk removal in St. Petersburg, FL. They do everything from full house cleanouts to simple appliance removal. Dad and Son Hauling is your one-stop-shop for all your Junk Removal needs.