Every day, people across the country throw multiple items away without giving it a second thought. But after learning which household items you shouldn’t throw in the garbage, we hope you take it to heart and find a better strategy for eliminating your waste.
Fire and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Fire and carbon monoxide detectors can’t last forever, causing you to replace the old one with something new. While throwing away a small handheld gadget that can easily fit in the palm of your hand is tempting, it could lead to negative environmental consequences.
Most fire and carbon monoxide detectors’ makers have return instructions when you purchase the new one. It’s common practice to have a recycling program to properly dispose of the batteries and other components within the detectors. A Household Hazardous Waste site will gladly help if you don’t want to go through the hassle of sending it through the mail.
Old Clothes
Something many of us have been guilty of is throwing away old clothing. Deep cleaning of your home will make you realize how many articles of clothing you no longer wear for various reasons. Rather than go through the extra effort of donating or recycling them, tossing them in a trash bag is much easier.
Unfortunately, if everyone else has that same mindset, there’s an exorbitant amount of textile waste in a local landfill. Millions of tons of garments exist nationwide that someone may see value in, or at the very least, take to an eco-friendly garment recycling service.
Outdated Electronics
It’s easy to lose track of the latest editions of some electrical devices. After all, what’s the point in getting the trendiest thing if a DVD player, old cellphone, and portable stereo still work? Nonetheless, keep your worn electronic devices away from the trash can if you are in the market for a few upgrades.
Electronics in the garbage results in the rapid obsolescence of current technology. However, because they are not biodegradable, you should look for other means to dispose of them.
Oil and Paint
Through your cleaning efforts, you may come across an abundance of unused paint and half-full oil containers lying around. You can fill water-based latex paints with kitty litter or sand and place them in your recycling bin without the lids.
Since oil is a flammable liquid, you want to be extra careful with it because it could contaminate the sewage systems if you pour it out.
Light Bulbs
Thankfully, light fixtures have improved dramatically over the past decades. New LED lights are superior to halogen and incandescent bulbs. However, while those older bulbs were prime for the garbage, there are better ways to dispose of certain light bulbs.
New bulbs contain traces of mercury that should stay far away from the landfill. That small trace of mercury could multiply and potentially find its way into the water supply when hundreds of thousands of people place discarded LED bulbs in the trash.
Knowing which household items you shouldn’t throw in the garbage should clear up any confusion when you come across these items again. Every extra effort can help improve the environment around you, and disposing of things through the appropriate channels is worth that effort.
