It's common knowledge that we should be careful about what
we dispose of in the trash. However, it can be difficult to know what should be
thrown away and what items require special attention. Some things like
hazardous waste, can not only harm the environment but can also pose a serious
threat to you and your family's health.
In this post, we'll guide you through five things that are
necessary to discard, but can’t be thrown away in the trash. This will help you
keep your home and the environment safe while ensuring the correct and safe
disposal of these items. Let's get started!
Used Batteries
Many household items require batteries to function, so the
chances are that you dispose of several batteries over the course of a year.
But batteries are considered hazardous waste as they contain lead, acid, and
other harmful chemicals. Throwing them away can contaminate soil and water
sources. Therefore, drop them off at designated battery recycling locations,
which can be found at your local hardware or electronics stores.
If you're unsure if a battery is completely dead or not,
there are a few ways to figure it out. Some batteries have an indicator light
that turns red when the battery needs to be replaced. Others may have a
"test" button that can give you an idea of how much charge is left in
the battery. Additionally, some stores offer free battery testing services
where you can bring in your batteries and have them tested to determine if they
need to be replaced. This can save you money by not throwing away perfectly
good batteries.
Clothing and Textiles
When it comes to clothing and textiles, many people make the
mistake of simply tossing them in the trash when they no longer want or need
them. However, these items can take hundreds of years to decompose in a
landfill. Instead, consider donating them to those in need or drop them off at
a textile recycling facility.
Alternatively, you can repurpose old clothing and textiles
by turning them into cleaning rags, using them for arts and crafts projects, or
using them as packing materials when moving. This not only helps reduce waste
but also gives these items a new purpose.
Electronic Waste
Electronic waste or ‘e-waste' has become an increasingly
significant problem worldwide. This is because e-waste items such as computers,
printers, and other digital devices, contain harmful chemicals such as mercury,
which can leak into soil, water, and air. Many communities have designated e-waste
recycling programs that allow you to drop off your electronic waste, or arrange
for pickup at your home.
When it comes to e-waste, it's essential to keep in mind all
electronic devices that you no longer need or use. This can include items such
as old cell phones, tablets, headphones, and even kitchen appliances like
blenders and coffee makers. Remember not to dispose of these items in the trash
and instead find a designated e-waste recycling program in your community. By
properly disposing of e-waste, you can prevent harmful chemicals from entering
the environment and promote sustainable practices.
Used Cooking Oil
Do not dump used cooking oil into the drain or trash can as
it is harmful to the environment and can clog plumbing, cause sewer overflows,
and attract pests. Instead, let the oil cool down then strain it through a
fine-mesh strainer or coffee filter to remove any debris. Store it in a covered
container and take it to a recycling center that accepts used cooking oils.
There are a few tools available to help you properly dispose
of cooking oil. One option is to use a funnel with a built-in strainer, which
makes it easier to strain the oil before storing it in a covered container.
Another tool is an oil storage container specifically designed for holding used
cooking oil, making it easy to transport and dispose of at a recycling center.
Additionally, some cities provide free pickup services for used cooking oil, so
be sure to check with your local waste management department. With these tools,
disposing of cooking oil can be a hassle-free and environmentally friendly
process.
Appliances
Appliances such as refrigerators, stoves, and washing
machines can’t be put in the landfill because of their components such as
refrigerant and compressors. The refrigerant can harm the ozone layer while
compressors can release chemicals that are harmful to the environment. Instead,
contact your local waste management facility or electric utility provider to
see if they have a program to pick up used appliances and either recycle or
dispose of them safely.
It's easy to hold onto old appliances, especially if they
still seem to be in working condition. However, there comes a time when these
appliances become outdated and inefficient, making it necessary to replace them.
It's vital to consider the lifespan of your appliance and how often you use it
before deciding when to toss it. For example, a refrigerator typically has a
lifespan of 10-15 years, so if it's constantly breaking down and you've had it
for over a decade, it may be time to replace it. Additionally, newer appliances
are more energy-efficient and can save you money on your utility bills in the
long run.
Furniture
Many pieces of furniture are made from materials that can
take years to decompose, such as foam cushions and plastics. When disposing of
furniture, landlords and homeowners should call their waste management company
to schedule a bulky item pickup. Many collection sites can even donate
furniture that is in good condition to charities instead of sending it to the
landfill.
Creatively repurposing old furniture is not only
environmentally friendly but can also add a unique touch to your home décor.
Old dressers can be turned into bathroom vanities, or bookshelves can be made
from old ladders and planks of wood. Chairs and stools can be given a fresh
coat of paint and used as plant stands, while coffee tables can be made from
old wooden pallets.
The possibilities are endless when it comes to recycling old
furniture, and the end result is a one-of-a-kind piece that adds character to
your home while reducing waste. Additionally, many DIY tutorials and ideas can
be found online for inspiration and guidance on how to repurpose old furniture
in creative ways.
Chemicals and Paints
Household hazardous waste, such as bleach, paint, and nail
polish remover can harm local ecosystems and threaten human health if disposed
of improperly. Check with your local household hazardous waste collection site,
any specialized Garbage Disposal Bins,
or town authority to find out where to take your chemical waste. This way, it
is properly and safely disposed of.
When it comes to household hazardous waste, it's not only
important to properly dispose of them, but also to keep them out of reach from
children and pets. These items can be dangerous if ingested or come into
contact with skin. To prevent accidents, store these items in a locked cabinet
or high shelf that is inaccessible to young children and animals.
Make sure to also properly label these items and warn others
in your household about their potential hazards. If any spills occur, clean
them up immediately to prevent ingestion or absorption through the skin. By
taking these precautions, you can ensure the safety of your family and pets
while also properly disposing of hazardous waste.
Medical and Pharmaceutical Waste
Most medicines and pharmaceutical products contain chemicals
that can be dangerous to the environment if carelessly disposed of. This
includes even seemingly-harmless things like prescription drugs,
over-the-counter drugs, topical ointments, as well as medical supplies such as
syringes and lancets. Before throwing medical waste or expired medications
away, find out if there are any community programs near you that offer safe
drug disposal.
It's essential to properly dispose of medical waste to
protect both the environment and our health. However, it's also crucial to take
precautions when handling these items to prevent potential risks. When dealing
with medical waste, always wear gloves and wash your hands thoroughly after
handling. This is especially important when disposing of sharps like syringes
or lancets. It's also recommended to keep medical waste in a separate, labeled
container and avoid mixing it with regular household trash. Be sure to keep
this special container out of reach of children and pets. By following these
steps, you can effectively protect yourself from any potential harm caused by
medical waste disposal.
Properly disposing of waste is essential to keeping our
environment healthy for us now and in the future. The items listed above are
examples of things that can’t just be thrown in the regular trash and require proper
disposal. It’s important to check with your local waste management agency to
determine which specific types of waste can and cannot be thrown away, and the
proper method of disposal. By becoming more conscientious of how we dispose of
waste, we can reduce our environmental impact and help keep our communities
healthier.
