12 Things You Should Never Throw in the Garbage
May 12, 2024
source: Pexels
Staring at the overflowing garbage bins outside my apartment complex, it’s almost a visceral reaction—so much waste. While we can’t avoid waste entirely, certain habits, like tossing leftovers, become a visual testament to our daily excess. But it’s not just food. As I watch folks add to the pile, I notice many items that shouldn’t go directly into the trash—stuff that can actually harm the environment or even endanger us.
When I started being more mindful about what I throw away, I realized the significance of understanding the items that require special care. Maybe it’s the educator in me or just my inner eco-warrior speaking, but I think we all could give more thought to the way we discard some things. It’s about respecting the guidelines, yes, but also about protecting what’s beyond our front door—nature.
Local regulations are crucial in managing waste properly. Many of the items I’ll mention are not just environmental hazards; they’re often against the law to toss in your regular trash. This isn’t bureaucracy gone mad—it’s about ensuring that harmful materials are handled correctly to protect public health and safety. Checking with your municipality for specific disposal instructions is always a good idea, as what’s acceptable in one area might be forbidden in another.
So, why can’t we just throw everything in the trash? Some materials take centuries to break down, leaching harmful chemicals into our soil and waterways. Others are simply too valuable to be buried, like recyclable metals and electronics, which can be reused and repurposed. It’s not just about the environment; it’s also about conserving resources.
Safety is paramount when disposing of certain items. Things like batteries and electronics can cause fires if damaged, while chemicals can pose serious health risks if mishandled. It’s not just about keeping our streets clean; it’s about keeping our communities safe.
Now, let’s dive into the 12 things you should never throw in the garbage and why:
Batteries: Throwing batteries in the trash can lead to chemical leaks and fires. Instead, recycle them or take them to designated drop-off locations.
Electronics: Old gadgets contain valuable metals and toxic substances. Recycling or donating them not only conserves resources but also prevents environmental contamination.
Paints and solvents: These can be incredibly harmful to the environment, leaking toxic materials into our groundwater. Many cities have special facilities for hazardous waste that handle these items.
Medications: Flushing them or throwing them away can contaminate water supplies. Take them to a pharmacy that offers a take-back program.
Compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs): They contain a small amount of mercury, which is a potent neurotoxin. Recycle them properly to prevent contamination.
Chemical cleaners: Like paints, these can harm wildlife and pollute water bodies. Use up what you can, and dispose of the rest at a hazardous waste facility.
Used cooking oil: Pouring it down the drain or in the trash can clog pipes and sewer lines. Recycle it or convert it to biodiesel where facilities exist.
Tires: Tires in landfills can trap methane gas, causing them to become buoyant and potentially damage landfill structures. Recycle them or repurpose them creatively.
Appliances: Large items like refrigerators contain refrigerants that can damage the ozone layer if not disposed of correctly. Plus, they’re largely recyclable.
Plastic bags: These can take up to 1,000 years to decompose and often end up strangling marine life. Recycle them at grocery stores that offer collection bins.
Aerosol cans: If still pressurized, they can explode. Empty them completely and check if your recycling program accepts them.
Garden chemicals: Pesticides and herbicides are dangerous to wildlife and humans alike. Unused portions should go to a hazardous waste facility.
I learned some of these the hard way. Like the time I almost ruined my beloved garden by improperly disposing of old pesticides, or the weekend spent unclogging our ancient plumbing from a grease buildup. Each mishap taught me the value of proper disposal—a lesson I hope to pass on to others for a cleaner, safer world.
Remember, every little thing you sort and dispose of thoughtfully makes a difference. It’s about being conscious of the legacy we leave behind, not just for our community but for the planet. So next time you’re about to toss something in the trash, pause and think about where it should really go.