9 Things That Should Never Be Thrown in the Garbage
Living in this materialistic world, we tend to accumulate a lot of stuff. Now we have to deal with disposing of these things that we no longer need. People often have the best of intentions when it comes to keeping things out of the trash and garbage, but it can be easy to make mistakes. Did you know that some small items, when thrown away, can cause fires? Did you know that some items can leak chemicals into the landfills around them? Did you know that some items can cause harm or even death to animals and humans?
We all know that trash is trash, right? But do we really know what damage certain items might have on our health and surroundings? Millions of household items are thrown in the trash on a daily basis, but few of us take time to think about the harmful effects these items have on our environment and individual health. This article will serve as a guide to the things that should never be thrown in the garbage and how they can affect the environment negatively.
1. Electronics and appliances
First of all, it's not safe to throw electronics in the trash because they can catch fire. You've probably seen this happen before - it can be scary if you're not expecting it! There are also issues with toxic chemicals inside electronic devices that can leak into groundwater when they are thrown away. This isn't just a problem for your home; it's a problem for anyone who lives near where these items are getting dumped.
You should always check with your local government about how best to dispose of electronics and appliances in your area. It’s also important to note that you don't have to throw your old electronics and appliances away when they break down. There are plenty of ways to repurpose or recycle them. You can go to your local recycling center, or if they just need a little tinkering, they can be sent to Goodwill or some other charity for other people to make use of them.
2. Light bulbs
Old-fashioned incandescent light bulbs are considered normal garbage, but they should be covered in newspapers before throwing them away. Fluorescent and CFL light bulbs, on the contrary hand, contain mercury. Mercury is a heavy metal that can cause serious harm to humans and animals if it is not disposed of properly.
They should be recycled at an HHW center in your area. You can also call your local solid waste management district for more information on proper disposal.
3. Aerosol cans
If you've been throwing your aerosol cans in the trash, stop. Aerosol cans contain pressurized gas. When they're exposed to heat, like the heat of a garbage truck's compactor or an incinerator, they can explode. This is a problem because it's not just your own home that could be affected by this explosion - it's anyone else who is nearby.
So what can we do instead? Recycle those cans, and there’s a way to do it responsibly! If your community doesn't have a waste recycling program already set up yet (or if yours doesn't accept aerosol cans), call your local waste management authority or a
professional trash removal service and see how they can help.
4. Batteries
Batteries are a convenient way to power your electronic devices, but they are also one of the most dangerous things you can throw in your trash can. A battery can cause a fire if it's not disposed of properly, and these fires can spread quickly and be hard to contain.
Standard household batteries should be removed carefully from other trash and disposed of at a household hazardous waste facility (HHW) in your community. Alternatively, you can bring them to the following hazardous trash collection day in your community.
5. Paint
You might think you're doing yourself and the environment a favor by throwing paint in the trash, but you'd be wrong. Paint is an extremely toxic substance, and it can cause serious health problems if it's not disposed of properly. Don't even think about just dumping your paint down the drain. This can lead to serious harm to both you and the environment.
When you're done with old paint, don't just throw it in the garbage! Recycle it instead: either bring it to your local hardware store for recycling or check with your local government to see if they offer a drop-off service.
6. Thermometers and thermostats
The problem is, they're not biodegradable, and they can be dangerous to the environment. Thermometers are glass instruments that contain mercury. Therefore, when you dispose of one, it busts free in the landfill and spills hazardous mercury into the ground. Heavy metal mercury has the potential to seriously harm a person's health.
If you have old thermometers or thermostats that you don't plan to use anymore, check with your local municipality to see if they'll take them for recycling. If not, you can always check with
your trash removal partner or find a recycler online who will take care of them for you.
7. Cleaning solutions and lawn chemicals
It's true that throwing your cleaning solutions and lawn chemicals in the trash is a quick way to get rid of them - but it's also a quick way to contaminate your environment and cause serious health problems for yourself, your family, and everyone around you. When you throw these chemicals into the trash, they end up in landfills (and sometimes rivers) where they can leach into drinking water supplies - and that’s just one example.
For further information on how to properly dispose of these hazardous materials in your neighborhood, reach out to your local solid waste authority. Alternatively, you can recycle them by giving away unused goods to your neighbors or disposing of them through an HHW facility.
8. Pharmaceuticals and medical waste
The problem with throwing your pharmaceuticals in the trash is that they can get into our water supply. This is bad for everyone! Medical waste contains harmful chemicals that can pollute waterways, soil, and even air quality if they're not properly disposed of. These chemicals include things like cleaning solvents and disinfectants - things that can be hazardous to humans as well as animals!
Check with your doctor or pharmacist. They may have a specific recycling program in place that allows you to safely dispose of your unused medications. If they don't, ask them who does and get the information. Or you can ask your local solid waste facility.
9. Motor oil
Motor oil is a highly toxic substance that can cause a variety of health problems. You should never throw motor oil in the trash because it can contaminate groundwater. If the trash is not properly disposed of and reaches a water source, it will be washed into our lakes and rivers, where it can cause irreversible damage to aquatic life and ecosystems. It’s also illegal to throw motor oil away!
The best thing you can do is take your used motor oil to your local solid waste district or auto parts store where they will dispose of it safely.
We're all accustomed to tossing things in the trash or recycling bin without giving it a thought. By tossing these items in your trash, you are releasing them into the ecosystem for other living beings to ingest or consume. So, the next time you need to throw something away remember that it's not just about you; think about the potential harm to our environment when making decisions as to what should be thrown in the garbage. The bottom line is if you want to do your part to keep the earth beautiful, then never throw these items in the trash!
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