It’s that time of year again. The sun is warming up, birds are chirping, flowers are blooming—it can only mean one thing: spring cleaning! As you tackle your to-do list this season, you’ll likely run into a few items that you no longer need or want. Before tossing them into the garbage, consider the following five items—you may be surprised to learn that some of them don’t belong in the trash.
Electronics
All sorts of electronics contain hazardous materials like lead and mercury that can be released into the air and water if they end up in landfills. Instead of throwing these items away, recycle them through a certified e-waste recycler. You can also donate working electronics to schools or charities who may be able to make use of them.
When it comes to electronics, there are a few items that should never be put in the garbage. Computer monitors and televisions contain toxic materials that can leach into the environment if left in a landfill, so make sure to recycle these items responsibly. Even small gadgets like cellphones and tablets contain valuable resources and should be properly recycled as well. Take them to a certified e-waste recycler or donate them to a school or charity.
Batteries
Rechargeable batteries found in cell phones and laptops contain heavy metals like cadmium and lead which can contaminate soil and water if disposed of improperly. To keep these materials out of landfills and water sources, take rechargeable batteries to a local recycling center for proper disposal. Alkaline batteries are also hazardous but can be thrown away as long as they are properly wrapped in tape to prevent damage from occurring when being transported in garbage trucks.
Paint
Latex paint doesn’t belong in the trash either because it contains hazardous materials like volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which can release harmful particles into the air when dumped into landfills. You should check with your local municipality first as some areas offer free paint recycling programs or drop-off sites where you can properly dispose of unused paint cans while helping reduce waste at the same time.
Alternatively, if you don’t have access to a recycling or drop-off program, you can look into other ways to dispose of your paint. Consider donating any unused cans of paint to friends, family members, or local charities who may be able to use it for upcoming projects. You could also try using up the rest of the paint on a DIY project or giving it away for free on online marketplaces. If you’re able to do so safely, you could also try finding ways to safely dispose of your paint yourself such as using a kitty litter or oil-absorbing material like sand or sawdust. Just make sure that all containers are properly labeled and sealed before disposal.
Fluorescent Light Bulbs
Compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) contain small amounts of mercury which is why they should never be thrown away with regular household garbage; instead look for retailers near you who accept used CFLs for recycling or safe disposal—many hardware stores provide this service at no cost.
To determine if a light bulb is fluorescent, look for the word “fluorescent” on the base of the bulb. Fluorescent bulbs with integral ballasts also have “CFL” or “Compact Fluorescent Lamp” printed on them. They are typically curved in shape and come in various sizes with bright colors to distinguish them from traditional incandescent bulbs. Fluorescent bulbs also last much longer than incandescent ones, so it’s important to ensure that you are disposing of them properly by recycling or taking them to a local hardware store for safe disposal.
Pesticides
Pesticides contain chemicals that are toxic to humans and animals so it’s important not to just dump them down the drain or throw them away with regular household trash—instead contact your local government offices for information on how and where to safely discard used pesticides from your home!
Common pesticides that should not be thrown away include herbicides, fungicides, rodenticides, insecticides, and other chemical-based products. These chemicals can cause significant damage to the environment if not disposed of properly and should always be taken to a local hazardous waste disposal facility. It’s important to read the labels on any pesticide you are using, as they will provide instructions on how to safely dispose of them.
When In Doubt, Call an Expert
If you find yourself with too much garbage and junk for you to handle on your own, don’t hesitate to call a professional! Professional garbage and junk removal services can help take the hassle out of dealing with large amounts of waste by hauling it away from your property in a safe and eco-friendly manner. Not only will they ensure that all of your unwanted items are disposed of properly, but they can also help you meet any strict local regulations regarding waste disposal. So this spring, when it comes to garbage and junk removal, make sure you enlist the help of the experts for a hassle-free clean up.
Spring cleaning is an annual tradition for many people—but it’s important to remember that not everything belongs in your garbage bin! Electronics, batteries, paint, fluorescent light bulbs, and pesticides all contain hazardous materials which means they should always be recycled or taken to a special disposal site rather than just tossed out with regular household trash. Doing this will help protect our environment by keeping toxic substances out of our air and water supply. So before you start spring cleaning this year, remember these five things that shouldn’t go into the garbage.
