19 items that should not be thrown in the trash

When something goes out of order or just becomes useless, we readily throw it in the trash. But many of us do not realize that some of these things belong to the category of "hazardous household waste", which means that it is risky to just throw them away. And then there are items that seem to be recyclable, but you're not sure exactly how, and they also end up in the trash. But if you are ready to take care of the environment and treat your household waste wisely, then here is a list of 19 items that you should not just throw in the trash, and instructions on how to deal with this garbage.

1. Batteries

Batteries — even used ones — are full of harmful chemicals that can penetrate into groundwater and lead to serious environmental and health problems. Take the rechargeable batteries to the nearest pick-up point. And if the batteries are alkaline? Then it is better to "dump" them at the nearest landfill of hazardous household waste.

2. Light bulbs

Halogen bulbs and incandescent bulbs can be recycled, but they are considered non-toxic, so they can be thrown in the trash. The main thing is to put them in a cardboard box or paper bag beforehand so that they don't cut anyone.

Fluorescent lamps contain toxic chemicals, and they should not be simply thrown into the trash. Some large stores, such as IKEA, offer recycling services for light bulbs purchased from them. Most LED light bulbs are safe and can be recycled — pay attention to the packaging.

3. Unused or expired medications

Are there unused pills? There is a temptation to flush them to the toilet or throw them in the trash. Not worth. These powerful chemicals can get into the soil and groundwater. It is better to look for sites and organizations offering services for the safe disposal of this type of garbage.

4. Empty bottles of spray paint

Aerosol paints contain gases and chemicals, and it is unsafe to throw them in the trash (especially if there is something left inside). It is better to take them to a local landfill for the disposal of hazardous household waste.

5. Computers and electronics

Digital cameras, computers, televisions, printers, iPods, iPods, mobile phones and chargers, DVDs, CDs, video and audio tapes, pagers, printer cartridges and other electronics — all these wastes contain hazardous substances like mercury, lead, cadmium, beryllium and brominated flame retardants. Not to mention such valuable rare metals as gold, silver and platinum. Find a reliable e-waste recycling organization or use the waste return program offered by many manufacturers.

6. Hair (pet hair)

The hair is full of nitrogen. Add them to the compost pile to create a cheap fertilizer for plants. It is also said that hair helps to scare deer away from garden plants. And if you decide to cut off your long braids, you can sell them.

7. Fat and oils

To begin with, it is not recommended to pour out their remains (especially still hot) at all. But even in the cooled form, they can cause a lot of problems. Throwing them in the trash is even worse. The fat can be decanted into a jug and put in the refrigerator — it will make an excellent substitute for oil. Small amounts of other oils can be put in sealed packages and thrown into the trash or taken to a waste disposal center (they are often recycled into automobile fuel!).

8. Paints

The remnants of paint, solvents, mordants and other similar substances (as well as brushes and brushes smeared in them) are easily flammable and poisonous. It is better to take them to the local hazardous waste recycling center. An alternative way is to let the paint dry completely, leaving the lid open. When the jar is empty (and completely dry), it can be scrapped.

9. Garden chemicals

The use of pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers based on chemicals is very dangerous for the environment. It is better to switch to non-toxic alternative substances. But if you do use these chemicals, never throw them in the trash and do not pour them into the toilet or sink. It is best to give the leftovers to someone who will find the right use for them. Or take it to the center for the disposal of hazardous household waste.

10. Lighters

Plastic lighters, even with a small amount of fuel, are flammable, so before you throw them away, it's better to make sure that there is nothing left in them. And you can save money and buy refillable Bic lighters. Partially full or butane lighters are very dangerous, they need to be thrown away only in special recycling centers for household waste.

11. Water filters

Water filters are a convenient and useful thing, as long as you don't use them to the end. Instead of throwing this old filter in the trash, send it to a recycling program or take it to a waste disposal center.

12. Glass thermometers

These old-fashioned glass mercury thermometers contain up to 500 milligrams of mercury, which, as everyone knows, is deadly to health. If you decide to change the thermometer to a digital model, take the old one to the hazardous waste disposal center.

13. Cellophane bags

Even if you use mainly paper or fabric bags, cellophane bags still somehow penetrate into our home and into our lives. Although many of them can be recycled, most municipal recycling programs simply do not undertake them.

14. Household chemicals

Cleaning products are full of dangerous chemical compounds. Flushing them down the toilet is fraught with undesirable consequences — for example, corrosion of pipes, and they will eventually poison the environment when they get into sewage or groundwater. Your answer is a hazardous waste disposal center.

15. Cosmetics

Traditional cosmetics contain chemicals that are not removed by water purification, so it is contraindicated to flush them into the drain. Even empty cosmetic containers often cannot be recycled due to the mixture of materials they consist of. Fortunately, there are programs for the processing of cosmetics. Take the empty containers from your lipsticks and mascara there.

16. Tires

Throwing tires in the trash or on the side of the road is the height of lack of culture. Old tires are not considered hazardous waste, but if they are not recycled properly, they pose a considerable threat to the environment.

17. Old household appliances

Used or broken household appliances (refrigerators, air conditioners, etc.) contain coolers, insulation and other substances that harm the atmosphere. Donate them to a charity or take them to a recycling center.

18. Unused or unexploded fireworks

The reason why you can't throw fireworks in the trash is obvious. Such fireworks should be put in water overnight. Then take it out of the water and immediately put it in a garbage bag. In some cases, fire departments are ready to dispose of them for you.

19. Adhesives and varnishes

Since they contain solvents and other toxic chemicals, adhesives and varnishes should not be discarded in their original form. Either let them dry completely (as with paint), or apply thin layers to cardboard or newspapers and let them dry completely. Or take it to a household waste disposal center.