There are several items that cannot simply be tossed in your trash.
Each state has different laws regarding the disposal of certain products.
If you come across an item that you're not sure how to get rid of, make sure to check local guidelines to ensure that you are disposing of the object properly.
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Below are a few common items that cannot be thrown away in your trash and where to toss them instead.
- Tires
- Motor oil
- Car batteries
- Household batteries
- Electronics
- Thermometers
- Paint
1. Tires
There are many auto items that can't be tossed in the trash.
Instead of throwing them into the trash, you can reach out to a local auto shop, which typically will recycle your old tires for you when you get new ones, according to budgetdumpster.com.
You can also contact a registered scrap transporter in your area that may be able to take care of your old tires, per the source.
You can also bring them to a recycling center that allows for their disposal.
2. Motor oil
Many people choose to save money by changing their motor oil themselves.
If you take this route, it's important to know where to dispose of your old oil, as it's illegal to throw it in the garbage.
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When you change the oil in your car, set aside the container the new oil came in.
This ensures that when it comes time to change your oil again, you can reuse the same container to safely transport your used oil.
You can bring used oil to a recycling facility or to an auto center.
3. Car batteries
In most states, it's against the law to dispose of used lead-acid batteries at the landfill, according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
If car batteries are disposed of in a landfill, they can release lead and lead contaminated sulfuric acid into the environment as they corrode, per the source.
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You have a few different options for how you can dispose of car batteries.
First, you could take it to an auto shop, such as AutoZone, where you can exchange your battery for a git card, according to AutoZone's website.
You can also bring the battery to a metal recycling establishment, or bring it to a facility that handles hazardous chemicals.
4. Household batteries
There are certain batteries that you can throw in the trash and others that you shouldn't.
For example, alkaline batteries, which include the standard AA, AAA and 9-volt batteries, can be tossed in the garbage.
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However, button cell or coin batteries, such as the ones used for calculators and watches, contain silver and mercury and should not be thrown in the trash.
Instead, the EPA recommends that you bring them to a battery recycler — or look to see if any retailers will take them off your hands.
5. Electronics
Ridding your household of electronics can be a bit of a pain.
The easiest way to get rid of an old cellphone is by trading it in for a new one.
Many carriers will take care of your old device for you.
Electronics stores often have their own recycling programs, so you can also look into these as well.
Just keep in mind that whenever you're getting rid of an electronic device like a smartphone or tablet, make sure to factory reset it to wipe your personal information.
Televisions also cannot be thrown in the trash, as they contain glass, lead and other chemicals that are dangerous to the environment.
Similar to the disposal process of a cellphone or tablet, try an electronics store and see if it will take care of recycling your device.
You can also contact your local recycling facility for additional information on how to dispose of your television.
Additionally, consider giving your device to a friend or donating it to a thrift store.
6. Thermometers
If you have a thermometer that contains mercury, it cannot be thrown away with your regular trash.
Many thermometers imitate mercury but are labeled "mercury-free." These thermometers can be thrown away normally.
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If you have a thermometer containing mercury that you want to get rid of, you can donate it to small businesses or universities.
Another option is to locate a hazardous waste collection facility in your area.
7. Paint
Paint can be toxic and dangerous.
If you need to get rid of latex paint, remove the top and let it dry out before tossing it in the trash.
To speed up the drying process, combine the mixture with cat litter and allow the mixture to set.
If you have an oil-based paint that needs to be disposed of, it must be taken to a drop-off center so that it is safely tossed.
