Whether you’re moving into a new home or doing an overhaul of your garage and basement, it’s important to know which items belong in the trash and which don’t. Throwing away some items instead of recycling or disposing of them in a responsible way causes a variety of issues ranging from garbage worker injuries to environmental harm. Here are a few items you should never throw away with the rest of your trash. 

5 Household Items You Shouldn’t Throw in Your Trash Can

1. Batteries

Batteries contain varying degrees of acid and other toxic chemicals depending on their application. Car batteries, for example, contain high amounts of sulfuric acid and lead. Rechargeable batteries are also extremely toxic. Old batteries should be recycled — some stores will even buy car batteries back from you. 

2. Lightbulbs

Fluorescent and compact lightbulbs both contain mercury, making them toxic additions to local landfills when they break. Many recycling programs and facilities collect these bulbs to prevent mercury buildup in the atmosphere. Serious mercury buildup becomes heavy and eventually falls as part of snow and rain, resulting in water and soil pollution.

3. Electronics

Made with heavy metals such as cadmium and lead, electronics pose serious environmental threats when they’re not disposed of properly. The lead in electronic waste can leach into the ground of the surrounding dump site, polluting the groundwater. Since nearly 100% of e-waste is recyclable, it pays — literally — to investigate recycling programs. Most pay cash for electronics.

4. Paint & Other Chemicals

Paint, cleaning products, motor oil, and other hazardous chemicals are flammable and can contaminate waterways when they aren’t disposed of correctly. They also release gas that pollutes the atmosphere. These chemicals must be taken to local hazardous waste facilities for safe disposal.

5. Smoke Detectors

Ionization chamber smoke detectors (ICSDs) use ionizing radiation, a type of radioactive material, to sense smoke. If you have this type of smoke detector, take it to a hazardous waste facility when it stops working. Photoelectric smoke detectors, in comparison, use light and photo sensors to detect smoke and should be taken it to an electronics recycling center at the end of their lifespan.

If you have old electronics and appliances you need to get rid of, don’t throw them in the trash — take them to Evage, LLP in Harrison, AR. The recycling facility safely disposes of a wide range of items, including small and large appliances, office equipment, power tools, and space heaters. The friendly team also recycles unsorted batteries, fluorescent bulbs, and refrigerant-based items for a small fee. Call (870) 416-2294 today, or visit them on Facebook to learn more about their services.