Not everything in your home can go out with the regular trash. There are a few items that must be disposed of differently to protect the environment. Below are a few common household items that need to be handled separately from trash pickup.

What Can’t Go in Regular Trash Pickup

1. Batteries

Batteries contain ingredients that are toxic during decomposition. Heavy metals can leak into landfills and pollute groundwater. Rechargeable batteries especially should never be thrown in a bin for regular trash pickup. Many retail stores offer a battery recycling program, so look for bins at home improvement, office supply, and electronics establishments.

2. CFL Bulbs

CFL bulbs contain small amounts of mercury, which can be hazardous to the environment. It is also hard to purge from the soil and water. While these bulbs will hold the mercury inside even after they’ve burned out, once broken, it will leach out and contaminate the area. Call your local recycling center to schedule a drop-off or check with home improvement stores who offer a recycling program for these specific bulbs.

3. Paint

Paint, paint thinners, and stains are harmful if they are consumed or come in contact with organic matter. The best approach is to dry out any leftover paint to make disposal easier. Your township should also have a location for dropping off old paint cans. Some retail complexes may have specific dumpsters and bins for throwing them away.

4. Electronics

Many materials in your devices can be easily recycled into new or refurbished electronics. This reduces energy waste and lowers the need for resources to create new items. More importantly, some components contain harmful metals like mercury and lead, and tossing them into your regular trash pickup leads to pollution.

5. Cleaners

Harsh cleaners contain corrosive ingredients that will pollute soil and water. Dumping cleaners can affect the health of surrounding ecosystems. Household cleaners, especially open ones, should be brought to recycling centers for safe disposal.

Note: The City of Columbia, MD has a hazardous waste drop off center at 1313 Lakeview. Hazardous materials can be dropped off between 8:00am – 12:00pm on the 1^st and 3^rd Saturdays from April –November.

For reliable trash pickup in Columbia, MO, trust T-Mac Solid Waste & Roll-Off Service. With more than 30 years of waste removal experience, this family-owned and -operated garbage service has offered competitive pricing and top-notch service. They also provide dumpsters in a variety of sizes for both commercial and residential customers. Call (573) 814-2844 for a quote. Visit them online for more information on their trash pickup schedule.