10 Things You Should Never Put in the Garbage

When household items are broken, expired, old, or going unused, many of us simply reach for the nearest trash can, right? But among the thing we use on daily basis there are several categories of hazardous waste, which is truly dangerous to throw away, as it harms the environment. I’m sure you are already recycling the old batteries and mercury thermometers properly, so today I’d like to share with you a list of less obvious household items that also ought to never go into trash. So then next time you go to throw away an old item, reference this list and check whether it should be properly recycled, and what needs special arrangements to be disposed of. Hope you’ll find this information useful!

1. Fluorescent Bulbs

We should never throw our fluorescent lightbulbs within the garbage. They contain mercury that, when released into the environment, can cause really serious damage. Instead, refer to Earth911 to check the service that may facilitate your recycle of old fluorescent bulbs. When they're recycled properly, the materials that these bulbs are made from (glass and metal) can successfully be repurposed and prevent any damage in the atmosphere.

2. Knives

Though your knife may no longer be sharp enough of useful, for safety reasons, you should not just put it in your garbage bin. Luckily, there are many better alternatives. One solution is to donate your unwanted knives to a neighborhood charity. But if you're certain your knives are no longer useful to anyone, find a scrap metal recycler in your area. If that also isn't an option, you can carefully throw away your knife, covering it in bubblewrap, secure it with heavy-duty tape, and then place it in a box and seal it with more tape.

3. Loose Broken Glass

When it comes to disposal, glass and knives follow the identical rules. Any object like these that may physically cut someone, has to be stored in something cushiony before it's put within the trash. To dispose of broken glass, seal it in a box or wrap it in several sheets of newspaper and place it in your garbage.

4. Lighter Fluid (any amount)

Because lighter fluid is actually a fuel, it's considered to be hazardous waste. As such, any unwanted kerosene must be disposed of at a household hazardous waste facility where it won't harm other people or the environment in general.

5. Motor Oil

Like lighter fluid, motor oil is flammable and therefore it is also considered to be a hazardous waste. Apart from bringing this fluid to a hazardous waste facility, you can also bring it to any neighborhood automobile repair shop where it’ll be put to proper use.

6. Mail

Of course, you ought to be recycling all of your mail because it's, well, recyclable. However, that's not the sole reason why this particular item doesn't belong in the garbage. Because of all the valuable (and confidential) information contained within letters from credit card companies, doctors, and more, your mail can be a valuable target for identity thieves. So make a habit - shred and recycle your mail regularly—even if it's spam.

7. Matches

Once you've used a match to light your kid's birthday candles, don't simply toss it within the garbage. Matches can suddenly spark in the trash should they happen to strike against a rough surface. Instead, always soak any unwanted matches in cold water before you throw them away.

8. Ink Cartridges

Do yourself a favor and do not throw out your old ink cartridges. Instead, you can also bring your cartridge to the store (for example, Costco) and get it refilled with ink for a fraction of what a typical cartridge costs.

9. Smartphones, Tablets, Old Laptops

Hopefully you know by now that laptops and other handheld electronics should never go into the garbage, as they contain toxic chemicals like mercury, lead, and chromium. If your computer or gadget is still functioning, you can take advantage of the company's tech trade-in program to both get rid of your computer and make money in the process.

10. Old Pots and Pans

Most pots and pans are manufactured from metal and are therefore recyclable, however, most curbside recycling programs won't accept them. Solution? Bring it to the closest scrap metal recycling facility. Just ensure to point whether your pot or pan has a non-stick finish, since that must be removed before it can be recycled.