From Yahoo Green:
Should you trash it or recycle? Beware! It’s illegal to toss some items because they can harm the environment. So, here’s a list of common household items that need special treatment – and where to dispose of them.
Should you trash it or recycle? Beware! It’s illegal to toss some items because they can harm the environment. So, here’s a list of common household items that need special treatment – and where to dispose of them.
- First, batteries and electronics must be recycled. That's because they contain toxic metals and other pollutants. In fact, throwing away rechargeable batteries – including car batteries - is illegal in 41 states. Retailers like Staples, Best Buy and Radio Shack will take them back for free. They’ll also usually take old computers, cameras, televisions, and cell phones – but charge fees depending on the brand.
- You also need to recycle oil-based paint, which can be taken to your local household hazardous waste center. You can use latex paint as primer. Or donate it to a charity like Habitat for Humanity, or a school theatre group. If it’s completely dried up, you can just toss the can.
- Florescent bulbs should be recycled because they contain tiny amounts of mercury that can leak out if broken. Any Home Depot or Ikea will recycle them for free. If you absolutely have no way to recycle, the EPA suggests sealing the light bulbs in two plastic bags before tossing them in the trash.
- Aerosol cans should also be recycled in your curbside bins, because pressurized cans sent to a landfill can explode in a fire.
- Finally, don’t flush bacon grease or cooking oils down the sink, because it can clog up your pipes and back up sewer systems even if you use hot water. Your best bet: Absorb the grease in shredded paper or kitty litter before tossing it in the trash. Or pour bacon grease in a coffee can and toss it once it solidifies.
If you’d like to go further, visit EPA.gov, and click the section for Household Hazardous Waste.
- You also need to recycle oil-based paint, which can be taken to your local household hazardous waste center. You can use latex paint as primer. Or donate it to a charity like Habitat for Humanity, or a school theatre group. If it’s completely dried up, you can just toss the can.
- Florescent bulbs should be recycled because they contain tiny amounts of mercury that can leak out if broken. Any Home Depot or Ikea will recycle them for free. If you absolutely have no way to recycle, the EPA suggests sealing the light bulbs in two plastic bags before tossing them in the trash.
- Aerosol cans should also be recycled in your curbside bins, because pressurized cans sent to a landfill can explode in a fire.
- Finally, don’t flush bacon grease or cooking oils down the sink, because it can clog up your pipes and back up sewer systems even if you use hot water. Your best bet: Absorb the grease in shredded paper or kitty litter before tossing it in the trash. Or pour bacon grease in a coffee can and toss it once it solidifies.
If you’d like to go further, visit EPA.gov, and click the section for Household Hazardous Waste.
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