Not all household items belong in the disposal bin. Items that are not recyclable or compostable belong in disposal bins, but many times after the waste disposal companies have carried away the bins to the waste disposal sites, the workers on the disposal sites find things in the bins that should never have been put there at all. Some of these old household items that are due for disposal still need special handling for starters.
We’ve compiled a list of do’s and don’ts as regards the disposal of waste around your home or office.
- Renovation rubbish
Refuse that occurs during on-site renovations, like shingles and excess wood, can be added to waste disposal bins or dumpster. The rule to follow is that if it is not hazardous then it can be put in the dumpster. Do your best to get all the guidelinesand information you need from your local waste disposal company.
- Hazardous waste
DO NOT dump hazardous waste into garbage disposal bins. It is illegal. Examples of hazardous waste to keep out of your garbage disposal bins include:
- Propane tanks(classified as hazardous because they can explode and therefore should not end up in garbage disposal bins);
- Medical items like sharps and needles;
- Fire extinguishers;
- Ink cartridges;
- Chemicals like antifreeze, herbicides, gasoline, batteries, paint, insecticides, pesticides, varnish and solvents;
Contact your municipal bylaws office for the full list.
- Electronics
So you have an old boom box and you want to get rid of it. Don’t throw it, or any electronic equipment, in the trash can. Fluorescent light bulbs, batteries and electronics usually contain heavy metals which do not break down in the landfill sites, and therefore they need to be disposed of properly, not in the waste disposal bin.
Many local office supply stores, like BestBuy, and even goodwill stores will accept used electronics and used ink cartridges. Check your municipality for a curbside pickup program or a drop-off location for these items.
- Get The Facts