Ah, the random stuff we all need to get rid of occasionally… What should be done with unusual trash??? First of all, each state and county have their own rules and suggestions for dumping uncommon things. A quick internet search (I use https://search.earth911.com) or phone call (1-800-CLEANUP) can work wonders to find disposal locations in your area. Also, options like listing items for free online, donating to thrift stores, and having yard sales can work well when cleaning things out. Now, here is the rest of what I learned about how to get rid of weird waste…
The following things are illegal to throw away in the daily trash, so I have listed locations and organizations that can help with disposal=
Rechargeable batteries (regular batteries are okay), mercury thermometers, and fluorescent light bulbs (regular light bulbs are okay) - Home Depot, Ace, Lowes, and Batteries Plus Bulbs.
Paint- Sherwin Williams or other paint specific stores, OR you can completely dry out paint before throwing it away
Motor oil- Auto repair shops
Electronics and smoke detectors- Best Buy, Staples, HP, LG, Sony, Apple Give Back, and Sprint
Prescription Drugs- Drugstores like Walgreens, community/law enforcement take back programs, and following individual disposal instructions directing flushing or combining with unpalatable trash
Chemicals like Pesticides and Antifreeze- Hazardous waste collection programs
Tires- Discount Tire, Big O, and other tire stores
Guns- Gun by Gun and the National Center for Unwanted Firearms
Other weird waste items and disposal suggestions:
Fireworks- soak for 24 hours in water and tie up in plastic bags to ensure they stay wet before disposal
Mattresses- Spring Back Colorado, other community recycling programs, and some mattress stores
Car Seats- Cut the straps before throwing in the trash OR recycle your seat at Target (receive a 20% off coupon for each seat) or local law enforcement locations
Construction/demolition materials- Construction dumpsters/landfill for truly trashed items and Habitat for Humanity ReStore for salvageable/reusable things
Eyeglasses- Lions Club International, Goodwill, and New Eyes for The Needy
Hearing aids- Hearing Charities of America, The Hearing & Speech Foundation, and The Starkey Hearing Foundation
Scrap metal- Scrap yards and community recycling centers
Appliances- Savers, Best Buy (small appliances only), Habitat for Humanity ReStore, and Unwanted Appliances Hauled Away
Brush- Local collection programs or burn safely at home with a permit if necessary
Medical sharps- Seal tightly (with duct tape) in a thick plastic container (like a detergent bottle) marked, “DO NOT RECYLCE” before throwing in the trash
Furniture- Habitat for Humanity ReStore, Goodwill, Arc Thrift Store, and Savers
Automotive batteries- Walmart, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Batteries Plus Bulbs, Home Depot, Auto Zone, and Firestone
Reducing and reusing are still the best things we can do with our waste, but recycling and proper disposal are important keys too. So, I hope as you clean and organize, this article can serve as a guide in getting rid of weird waste effectively.
Love Always,
Meg
Some cool reusing trash art-
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