The article has been automatically translated into English by Google Translate from Russian and has not been edited.

Things not worth throwing in the trash can

'15.01.2022'

Source: Rambler

When something breaks down or simply becomes useless, we readily throw it in the bin. But what many of us don't realize is that some of these things are categorized as "household hazardous waste," which means that throwing them away thoughtlessly is risky.

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And then there are items that seem to be recycled, but you are not sure how, and they also end up in the trash, writes Rambler. But if you are ready to take care of the environment and treat your household waste wisely, then here is a list of 19 items that you should not just throw in the trash can, as well as instructions on how to deal with this garbage.

Batteries

Batteries (even used batteries) are full of harmful chemicals that can seep into the groundwater and cause serious environmental and health problems. Take rechargeable batteries to the nearest collection point. What if the batteries are alkaline? Then it is better to "dump" them at the nearest hazardous household waste dump.

Light bulbs

Halogen light bulbs and incandescent bulbs can be recycled, but are considered non-toxic, so they can be thrown in the trash. The main thing is to first put them in a cardboard box or paper bag so that they do not hurt anyone.

Fluorescent lamps contain toxic chemicals, and you can't just throw them in the trash. Some large stores, such as IKEA, offer recycling services for bulbs purchased from them. Most LED bulbs are safe and can be recycled - pay attention to the packaging.

Unused or expired medications

Do you have any unused pills? Resist the temptation to flush them down the toilet or throw them in the trash. Not worth it. These powerful chemicals can end up in soil and groundwater. It is better to look for sites and organizations that offer services for the safe disposal of this type of garbage.

Empty spray paint bottles

Aerosol paints contain gases and chemicals, and it is not safe to throw them in the trash (especially if there is something left inside). It is better to take them to a local hazardous household waste disposal site.

Computers and electronics

Digital cameras, computers, televisions, printers, iPods, players, mobile phones and chargers, DVDs, CDs, video and audio tapes, pagers, printer cartridges, and other electronics all contain hazardous substances such as mercury, lead, cadmium, beryllium and brominated flame retardants. Not to mention such valuable rare metals as gold, silver and platinum. Find a reliable e-waste recycling company or take advantage of the take-back program offered by many manufacturers.

Hair (pet hair)

The hair is full of nitrogen. Add them to the compost pile to create cheap fertilizer for plants. It is also said that hair helps scare deer away from garden plants. And if you decide to cut off your long braids, you can sell them.

Fat and oil

To begin with, it is not recommended to pour their remnants (especially still hot ones) at all. But even in the cooled form, they can cause a lot of problems. Throw them in the trash - even worse. Fat can be drained into a jug and put in the fridge - it will make an excellent oil change. Small amounts of other oils can be put in sealed packages and thrown into the trash or taken to a waste disposal center (they are often processed into automobile fuel!).

Paint

Residues of paint, solvents, mordants and other similar substances (as well as brushes and brushes smeared in them) are highly flammable and poisonous. It is best to take them to your local hazardous household waste recycling center. An alternative way is to let the paint dry completely by leaving the lid open. When the can is empty and completely dry, it can be scrapped.

Garden chemicals

The use of pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers based on chemicals is very dangerous for the environment. It is better to switch to non-toxic alternative substances. But if you still use these chemicals, never throw them in the trash or pour them into the toilet or sink. It is best to give the remnants to those who find them the right application. Or take it to a hazardous household waste disposal center.

Lighters

Plastic lighters, even with a small amount of fuel, are flammable, so before you throw them away, it's best to make sure that nothing is left in them. Or you can save money and buy refillable Bic lighters. Partially full or butane lighters are very dangerous and should only be disposed of at designated household waste disposal centers.

Filters for water

Water filters are a handy and useful thing until you use them to the end. Instead of throwing this old filter in the trash, send it to a recycling program or take it to a recycling center.

Glass thermometers

These old-fashioned glass mercury thermometers contain up to 500 milligrams of mercury, which, as everyone knows, is deadly to health. If you decide to change the thermometer to a digital model, take the old one to a hazardous waste disposal center.

Plastic bags

Even if you use mostly paper or cloth bags, cellophane still somehow penetrates our home and our lives. Although many of them can be recycled, most municipal recycling programs simply are not taken for them.

Household chemicals

Cleaning products are full of dangerous chemicals. Flushing them down the toilet is fraught with undesirable consequences - for example, corrosion of pipes, and they will eventually poison the environment when they get into sewage or groundwater. Your destination is a hazardous household waste disposal center.

Cosmetics

In traditional cosmetics contain chemicals that are not removed by water purification, so flush them into the drain is contraindicated. Even empty cosmetic containers often cannot be recycled due to the mixture of materials of which they are composed. Fortunately, there are programs for the processing of cosmetics. Take the empty containers from your lipsticks and mascaras there.

Old household appliances

Used or broken appliances (refrigerators, air conditioners, etc.) contain coolers, heaters and other substances that are harmful to the atmosphere. Donate to a charity or take them to a recycling center.

Tires

Throwing tires in the trash or on the side - the height of lack of culture. Older tires are not considered hazardous waste, but if not properly recycled, they pose a significant threat to the environment.

Unused or unexploded fireworks

The reason why you can not throw fireworks in the trash, is obvious. Such fireworks should be put in the water at night. Then get out of the water and immediately put in the garbage bag. In some cases, fire departments are ready to dispose of them for you.

Adhesives and varnishes

Since they contain solvents and other toxic chemicals, adhesives and varnishes should not be thrown away in their original form. Either let them dry completely (as with paint), or apply thin layers to cardboard or newspaper and let dry completely. The ideal option is to take it to a household waste disposal center.

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