Disposing of recyclable materials in landfills poses a threat to the environment and is illegal for certain items in many jurisdictions. It can be tempting to discard items not accepted by your local recycling service, but there are better ways to handle them. Here’s a guide for disposing of those challenging items responsibly.
1. Non-rechargeable batteries
Items like toy AAs, small coin batteries, 9-volt batteries from smoke detectors, and cell phone batteries should never end up in landfills. Verify with your local waste management service, as some may offer battery pickup or specific drop-off locations. Many public spaces, such as libraries and city offices, also have battery collection receptacles. If you’re unsure where to go, Call2Recycle can help you locate the nearest drop-off point, often within 10 miles.
2. Rechargeable batteries
Rechargeable batteries don’t last indefinitely, and when they are no longer usable, proper disposal becomes crucial due to the hazardous heavy metals they contain. Many retailers accept these batteries for recycling. Consult Call2Recycle for nearby collection spots.
3. Cellphones
When parting with your phone, leave the battery in place and take it to a recycling kiosk, a public drop-off location, or a charitable organization. Many old smartphones hold considerable value, and numerous organizations are eager to accept them.
4. CFL bulbs
Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), which contain mercury, shouldn’t be discarded in landfills. Check earth911 for local drop-off points where they can be responsibly disposed of. Some retailers, including The Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Ace Hardware, will also accept these bulbs.
5. Eyeglasses
Don’t throw away your old eyeglasses! The Lions Club can distribute your unneeded eyewear to individuals in need, ensuring they are sorted by prescription. You can often find Lions Club collection boxes at optometry offices, or you can reach out to your local club or send them directly.
6. Electronics
Goodwill welcomes donations of functioning electronics and may offer pickup services. They even provide complimentary data erasure from your hard drives. Goodwill accepts devices such as desktop and laptop computers, tablets, routers, and servers up to five years old. Any older gear must go to an electronic waste facility.
7. CRT monitors
CRTs contain lead, making proper disposal especially important. Goodwill does not accept these older monitors. Instead, you can drop them off at Staples for free, or at Best Buy, where you can leave up to two monitors each day, although there’s a $25 fee for disposal. Alternatively, contact the manufacturer to check for take-back or trade-in options.
8. TVs
Smaller televisions can typically be returned to electronics retailers. For larger models, consult an electronic waste management company like All Green, which can arrange for pickup or allow drop-offs for a fee. Local governments may also hold e-waste collection events that include TVs.
9. Printer ink and toner cartridges
Here’s some good news: many office supply retailers offer incentives like cash or store credit for returned ink cartridges. Be sure to contact your local office supply store for details.
10. Tires
Once deemed waste, old tires are now repurposed for playgrounds, building materials, and even fuels, containing up to five gallons of oil each! Check with local tire retailers about their acceptance policies or explore state resources for tire disposal programs. Earth911 can also direct you to additional options.
11. Appliances
Due to their metal components, unwanted appliances are typically easy to dispose of, often with the added benefit of getting paid. My utility company offered $35 for picking up my old freezer.
Most appliance retailers will remove an old item upon delivering a new one without charge. However, when my dryer broke, Sears Outlet tried to charge me for removal. I sought out a local scrap dealer who promptly helped me.
12. Paint and chemicals
To find the best methods for disposing of Household Hazardous Waste, contact your local municipality. In Los Angeles County, for example, they host regular collection events, reusing items like discarded paint for graffiti coverage and converting used oil into marine fuel.
13. Medication
According to the FDA, you should reach out to your waste collection service or governmental office to inquire about local medication take-back options. If unavailable, the FDA advises mixing old pills with something unpalatable like cat litter, sealing them in a bag, and disposing of them in the trash.
If all else fails
If you’re short on time and can’t research e-waste collection dates or drug take-back initiatives, there are two convenient solutions for disposing of virtually anything:
Pay for pickup
Services like 1-800-GOT-JUNK? can collect a wide range of items, including appliances, old hot tubs, tires, and electronics, excluding hazardous waste. They guarantee responsible disposal, although convenience comes at a price—typically around $500 per truckload.
Offer it on Freecycle
Your unwanted items might be someone else’s treasure! I’ve successfully found homes for everything from empty glass bottles to broken electronics by posting on my local Freecycle group.
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