Household Items That Are Illegal to Throw Away in Some States

Most of the things that you throw out on the curb end up in a landfill. Of the daily trash that we generate, a lot of items have the potential to harm the environment, because of which, their disposal in household garbage is banned in many states. Here is a list of such items and how to correctly deal with them. 

While we might think that household waste does not include harmful chemicals, they can be found in things like oil-based paint, paint thinners, lawn chemicals, and cleaning products. If left in landfills, they can be harmful to humans and animals. The best way to dispose of them is to drop them off at your local hazardous waste disposal facility. 

Mercury has long been known to be extremely dangerous to humans and the environment. Nowadays, it is found in things like CFLs, thermometers, and thermostats. They can be disposed of at big-box hardware stores like Lowe’s. Many states prohibit placing these items in household trash because even trace mercury can contaminate soil and water.

If leaked, lead-acid batteries found in cars and motorbikes can cause lead contamination, causing serious harm to humans and the environment. If you have an old battery, you’re better off exchanging it for a new one or surrendering it at an auto repair shop rather than throwing it in the garbage. Many states have laws requiring proper recycling of these batteries to prevent hazardous waste buildup.

A single gallon of motor oil, if spilled, can make a million gallons of freshwater undrinkable. Disposing of it in landfills is only legal in a few states, like Alabama. For others, the best option would be to save up used motor oil and drop it off at auto body shops. Many service stations and auto parts stores accept used oil for recycling at no charge.

This might come as a surprise to most people, but dumping used tires in the garbage is illegal in most states. This is because they tend to float up in landfills, collect rainwater, and become a home for disease-ridden insects. If you want to get rid of one, your local tire retailer might be your solution.

Popularly called ‘E-waste’, these things are notoriously difficult to discard. Many states have banned electronic products from landfills. In such a case, your best bet is to drop them off at e-waste collection events or a licensed electronics recycler. Old laptops, phones, TVs, and printers often contain heavy metals and toxic components.

Grass, leaves, twigs, and branches from your yard are usually not accepted at landfills because they can release dangerous gases like methane while decomposing in the open. Self-composting or dropping them off at community composting events is an easy way to recycle yard waste. Many municipalities have yard waste pickup days or designated compost drop sites.

Yes, most of us do already toss aluminium cans in recycling. But still, cans worth up to $800 million end up in landfills every year. Most states have banned them from landfills to redirect them into recycling, since aluminium is infinitely recyclable. Going forward, just be aware of how you are disposing of the next can of Coke you drink.

Refrigerators, dishwashers, and other such appliances usually contain chemicals that are harmful to the environment. If you’re considering replacing any such appliance, ask your retailer if they can take the old one off your hands. Most of them usually do. These appliances may also contain refrigerants, oils, or heavy metals that require proper handling.

Anything that plugs into a wall to charge usually has a rechargeable battery—inlcuing your phone. These batteries can explode and contaminate water supplies and are also a major cause for fires in waste management facilities. Like most other hazardous chemicals, they are better handled at your local hazardous waste management facility. Retailers like Best Buy, Staples, and Home Depot also offer convenient battery recycling programs.