How to Dispose of Common Household Items

There are some household items that should not just be tossed into the garbage. But when sorting your garbage, it’s not always obvious what items should not be sent to a landfill. In this article, we’ll cover how to dispose of common household items. 

Disposing of Common Household Items

There are certain household items that should not be thrown away in your regular garbage service pickup. While you may be tempted to just throw everything into your garbage, doing so can harm the environment and can pose a risk to the people handling your trash. Here’s a look at how to safely dispose of many items you may have in your home.

How to Dispose of Cooking Oil

Many people store cooking oil in a container and then throw it away with the regular trash. Some people put it in a container or a bag. Other people dispose of their cooking oil at recycling centers. Any of these scenarios are typically acceptable. Some recycling centers take cooking oil and treat it for conversion into fuels like biodiesel or biogas. It’s best to check with your local recycling center to see what their policies are.

How to Dispose of Light Bulbs

Some recycling centers accept light bulbs, but others don’t. Ask to see if this is an option in your area. Some hardware stores also accept old lightbulbs. If neither of these is an option for you. You can throw incandescent bulbs in the trash. Be sure to wrap bulbs in a paper or plastic bag before putting them in your bin so no one gets hurt by broken glass.

How to Dispose of All-Purpose Cleaning Products

To dispose of all-purpose cleaning products, pour the remaining contents down the drain and flush with water unless there are instructions that say otherwise. Rinse the containers with water and put them in your usual recycling bin.

How to Dispose of Paint

Most paint can’t be thrown away because it’s considered hazardous waste. Oil-based paint needs to go to an appropriate disposal or drop-off center. If your paint is not dried out, you may consider donating it as well. Many community organizations accept paint donations. Inquire in your community to see if this is an option.

How to Dispose of Batteries

Batteries contain chemicals and metals that are considered hazardous waste. They need to go to a hazardous waste disposal facility or recycling center. Many electronic stores also have battery drop-off services for recycling and disposal.

How to Dispose of Old Glass

All glass bottles and jars are recyclable. But, flat household glass can not be recycled curbside. Flat glass is treated with chemicals and has a different melting point than glass containers. Mirrors, window glass, dinnerware, drinkware, and ceramics, all fall under this category. They should be thrown out with regular trash. You may want to wrap these items so that they don’t break before pick-up.

How to Dispose of Dry Ice

To dispose of dry ice, put it in a well-ventilated area at room temperature. The remainder of the ice will sublimate away. Don’t dispose of dry ice in a trash can or other types of bins. Also, never dispose of dry ice in a sink, toilet, or other plumbing fixture because the temperature difference can destroy the plumbing. 

How to Dispose of a Mattress

Mattresses can not be thrown away at the curb. Some recycling centers accept them as they are. Some facilities also have contacts with companies that will come to pick up your mattress and recycle it for a small fee. These services vary, so it’s best to check what is offered in your area.

How to Dispose of Pillows

Pillows in good condition can be recycled. But, sometimes, not all of the raw materials used to make pillows are renewable. If this is the case, you’ll need to determine if your recycling center takes them or what the other options in your area may be.

How to Dispose of Gasoline

Gasoline is flammable and should never be poured on the ground or down a drain. Nearly all areas have designated drop-off areas for hazardous chemicals like gasoline. Many auto stores will also accept used motor oil and other automobile fluids.

How to Dispose of Nail Polish

While you may think it’s a good idea to just throw away a bottle of nail polish in the trash, the EPA considers nail polish hazardous because of the chemicals it contains. Bottles of nail polish can’t be recycled. If you have a small amount of polish that you want to get rid of, pour it into a newspaper and let it dry completely before tossing it in the trash.

How to Dispose of Printer Ink Cartridges

Some printer ink cartridges can be refilled. Before looking into how to dispose of printer ink cartridges, determine if this is possible first. If it isn’t, you can take them to a local office supply store for recycling. Be careful, because they can leak onto surfaces.

How to Dispose of Cords and Chargers

Many electronic stores may take cords and chargers off your hands. Many power cords can still be used as long as they are not obsolete.

How to Dispose of Aerosol Cans

You should only throw away aerosol cans if you’re sure they are completely empty. Even cans that are half-full contain enough pressure to explode. To see if the can is empty, spray a piece of cardboard until nothing comes out. If it isn’t empty, recycle it through a hazardous waste facility.

How to Dispose of Small Appliances

To determine whether small appliances can be put in the trash or recycled, you need to know if they contain hazardous waste. Television, computers, microwaves, and thermostats, can contain chemicals that can contaminate soil and waterways if leaked. These should be taken to a hazardous waste facility.

How to Dispose of Kitchen Supplies

Many kitchen supplies can be resold if they’re still in good condition. You can also look into donating them. If they are no longer in working condition, you may be able to recycle parts of the appliance or even sell it for scrap! Many kitchen appliances have valuable and reusable copper wiring. Contact your local scrap yard to see if you can make some extra cash from your old appliances!

How to Dispose of Items Containing Mercury

Items with mercury can be dangerous to your health and to the environment! If you have any items, such as a thermometer or old thermostat, check within your local area to see if there are any mercury collection or exchange programs. This is usually the safest way to dispose of these products.

How to Dispose of Charcoal

If you have a charcoal grill or use a backyard fire pit with charcoal, let the ash cool for at least 48 hours. Once it is cool you can dispose of it with your regular garbage.

How to Dispose of Antifreeze

If there is unused antifreeze in your garage, you want to get it to a recycling center. Any antifreeze that spills should be cleaned up right away by covering the area with sawdust or cat litter. This will absorb the liquid.

How to Dispose of TVs and Monitors

TVs and monitors need to be kept out of the trash. Many retailers offer recycling programs for these items. Even if it’s not in working condition there are certain companies that can make use of its parts. However, if the screen or TV is in good condition, you may want to consider selling it or donating it to a local charity.

How to Dispose of Cell Phones and Tablets

Cell phones and tablets can typically be traded in or sold to tech stores. Some stores allow you to trade in old devices for store credit. There are also donation centers that take cell phones in any condition. 

How to Dispose of Cardboard Boxes

Cardboard should be recycled with the normal trash pick-up or at a recycling center.

How to Dispose of Packing Materials

If you have styrofoam lying around, it is not recyclable in many areas. Many packing stores will accept it. This is usually the best way to get rid of it.

How to Dispose of Medication

Many areas have prescription take-back events to safely dispose of medication. You should never flush medications down the drain. If you have unused or expired medication bring them to a take-back event and be sure to remove any personal information from the containers.

How to Dispose of Rugs

Rugs and other pieces of carpet can be sold, donated, or recycled. If you simply throw them away, they’ll end up in a landfill. If a rug is in good condition, it can also be sold or donated.

How to Dispose of Tires

Throwing away tires in your regular trash is not an option because many states, including North Carolina, ban whole tires in landfills. Check nearby recycling centers to see if they will accept your tires.

How to Dispose of Construction Debris

The best way to dispose of construction debris is to rent a dumpster. At Wall Recycling, we offer a wide variety of dumpster sizes for your construction project. This is the safest way to get rid of construction debris on your property.

Dumpster Rental with Wall Recycling

If you’re renovating your home or moving and you need to rent a dumpster, let us help! At Wall Recycling, our dumpsters can help you conveniently get rid of many household items.  

Our roll-off dumpsters can collect the following items:

• Shingles
• Brick
• Wood
• Countertops
• Cabinets
• Plumbing Fixtures
• Junk, including old toys, furniture, and small appliances
• Yard and outdoor waste

Several items can not be put in our roll-off dumpsters. These include:

• Hot water heaters
• Printer and toner cartridges
• Tires
• Refrigerators
• Car batteries
• Household cleaners
• Construction debris with asbestos
• Medical Waste

At Wall Recycling, we also offer a variety of dumpster sizes to help you dispose of your household items. Choose from these different sizes:

• 10-Yard Dumpster
• 15-Yard Dumpster
• 20-Yard Dumpster
• 30-Yard Dumpster
• 40-Yard Dumpster

If you’re not sure what size dumpster is best for your needs, let one of our friendly and knowledgeable staff members help you find the right one.

Let Wall Recycling Help You Dispose of Your Household Items

If you’re ready to dispose of household items with one of our dumpsters, call us today. At Wall Recycling, you’ll find that we offer excellent prices and convenient service. Call us today at (919) 582-7777 or reach out to us online for more information.