When you throw something out in the trash, it’s out of sight, out of mind. As convenient as junk bins may be, there are quite a few items that shouldn’t be thrown out for a number of reasons.

The specifics may vary from city to city, but we cover many of the commonly prohibited categories for both junk bins and for your city garbage. If you have any of the below waste that you need to get rid of, contact our team today to see what your options are.

Hazardous Waste

Chemicals that have strong effects should stay out of a landfill as they often end up seeping through the ground. While the repercussions aren’t always immediately apparent, the end result entails these harmful chemicals seeping into our water systems.

These chemicals include:

• Corrosive materials from strong cleaners
• Flammable or explosive chemicals
• Poisons, such as insect or vermin poisons, or cleaners that could be poisonous if ingested

The containers that hold these chemicals are also banned, especially if they can explode when crushed or heated. Propane tanks, batteries (which contain corrosive materials), and fluorescent lighting are included in this category.

What you might find surprising is cooking oil falls under hazardous waste, but before you go and throw it down the sink, be aware that over time, cooking oils can accumulate and congeal to form a plug. A plumber will have to be called in to fix that plug, so an alternative method of disposal is advised.

Electronics

As mentioned above, batteries shouldn’t be thrown out – In fact, there are many places that will recycle them for you. Many places will take your old electronics as well, such as the original manufacturer (if it’s still in business), retail electronic stores, or recycling programs sponsored by the local municipality.

Construction waste

When you renovate your home, there’s bound to be lots of trash from removing the old walls, floors, and other parts of the home. It may be tempting to try and throw it out in the garbage, but the truth is that it would take a while before you’d be able to dispose of it all using the small volumes allowed for household waste.

Tip: some companies are in the business of reusing items in construction, and others such as Junk It! can even provide the manpower to help with the cleanup!

Gardening waste

There’s nothing especially toxic about grass clippings, leaves, and branches, but the fact is whatever can go into the recycling should, as you end up reducing the stuff that makes landfills full. So recycle yard waste instead!

For more information on what to junk and what you’ll need to find alternative disposal methods for, contact our team today!