You know that you shouldn’t throw batteries, left over paint, and other polluting waste into your home trash can, but what are you supposed to do with it all? Most communities provide consumers with several alternatives to the public land fill.
Throwing Away Paint and Other Liquids
Oil based paint is considered a hazardous waste and should be disposed of at your local home hazardous waste facility. Water based paints can also be disposed of at the same facility but are not considered hazardous in most states. Many communities have designated drop off points that encourage others to use your leftover paint. Check with your county to find out about these services. Other liquids deemed hazardous include paint thinners, pesticides, and varnishes. All of these should be taken to your local hazardous waste disposal facility.
Getting Rid of Old Batteries
Batteries should never be grouped together and thrown away, en masse. Batteries retain some of their charge and can cause a fire when thrown away in large numbers. Batteries should be taken to the hazardous waste facility in your community. Disposable batteries can be recycled, although it may be challenging to find drop off stations. Ask your local home building center or grocer if they participate in any recycling projects.
Garden Waste
Grass clippings, fallen leaves and branches, and other common yard wastes should not take up space in landfills. Many communities encourage citizens to bring such materials to designated drop off areas so that they can be recycled. There, city or county workers grind up large waste and compost the materials. Even Christmas trees can be recycled or composted. The resulting compost is usually offered to locals for free.
Recycling is an important part of pollution reduction. It’s easy to implement these disposal methods, contributing to a cleaner environment.