12 Things You Tossed In the Trash That You Really Shouldn’t Have

Sometimes, the things you throw away really shouldn’t have been thrown away like that. You know how it goes—you finish a project or clean out a drawer, and into the trash it all goes.

But wait. There are a few reasons why chucking certain things into the bin isn’t the best move. From old batteries that could leak toxic stuff to light bulbs that might break and release harmful chemicals, tossing them out without a second thought can be more of a hassle than you’d expect.

Here are 12 things you really shouldn’t toss in that trash can.

Lighters

Got a drawer full of old lighters? It’s easy to just chuck the empty disposable ones in the trash—most times, that’s perfectly fine, but do double-check your local rules since they can vary.

If there’s still some juice left, head outside and let that fuel run out safely. Take your time, especially if the lighter heats up. For those reusable Zippos or butane utility lighters, make sure they’re completely empty before you even think about throwing them out.

Any leftover fluid? That needs to go to a household hazardous waste site, not down your drain.

Needles and Syringes

Handling needles and syringes at home means thinking about safe disposal. Tossing them in your regular trash or recycling bin is a no-go—they pose a real hazard.

Use an FDA-approved sharps container to store used ones securely. If you don’t have one, a heavy-duty plastic container can work in a pinch until you can get something sturdier.

When it’s time to dispose of them, your local health department or waste management folks can tell you how to do it right.

Motor Oil and Transmission Fluid

Getting your hands dirty over the weekend with a bit of car maintenance? That’s great, but here’s the scoop on the cleanup: Don’t just stash that used motor oil or old transmission fluid in your garage corner. These aren’t just messy—they’re harmful if dumped carelessly.

Swing by a local auto shop or a household hazardous waste (HHW) facility. They know exactly how to handle it so it doesn’t harm the planet.

Non-empty Aerosol Cans

We all have those nearly empty aerosol cans lying around—whether they’re for painting, cleaning, or cooking. Remember, even if it feels like it’s just a little left, these cans can be tricky. They’ve got flammable stuff like butane or propane inside that can cause trouble if thrown out with the regular garbage.

Instead, try to use up the last spritz. Can’t get it all out? Your local recycling center will likely take them off your hands safely, or just check the label for disposal tips.

Lawn and Garden Chemicals

Managing a lush garden or a pristine lawn often means reaching for various sprays and treatments. But what do you do when the season ends and you’ve got leftovers?

First off, never pour them down the drain or toss them in the trash—these chemicals can wreak havoc on our waterways and wildlife. The safest bet is to take them to a household hazardous waste (HHW) facility.

Alternatively, why not see if your neighbors could use them? Sharing these products can extend their useful life and prevent harmful environmental impacts.

Pharmaceuticals

Dealing with old or unused medications can be tricky. It might seem easy to just flush them away, but this can lead to those meds ending up in our drinking water—yikes!

Instead, look for a pharmaceutical take-back program in your community, which is the safest way to dispose of these substances. Many local pharmacies, police stations, and even community centers now offer drop-off sites to prevent contamination.

If you aren’t sure, your pharmacist should have the latest on safe disposal methods, ensuring those old pills do good, not harm.

Paint

Finishing up a painting project always feels great, but dealing with leftover paint? Not so much. Whatever you do, don’t pour it down the sink or leave it in the garage to collect dust.

Instead, let the paint dry out by leaving the can open in a well-ventilated area away from kids and pets. Once it’s solid, you can safely toss it in the trash.

For the more eco-friendly route, bring it to a scrap metal or household hazardous waste (HHW) facility where they can handle it properly.

Light Bulbs

Switching out light bulbs might seem like a trivial task, but disposal is more important than you’d think. Those old incandescent bulbs? They can go straight into the trash, but make sure to wrap them up in paper or cardboard to prevent any shattering.

Fluorescent bulbs, however, are a different story. They contain a tiny bit of mercury, so it’s crucial to take them to an HHW facility where they can manage the hazardous materials safely.

Televisions

Got an old TV gathering dust? Don’t just dump it—those screens are packed with stuff like lead that’s bad news for our landfills.

Before you set it out for the bulk trash collection, check with local stores like Best Buy or Walmart to see if they take old sets for recycling. When it’s time for a shiny new one, ask if they’ll haul away your old clunker, sometimes for a fee.

If that doesn’t pan out, why not pass it on? Maybe your neighbor, a nearby school, or even a retirement home could use it.

Remember to log out of all your streaming accounts and scrub that Wi-Fi password before it goes.

Car Batteries

Changing your car battery can feel good—until you wonder what to do with the old one. These things are environmental hazards, chock-full of lead and acid. Luckily, it’s often free to recycle them. Auto shops are typically required by law to take back your used battery when you buy a new one.

If you’re not buying, big retailers like AutoZone and Pep Boys might still help you out. Dropping off your old battery for recycling not only clears up your garage space but also does a solid for the planet.

Household Batteries

We’ve all been there, rifling through drawers filled with random batteries. Before you chuck those AAAs into the trash, consider their destiny.

Standard alkaline batteries used in your TV remote or flashlight are usually safe for the bin, but those tiny button cells? Not so much. They’re packed with materials like mercury that need careful disposal at places like battery recyclers or stores with take-back programs.

Don’t forget about the ones powering our gadgets—lithium-ion and nickel-cadmium batteries. They pose a serious hazard if tossed casually and should head to specific recycling centers that handle their high-energy contents safely.

Smartphones and Tablets

Holding onto an old smartphone or tablet? It might feel easy to just throw it in the trash, but that’s a no-go. These devices pack batteries that are not only difficult to remove but can also be downright dangerous in landfills because they can catch fire.

Instead of trashing them, consider trading them in or recycling. Many places, including well-known electronic stores, offer recycling programs where you can drop off your old tech.

Remember to wipe your device clean with a factory reset to protect your data before handing it off—keeping your personal info safe is just as crucial as proper disposal.