Doing some spring cleaning soon? Learn how to properly recycle hazardous materials to prevent environmental disasters. When purging our home of things we no longer use or need it’s extremely important to demonstrate proper recycling techniques. If we don’t use proper recycling it can wreak havoc on our water supply as well as spill dangerous pollution into the air.
If you read our post 24 things you can throw away right now you’ll recognize some of these items on this list. This isn’t a complete list of everything you can and can’t recycle but this gives you a deeper in-depth look at how to recycle certain things and other helpful tips on reducing household clutter and contaminants.
Hazardous Waste
Such items like paint, car batteries, televisions, and computers are considered hazardous waste. Disposal of these items varies per area often items many cities have special hazardous waste facilities at little to no cost. If your city doesn’t have a hazardous waste facility check with your local city for any special programs or if there are plans for a special drive. In the meantime, if you must dispose of these items check with your local trash company. While services will vary per provider often providers can provide a special waste pickup.
Eyeglasses
The Lion’s Club takes used eyeglasses and helps provide eyeglasses for families in need. You can donate used glasses to a local branch or see if your hospital or eye doctor has a collection box.
Prescription Medications
Police departments may hold a prescription drive where you can drop off any unused prescriptions to be disposed of properly. Check with your local pharmacy to see if they allow you to “bring back” old and unused medications. They may dispose of them properly or direct you to another disposal method.
Plastic Store Bags
Plastic store bags cannot be tossed in the regular recycling because they do not decompose for a long time. Some stores will allow you to return your old bags to be recycled properly. Check local laws/ordinances and stores for more information on how to recycle.
With proper disposal techniques, we can help reduce waste and give Mother Earth and love and appreciation she deserves. Always recycle properly and if you’re unsure of how to recycle something don’t be afraid to ask someone for advice.
Jacqueline is a thirty-something mother to five children under the age of twenty. While she’s not busy attending to her large family she enjoys writing about organization, crafts, and DIY projects, creating recipes, and blogging about her family.
Thanks for pointing out that if we don’t use proper recycling it can wreak havoc on our water supply as well as spill dangerous pollution into the air. My husband and I are moving out and we are trying figure out what we should do with some of the electronics and paint that we need to get rid of because we don’t want to take them with us to our next house. I think it would be smart to look into hazardous waste management facilities that could help us recycle everything properly so that we don’t damage the environment and can do our part to keep everything healthy.