Is it time for you to do a major junk overhaul? If so, you’ll need to know what items your local garbage service will and won’t take. A garbage truck can only hold so much stuff, and there are regulations relating to the disposal of certain items. For example, according to Bob Vila, you must soak fireworks in water for 24 hours before placing them in the trash, and you can only throw them out if they’re wrapped in plastic bags to prevent them from drying out. Read on for more insight about local trash removal.
1. Paint
Do you still have paint cans from your last paint renovation? If so, you can’t toss these items into the regular trash. Paint can have chemicals that may contaminate the soil or water around a landfill. If you have leftover paint, see if you can donate it. You can also take those old paint cans to a local hazardous waste facility. Locate your local metal recycling center to ask if they can take in any empty paint cans.
2. Batteries
Regardless of how small batteries are, you should never toss them in the trash. The metals and chemicals inside batteries are a hazard. Locate a drop-off location where you can dump your old batteries. Depending on the type, there may be mail-in programs to use if you still have the packaging. Check home improvement stores like Home Depot for related recycling.
3. Mattress
After nights of bad sleep, have you decided it’s time to get rid of your old mattress? These large items are not only hard for you to move out of your home, but they’re equally inconvenient for local trash removal handlers. Mattresses can take up too much space in a garbage truck, and some may contain materials that are impossible to break down. Therefore, they can become an environmental hazard in a landfill.
4. Electronics
Do you have old electronics you need to get rid of? Whatever you do, don’t attempt to place these items in the trash. Most electronic manufacturers have recycling programs that allow you to trade the old product back in. Depending on the model and condition, may be able to exchange it for another item. You can also donate electronics to charitable organizations, particularly those focusing on education.
As you prepare to clean out your home, make sure you know what a regular local trash removal service can handle. To make things easier, gather a list of all the things you want to get rid of. Then, see what you can recycle and where such programs are located. If you need help with trash removal, contact Opendaker today to learn more about our services.