When you roll and place your trash bin at the curb, it is easy to assume everything within your home is on its way to the landfill. But normal scheduled trash collection is a limited service because of company obligations to employees, equipment, and the environment that can create limited capacity for what they will accept. 

Understanding what can’t be disposed of by your local hauler provides value in protecting yourself from: having your bin rejected, getting hit with an unexpected fee or being exposed to potential injury. This guide will outline some of the most common prohibited items and what you should consider doing instead.

Why Trash Services Reject Items

The truck in your municipality is designed to pick up your everyday household waste and not specialized waste materials. Some items can leak or incubate toxic contents; others can damage the surface of compactors and have the potential to injure crews if compacted. Other items must be handled in accordance with state or federal regulations, and your curbside waste service lacks the ability to do so.

Municipal curbside waste services often provide examples of restrictions. Commonly you will see chemicals, batteries, any appliance with refrigerants, tires, and larger construction debris listed. Even household items, for example, wet paint, or loose glass, can create spills or hazards. When in doubt, look for your city’s accepted list or contact your hauler directly to ask before placing questionable items at the curb.

What is Hazardous Waste?

Hazardous household waste is generally anything that is combustible, caustic, toxic, or reactive. These products are commonplace in garages, kitchens, and sheds, and they can only be dropped off at specific facilities or during designated events. They should never be poured down a drain or thrown in the bin.

• Paints, stains, and solvents: Oil-based paint, mineral spirits, paint thinner can both combust and injure you by releasing hazardous vapors. Most locations have one day a year when residents can drop-off the hazardous wastes; latex paint may be solidified, and you can dispose of that according to your local process. Check this site for hazardous waste guidelines.
• Batteries: Car batteries and some rechargeable batteries contain lead, lithium, or other metals. They can be dropped off at auto parts stores or electronics stores to be managed properly. 
• Pesticides and fertilizers: Both contain chemicals that can contaminate soil and waterways. Always store pesticide and fertilizer in the original containers and take them to a hazardous waste yard. 
• Propane tanks and fuels: Propane tanks under pressure and gasoline are dangerous if compacted. Exchange programs exist for replacing propane tanks, and the fire department will tell you how to be safe. 
• Sharps and medications: You need to contain the needles in puncture resistant containers, and you need to find an approved drop-off location; unused medications need to go to pharmacy take-back kiosks (never in the trash). 

Appliances and Electronics Disposal Rules

Large appliances/large electronics are not just a matter of putting them at the curb for pick-up. Refrigerators, freezers, and air conditioners have refrigerants in them (the chemicals) that must be recovered by a certified technician. Some haulers will want a scheduled pick-up for bulky items or verification that it was evacuated properly. Always take the doors off refrigerators and freezers prior to pick-up for safety.

Learn more at this site https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste_recycling.

Televisions (especially old CRTs), computers, printers and microwaves may fall under e-waste recycling programs in many communities. Take-back programs with retailers and community collection events are also common, and some non-profits will refurbish working devices for re-use. 

Local Recycling Alternatives

Recycling and reuse programs are one way to prevent valuable materials from ending up in a landfill, and it can save you money! Before tossing something away, see if you have a local facility that will accept your item. Many towns and cities compile lists of drop-off facilities, thrift partners, and specialty recyclers.

If you’re in the middle of a backyard makeover or gutting an old spa, consider calling hot tub removal King of Prussia to dismantle and haul the tub (or other items) away properly and safely through trained crews.

There are several tangible options for services outside of standard waste disposal, for example:

• Scrap metal yards: Take appliances with no refrigerants, grills (no propane tanks) and metal furniture: you may even earn a small payout depending on weight.
• Construction and demo centers: where to throw drywall, lumber, tile, and roofing. If you’re remodeling, ask about construction debris removal or renting a little dumpster.
• Mattress and box spring recycling: dedicated programs break down foam, fabric and steel coils into reusable materials. Many offer curbside service for a fee. 
• Yard waste sites or seasonal pickups: remember, leaves, branches, and grass cuttings often go to composting facilities, not into your trash cart.
• Reuse and donation outlets: Habitat for Humanity style stores, local charities, and even “buy nothing” groups online help give some furniture and building materials a second life, which is a great assist to many when cleaning properties.

Avoiding Fines and Penalties

Fines occur when prohibited materials are observed at the curb or illegal disposal sites. To remain compliant, always review your municipality’s banned items, and limits on weight, volume and quantity. When dropping off appliances, use the labels required, remember to bundle branches as required, and hold hazardous materials by the scheduled pickup days.

When you know you are refurbishing a section of your home or either moving or remove seasonal things to clean your property out, plan ahead. If the pile is larger than your cart, you can schedule a special pickup or make a donation before trash day. When you do, you will want to save the receipts from drop-offs or take-back programs, as these can replace memories later by providing factual documentation. 

When the project is bigger than one load–an estate turnover, garage clean-out or full property disposal–who do you call? Assuming all you did was search for junk removal–junk haulers are in every region and provide services on sorting, recycling, and safe trash disposal. Leaving it to the professionals benefits your family for safety, your neighborhood for cleanliness and your pocketbook—No Penalties!