It can be frustrating when you realize a product taking up space at home can’t be thrown in the trash. But what’s the reasoning behind them? Many products disposal are regulated by federal and state laws to keep our environment and the health of our communities safe, while others cause damage and risk the lives of personnel that make trash disposal possible. Learn about why certain household products are not allowed in the trash.
Danger to Disposal Staff & Facilities
The first category of products are ones that are hazardous in a very real and immediate way to the garbage trucks, disposal facilities, and their staff.
Products That Make a Mess
The first category of products is those that shouldn’t be placed in the trash because they will cause delays and possibly damage to trucks and facilities. These are things like wet paint, even latex paint that is otherwise not hazardous, and adhesives that will gum up compactors and sorters. Leaving these products out or drying them out first is required.
Products That Damage Machinery
These include products that damage the machinery of garbage trucks, sorting facilities, and other machinery involved in trash disposal. These can include corrosive acids that eat away at machines, pressurized containers and explosives that can detonate or catch fire during compaction, and products that are simply too big for curbside pick-up.
Products That Hurt Personnel
While many of the products that can damage machinery can also hurt personnel, staff in any sort of disposal facility or involved in garbage transportation can be put at risk. These include biohazards such as medical waste and used sharps, as well as exposure to sort and long-term health risks from the products in the next category.
Environmental and Health Hazards
The second category, which does overlap with the first, is products that are hazardous on a larger scale, including products regulated by federal and state laws focused on the environment and human health.
- Petroleum-Based Products: Motor oil, oil filters, and a wide array of household products use high levels of petroleum products, which have significant environmental and health impacts.
- Heavy Metals: While mercury and lead are probably the best known for their health and environmental effects, other heavy metals like cadmium also pose risks and are common in most types of electronics.
- Known Carcinogens: This includes products like asbestos, many types of pesticides, and others. Make sure to read the labels on products and do your research before you dispose.
For more general information on this subject, check out our blog, Environmental and Health Risks From Hazardous Products.
It’s important to understand why certain products are banned from the trash, especially those with long-lasting health and environmental impacts. If you need help dealing with these products, NEDT’s Household Hazardous Products Collection Centers can help by providing quick and safe service for all your hazardous product disposal needs, or take advantage of our Household Hazardous Pick-Up Services. Contact us today to learn more, including what to bring in. You can also call us at 866-769-1621.
Leave a Reply