Did you know some of the everyday items you toss in the trash can cause fires, pollute water, or even harm wildlife? According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), over 75% of landfill waste could be recycled, yet only about 32% of waste in the U.S. is properly recycled. Chances are, you’ve thrown away at least five things this month that should’ve gone elsewhere.
This list covers 15 common offenders—and exactly what to do with them instead. It’s not just about saving the planet. It’s about saving your peace of mind knowing you’re doing things the right way.
1. Batteries
Did you know that more than 3 billion batteries are thrown away in the U.S. each year? Batteries contain toxic chemicals like lead, mercury, and cadmium, which can contaminate soil and groundwater when improperly disposed of. Even worse, improperly discarded batteries can spark fires in garbage trucks or landfills, posing a serious safety risk.
Store used batteries in a container and drop them off at a collection site. Many places like Home Depot or Lowe’s have recycling bins for them, or you can drop them off during local hazardous waste events.
2. Paint Cans
Every year, about 10% of purchased paint—approximately 64 million gallons—goes unused and is left to pile up in garages or attics. Throwing these paint cans in the trash is dangerous, as oil-based paints are highly flammable and latex paints can leach chemicals into the ground.
Dry out leftover latex paint by mixing it with something absorbent like cat litter, then toss it. For oil-based paints, head to a hazardous waste disposal site. If the paint is still usable, donate it to a local charity or theater group, where it can be used for projects or set design.
3. Electronics (E-Waste)
Globally, over 50 million tons of e-waste are generated annually, but only about 20% is properly recycled. Electronics contain valuable materials like gold, silver, and copper, as well as harmful substances like lead and arsenic that can poison the environment.
Look for trade-in programs from brands like Apple or drop your items off at an e-waste recycling center. Some programs even offer store credit for old electronics, so you’ll benefit too. Proper recycling prevents toxic chemicals from polluting the environment and ensures precious metals are reused.
4. Medication
In the U.S., nearly 2,000 tons of medications are improperly disposed of each year, leading to water contamination. A study by the U.S. Geological Survey found that pharmaceuticals were present in 80% of streams sampled in a nationwide study.
Many pharmacies, including Walgreens, have secure drop-off boxes for unused medication. Check your community’s drug take-back events for other options. This ensures your meds won’t harm the environment or end up in the wrong hands.
5. Light Bulbs
CFLs and LEDs are popular for their energy efficiency, but they can cause harm if thrown away carelessly. CFLs contain small amounts of mercury—about 4 milligrams per bulb—which can leach into the environment if the bulb breaks. LEDs, while mercury-free, contain other heavy metals like lead.
Wrap broken bulbs carefully in paper and take intact ones to recycling centers or home improvement stores like Lowe’s. Many offer free bulb recycling programs, ensuring the materials are handled safely.
6. Cooking Oil
Every year, restaurants in the U.S. generate approximately 3 billion gallons of used cooking oil. Improper disposal of this oil, such as pouring it down the drain, can lead to fatbergs—massive grease clogs in sewer systems. The largest fatberg found in the U.K. weighed 130 tons!
After cooling, pour the oil into a sealable container and drop it off at a recycling center that accepts cooking oil. Some restaurants or farms may even collect used oil for industrial purposes or convert it into biofuel.
7. Styrofoam Products
Styrofoam—also known as expanded polystyrene—is one of the most environmentally harmful materials out there. Americans dispose of over 25 billion Styrofoam cups each year, and this material takes over 500 years to decompose. Even worse, it breaks into tiny particles that pollute waterways and harm wildlife.
Instead of tossing Styrofoam in the trash, check for local recycling centers that accept it. Some grocery stores and shipping companies also accept Styrofoam for reuse, especially packing peanuts. Replacing Styrofoam with biodegradable or reusable alternatives is another way to reduce its impact.
8. Aerosol Cans
Aerosol cans are convenient, but they’re not as harmless as they seem. Even when empty, these cans are pressurized and can explode if compacted. An estimated 3 billion aerosol cans are sold annually in the U.S., and a significant portion ends up in landfills.
Use up the product completely, then check with your local recycling center to see if they accept aerosol cans. If there’s leftover product, take the can to a hazardous waste site to ensure safe disposal.
9. Old Mattresses
Americans dispose of 20 million mattresses each year, creating over 132,000 square miles of landfill waste annually. Mattresses are also difficult to compress and can leach chemicals into the soil as they decompose.
Many mattress companies offer haul-away and recycling programs when you buy a new one. If it’s still usable, donate it to a shelter or secondhand shop to give it a second life.
10. Chemical Cleaners
Every year, millions of gallons of household cleaning products are thrown away, often leaking into landfills or mixing with other chemicals. This can create dangerous fumes or water pollution.
Use them up responsibly or take any leftover products to your local hazardous waste collection. When you’re done, switch to eco-friendly cleaners to avoid the problem altogether.
11. Sharp Objects
Sharp objects like broken glass, razor blades, or needles are a major safety risk for sanitation workers. The CDC reports thousands of cases of injuries caused by needles improperly disposed of in household trash.
Wrap sharp items in layers of newspaper or cardboard, tape them securely, and label them “sharp.” For needles, use a designated sharps container, which can often be dropped off at pharmacies or hospitals.
12. Old Power Tools
Old power tools—like drills, saws, and sanders—are often thrown in the trash when they stop working, but they shouldn’t be. These tools often contain rechargeable batteries, wiring, and metals that can leak hazardous substances into the environment if discarded improperly. Each year, millions of power tools are tossed into landfills, wasting valuable materials that could be recycled.
Instead of throwing them away, check if the manufacturer offers a take-back or recycling program. Retailers like Home Depot and Lowe’s often accept old power tools for recycling. If the tools still work but you don’t need them, consider donating them to a local trade school, charity, or community tool library.
13. Clothes
The average American throws away 70 pounds of clothing each year, adding up to over 11 million tons of textile waste in landfills annually. As textiles break down, they release methane, a potent greenhouse gas.
Donate gently used items to thrift stores or clothing drives. Many retailers like H&M also have textile recycling programs for items that can’t be resold. Feeling crafty? Turn them into cleaning rags or pet bed stuffing.
14. Plastic Straws
Plastic straws are one of the top 10 items found during beach cleanups. In the U.S. alone, it’s estimated that 500 million straws are used daily, many of which end up in oceans, harming marine life.
Invest in reusable straws made of stainless steel or silicone. If disposable is your only option, look for biodegradable versions instead.
15. Old Tires
About 290 million tires are discarded in the U.S. each year, with over 50 million ending up in landfills. Tires take hundreds of years to decompose and can release harmful chemicals while creating breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
Many tire shops will recycle your old tires for a small fee—or for free if you’re buying a new set. Look for tire collection events in your community to ensure proper disposal.
Your trash habits might feel insignificant, but they have a big impact. By keeping these 15 items out of the garbage, you’re protecting the planet, preventing harm, and even finding opportunities to recycle or repurpose.
Got a clever tip for managing tricky trash items? Share it with the DIYReveal community in the comments! Together, we can make smarter, more sustainable choices—one piece of trash at a time.
