trash Archives

10 things that are illegal to throw away — How to safely dispose of them instead

We’ve long been conditioned to separate our recyclables from regular trash and sort plastics, paper and more. But some items don’t belong in your recycle bin or your trashcan.

Many items you use every day have their own methods of safe disposal. Here are some everyday things and their proper way of disposal.

1. Household batteries

Batteries can be broken down into two broad categories: Single-use and rechargeable. Read on for examples of each and links to recycling or waste disposal resources.

Disposable

Standard alkaline batteries (AA, AAA, 9 volts) that power your remote control, flashlight, clocks and other common household items can usually be thrown away in the trash. But check with local battery recyclers or state solid waste authorities to be safe.
Button cell or coin batteries, which you’ll find in calculators, watches, hearing aids and car key fobs, can contain silver and mercury and should not be thrown away in the trash. They can be brought to battery recyclers or participating retailers that provide battery takeback services.

Rechargeable

Lithium-ion and nickel-cadmium batteries are most commonly found in cellphones, laptops, tablets, digital cameras, power tools and smart toys. These batteries should never be tossed in the trash or recycle bin. They must be taken to separate recycling or household hazardous waste (HHW) collection centers.
Small sealed lead acid batteries are found in emergency devices, security systems, mobility scooters and other special-use items. These also need to be taken to special disposal centers.

To find more recycling and disposal information, go to this resource page at Earth911. Simply select the type of battery from the left drop-down menu, enter your ZIP code and you’ll get local solutions. Note that stores like Staples, Home Depot and Best Buy have battery dropoff programs.

2. Car batteries

Car batteries contain lead and acid, a severe environmental risk to humans and animals.

If you replace your battery at an auto shop, they should take the old one and dispose of it for you. This is the law in some jurisdictions and applies to retailers who sell car batteries, even if they don’t sell you one or install one for you.

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Tech smarts: 5 annoying computer problems, solved

Solving your biggest tech pet peeves might just be one of the best things you can do for productivity.

Keep in mind that these are solutions to everyday annoyances, not massive security or functionality issues. For everything you need to know about maintaining the health of your computer, tap or click here.

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You deserve a nice ride

🏁 Look inside your car. It needs a little TLC, right? Yeah, I thought so.

This tiny cordless car vacuum charges by USB.
A nice dust brush (29% off) tackles the fuzz on your dashboard and vents.
Hang your bags instead of tossing them on the floor with these $5 headrest hooks.
These cupholder coasters (21% off) can catch Diet Coke or anything else that drips.
Washable cloth garbage bags for $8 keep trash contained and out of sight.

We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

🗑️ Take out the trash: On a Mac, hold down Cmd + Shift, then press Delete. Boom, your trash can is empty. On Windows, you’re better off right-clicking and selecting Empty Recycle Bin.

That Social Security email isn't a scam

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If you got an email from the Social Security Administration this week, you might be tempted to toss it in the trash. But here’s why you shouldn’t and what you should do next.

☄️Taking out the space trash: The International Space Station, home to astronauts for almost 25 years, is set to meet its fiery end in 2030. Elon Musk’s SpaceX is building a “space tug” vehicle to pull it toward Earth, earning $843 million from NASA for the gig. It’ll be an unmanned mission; both the tug and the ISS are expected to burn up upon reentry into the atmosphere.

$68 million in change thrown away by Americans each year

One waste-processing company that culls metal from trash has collected $10 million in usable coins in seven years. If I had a nickel for every coin I threw away. I’d have no nickels because throwing away money is dumb.

Your new holiday gifts attract thieves - 3 tips to protect your stuff

The joys of Christmas morning, when you finally get to tear the wrapping paper from packages waiting under the tree. Now that Christmas 2021 is officially in the books, you might have spent the last few days setting up your new tech … without putting much thought into what to do with its packaging.

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How to safely delete data forever on your PC or Mac

When you delete a file on your PC or Mac, by sending it to the “Trash,” it’s easy to assume that the file is gone forever. But really, it’s just been sent to another place. Not only does that mean these files can be seen by others later, but they could be slowing down your machine. Tap or click here for ways to speed up your device.

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👕 Toxic threads: Millions of clothing items from cheap Chinese retailer Shein are packed with toxic chemicals linked to cancer, autism and infertility. They’re sold on Amazon under different names, too, with some containing over 400 times the safe levels. Check your clothes: Drop a bead of water on the fabric. If it stays beaded up, rolls around and leaves no residue, you have a problem. Return or trash it.

🗑️ Delete means delete! The trash folder on macOS can be a lifesaver when you delete something accidentally, but what about you when you want it gone for good? Select a sensitive file in Finder, then hold down Option before selecting File and Delete Immediately — it’s gone.

It's illegal to throw this everyday item away

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Did you know that certain devices can’t be thrown in the regular trash or recycling bin? Here’s what you can’t toss away, in just one minute.

Sell your rubbish on eBay and make extra cash? Sure, why not

You won’t believe some of the stuff people are selling for big money. Toilet paper rolls? Empty bottles? Used boxes? Hey, we’re not here to judge. One person’s trash may be another person’s treasure. Here’s a look at what some people are listing for sale on eBay, followed by some eBay listings that Komando readers will actually love.

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