GUIDELINES FOR DISPOSING OF UNWANTED ITEMS

5 things that don't belong in the trash. 

 

So you've finally committed to decluttering and have even done the hard work of gathering everything that you no longer need or want. Here is a guide for safely getting rid of five perplexing items. Paint Water-based, latex paint can be dried out at home and put in regular household trash. Larger amounts require combining the unused paint with absorbent materials such as cat litter or sand. Oil-based paint is considered household hazardous waste and should never be thrown in the trash, even if it is dry. Instead, take oil-based paints to your local hazardous waste facility for proper disposal. Medication Many of us have been told that it's OK to flush unused or expired medication. Although that method of disposal is safe for some medications, there are better alternatives. Medicine "take-back" programs provide one easy solution and are often held multiple times throughout the year. Check the website of your local law enforcement agency for dates. The site earth911.com recommends putting medication into a sealable plastic bag and adding water to dissolve the pills; add coffee grounds, kitty litter, sawdust or anything else unpalatable to prevent a child or a pet from being tempted by the contents. Seal it and throw it in the trash. Household cleaning The best and most effective way to dispose of household cleaning supplies and chemicals is to use them or give them to someone who can. If neither is possible, it is safe to put most common household cleaners -- such as water-soluble gels, liquids or powders -- down the drain mixed with water. VHS tapes, cassettes, CDs, DVDs There are increasingly fewer options for donating VHS tapes and no real options for donating cassette tapes, so one option is to take them to your local dump. DVDs and CDs can still usually be donated to your local library or hospital, but call to confirm that the facility wants them before making a trip. Batteries Every state but California allows you to put single-use alkaline batteries in the trash, but they are recyclable, and most local recycling facilities accept them. Rechargeable batteries must be recycled. They can be taken to your local waste facility or to a Best Buy -- the stores accept rechargeable batteries weighing less than 10 pounds, as well as laptop batteries, battery backups and cellphone batteries. Small "button cells" such as those found in hearing aids and watches contain silver oxide and mercury and must also be recycled. They can be taken to your local recycling facility, or Batteries Plus store.