October 05, 2022 / by FMP
Filed Under: How to articles regarding trash, waste and recycling, Uncategorized
When most people think of trash, they think of the stuff they put on the curb every week for pickup. But there’s more to waste than what goes into your weekly trash can. Different waste types have different disposal requirements, some of which are unacceptable at landfills
It can be for reasons including the need to protect the environment, preserve public safety, or comply with state and federal regulations. If you’re unsure whether or not you can throw an item in a dumpster, it’s always best to check with your local facility.
The EPA is happy to share lots of info at their site, click this link to read more!
To help you reduce the amount of contamination in our environment, here’s a list of some common items that cannot be disposed of in a dumpster:
Hazardous Waste
Anything that sabotages the environment or is poisonous falls into the hazardous waste category. These items are not accepted in dumpsters because they can be:
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Toxic – poisonous to humans, animals, or plants
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Reactive – unstable and prone to exploding
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Flammable – easily set on fire and burns quickly
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Corrosive – eat away at other materials
You must take the hazardous waste to your local waste disposal facility. In addition, many cities and counties offer free drop-off days or permanent locations where you can dump these dangerous items.
Business and household hazardous waste include:
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Paint and paint thinners
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Motor oil and other automotive fluids
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Pesticides and herbicides
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Cleaning agents like bleach, ammonia, and oven cleaners
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Fluorescent light bulbs
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Nail polish and nail polish removers
Chemically Treated Wood Waste:
Decks, playgrounds, and picnic tables are a few places where you can find pressure-treated wood. Unfortunately, the chemicals used to treat the wood (chromate, copper, arsenate or CCA) can be poisonous. It is why you must try and keep chemically treated wood waste away from landfills. It may cause long-term environmental contamination.
Some companies will pick up pressure-treated wood for a fee. When building or repairing your deck or picnic table, you can also look for CCA-free options.
Asbestos Waste in the Landfill:
Asbestos is a construction material found in old homes’ insulation, roofing, and walls. Since asbestos can cause lung cancer, EPA has regulated its use.
If you’re doing any construction or demolition on a home built before 1978, there’s a good chance you’ll come across asbestos. If you do, don’t try to remove it yourself. Instead, hire a trained and certified asbestos removal professional.
You can also check with your local dump to see if they accept asbestos waste. Some landfills have a special area for asbestos disposal.
Some Landfill waste can be recycled before it is dumped! Please read our most recent blog on this subject by clicking here!!!
