A cupboard full of chemicals or a garage full of old gas may not seem like a big deal now, but when it comes time to move, these things need to be disposed of–and not just by being poured down the drain or thrown in a dumpster. After this article brought to you by Wyoming Storage, you’ll be ready and prepared to dispose of these things safely and quickly when the big move comes.
What Not to Throw in the Trash
1. Combustible and Flammable Materials
These are substances that ignite and burn easily or have a flashpoint of less than 140 degrees F. The list of these materials includes things like gasoline, propane, hand sanitizer, nail polish remover, unused aerosol hair spray, and paint thinner.
2. Corrosive Materials
This covers any substance that can corrode metal. Drain cleaners are the most common, but you can check labels for things containing common acids like hydrochloric or sulfuric acid. Some items may be things like bleach, laundry stain remover, rust removers, wax strippers, oven cleaners, and lead-acid automotive batteries.
3. Reactive Materials
These materials are unstable or prone to explosion when stored above temperature or pressure, including things in aerosol cans. Drain and oven cleaners contain lye or sulfuric acid, and many household disinfectants could be considered reactive, depending on their ingredients.
4. Toxic Materials
This includes things that are just harmful or deadly when consumed, inhaled, and when they come in contact with the skin. This list includes things like weed killer, paint, motor oil, and most cleaning products.
5. Old Electronics
Electronics and the materials they are made up of are becoming a huge issue in landfills. Not only is it harmful on the environment, but there are actually lots of reusable materials in your old electronics that companies will be willing to recycle or even buy from you.
6. Sharp Objects
In many states, it is illegal to throw away needles, knives, or syringes in the household trash, so if you have some old dull knives or unused syringes to dispose of before a move, put them in a safe container (your pharmacy should sell containers specifically made for sharp items) and mark them as non-recyclable.
7. Medicine
Old prescriptions and medicines can be harmful in the trash if an animal, child, or adult stumbles upon them and decides to try them out. Many states are raising awareness of this issue and ask that you don’t toss bottle of pills into the trash.
How to Dispose Of It
1. Contact your local Household Hazardous Waste branch.
Some of these locations may require an appointment and 24-hours notice before you show up with your waste materials. Oftentimes, these services are free, and approved items include antifreeze, lead acid batteries, flammables, fuels, fluorescent light bulbs, oil-based paints, pesticides and herbicides, solvents, toxins, and poisons.
2. Motor Oil
Motor oil can usually be disposed of at a mechanic’s.
3. Latex Paint
Latex paint can be thrown in the trash, but it must be dried up first. Using either one part kitty litter to one part paint, or a commercial paint hardener from your local hardware store, mix the paint and litter or hardener and leave out to dry for one hour. When the paint mixture is hardened, it can be tossed into the trash.
4. Prescription Drugs and Medications
These can be dropped off at a variety of locations, but your local police station is a good place to start.
5. Old Electronics
Your moving company can help you transport the larger items, but there are many companies that will pay you for certain electronics, or at the very least pick them up for free. Calltorecycle.org is a good site to check out and see what your options are.
There’s a lot to consider before it comes time to move, so hopefully these tips will ease a little bit of the stress on your to-do list. Also, consider a self-storage unit during your moving process, where you can safely tuck away already packed boxes, unused furniture, and tools that may be crowding your home during the selling process.
At Self Assured Storage, we are experts at clearing out room in your home by packing up a storage unit at our facility. Give us a call today to schedule a time to come by and see how a storage unit can help your move!
