By now we all know how to separate trash from recyclables.
But what about other things we no longer need? If you have an old bottle of medicine, the answer is no. Tap or click here to see if you have any recalled medications.
Motor oil, engine coolant, and other vehicle chemicals should also be disposed of properly. Speaking of cars, you don’t need a brand new car to have today’s technology inside. Tap or click to upgrade your old car at an affordable price.
Many household items have a safe disposal method. Note: Here are some general guidelines, but always check with your local waste management authority to be safe.
1. Household batteries
Batteries fall into two broad categories: disposable and rechargeable. The way it is handled is completely different.
- You can usually throw away standard alkaline batteries (AA, AAA, 9 Volts, etc.) to power remote controls, flashlights, and other household items in your trash.
- button cell or coin cell — the kind found in calculators, watches, hearing aids, and car key fobs — may contain silver and mercury, No thrown in the trash. Take it to a battery recycler or participating retailer who offers a battery collection service.
- Lithium-ion and nickel-cadmium batteries Commonly found in mobile phones, laptops, tablets, digital cameras, power tools, toys, and more. Do not throw these batteries in the trash or put them in the trash. They must be taken to another recycling or household hazardous waste collection center.
- Small sealed lead-acid battery Used in emergency equipment, security systems, mobility scooters, and other special purpose items. These must also be taken to a special disposal center.
For more information on recycling and disposal, visit Visit this resource page on Earth911Select your battery type from the left drop-down menu and enter your zip code. Note that stores like Staples, Home Depot, and Best Buy have battery drop-off programs.
One of the most common battery questions on my show is, “What’s the best way to make my battery last longer?” of the phone Long battery life? ” Tap or click here to see some secrets to making your battery last longer when you’re not near your charger.
2. Smartphones/Tablets
There is no way to remove the battery from many smartphones and tablets. Don’t just throw these devices in the trash as the batteries can catch fire.
So what should you do with it? When you buy a new device, try trading in your old device. Most manufacturers recycle for free, even without credit. For example, check out Apple’s program.
of Earth911 resource page There are places that accept older phones and tablets.
Before you submit or recycle your old device, it’s imperative to do a factory reset. Otherwise, you may pass a lot of personal information. Tap or click here for instructions on wiping before deleting your phone, computer, or smart speaker..
Here’s the idea. Turn your old phone or tablet into something completely different. Tap or click here for 60 seconds of audio tips to turn your phone, computer, tablet, or laptop into a motion-activated camera..
Tech Tip: What Really Happens When You Unsend a Text on Your iPhone
3. Television
TVs contain glass, lead and other dangerous chemicals and should not end up in landfills. Also, don’t just put your old TV on the curb unless it’s time for a big trash collection.
Call Best Buy, Walmart, and other electronics stores in your area to see if they accept old TVs for recycling. If you have a new one delivered and installed, you should receive the old one, but there may be a charge.
If you strike out, contact your local recycling facility or sanitation department for more information. They may schedule a pickup or direct where to go.
Consider donating your TV to a friend or thrift store. Perhaps a local nursing home or school could use it. If none of your friends or family members bite, try posting to a buy nothing group in your area..
Before you dispose of your TV, sign out of all connected services and clear Wi-Fi passwords. Yes, I watch your TV. Here’s how to stop some of the tracking..
4. Car battery
Car batteries contain lead and acid, which pose serious environmental risks to humans and animals. In other words, don’t throw your old stuff in the trash.
If the battery is replaced at a car dealership, the old battery must be taken back and disposed of. This is law in some jurisdictions and applies to retailers that sell car batteries, even if they do not sell or install car batteries.
Check with retailers like AutoZone, Pep Boys, Advance Auto Parts, Walmart, or even your local repair shop. They may snatch your old car battery from your hands.
Technology Upgrades: Dashcams are included in the mandatory vehicle technology checklist. Tap or click here to see 3 great options at different price points.
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5. Writer
Just like batteries, there are disposable and reusable lighters.
Depending on state laws, you can safely throw away cheap plastic lighters that can be picked up anywhere in the trash when empty.
If there is still light liquid, do not flush it down the sink. Go outside and activate the lighter until the liquid is used. If it gets too hot, take a break and try later. Some jurisdictions require lighters to be taken to domestic hazardous waste disposal sites.
Zippos lighters and butane lighters can be used repeatedly, but you need to be careful when throwing them away. Make sure they are empty before you dispose of them, and if you have lighter fluid or butane left over, take them to your nearest household hazardous waste site. Do not let it run down the ditch.
Search lighters, liquids, zip codes Earth 911 For disposal instructions and locations.
I ditched the lighter fluid entirely and bought a rechargeable arc lighter. Plug in when you die. Tap or click here to see my favorites, including those under $10.
6. Thermometer
Old school glass thermometers may contain mercury, which is highly toxic to the environment and living organisms. Do not throw it in the trash, and be careful not to break it.
Some universities even use old thermometers and offer newer digital models. Local HHW Facility.
7. car tires
Car tires contain steel belts that can puncture landfills and pollute the environment. Bring your old tires with you when you change tires at the shop. A small fee may apply.
If you have old tires, most car dealers and auto dealers will take them for recycling, but you may have to pay for this service. You can also call your garbage collection service to schedule a pickup.
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Learn about all the latest tech at The kim commando show, the nation’s largest weekend radio talk show. Kim answers the phone and offers advice on his digital lifestyle today, from smartphones and tablets to hacking his privacy and data online. For her daily tips, free newsletters and more, visit her website at: command dot com.