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I had no clue that these things were ILLEGAL to toss in the trash in Alabama.

I'm betting many of you didn't know these things are illegal to throw away in Alabama.

So, if you decide to do some deep spring cleaning, be careful not to throw these away:

Photo by Aoumeur Abderrahmen on Unsplash
Photo by Aoumeur Abderrahmen on Unsplash
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HOUSEHOLD BATTERIES

 

Here are the main battery types:

  • Alkaline Batteries – safe to throw away, but preferable to recycle in Alabama.
  • Lithium Batteries – safe to throw away, but preferable to recycle in Alabama.
  • Button Batteries – these contain hazardous materials like silver oxide and mercuric oxide. Should be disposed of as household hazardous waste.
  • Nickel-Cadmium and Lead-Acid Batteries – are often considered hazardous waste but may be recyclable in some locations.
  • Nickel-Metal-Hydride Batteries – considered safe to throw away in many states, but does contain some metals and materials considered hazardous in large quantities.  Best to recycle whenever possible.
Photo by Alexander Grey on Unsplash
Photo by Alexander Grey on Unsplash
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DRUGS/PHARMACEUTICALS

You can't trash/flush unwanted or expired prescription drugs. Believe it or not, they can end up in places that we would not want them to be found inside. Including the water supply. In addition, they are a risk to any and all aquatic life.

Photo by John Cameron on Unsplash
Photo by John Cameron on Unsplash
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ELECTRONICS

You're required to dispose of electronic devices in a responsible manner. Now, Alabama does NOT have a program (unlike many states) to dispose of E-Waste. In these cases, again, it's all about the batteries. In most tablets/smartphones, you can not remove the battery from the device. Those batteries are the concern.

Photo by Robert Laursoo on Unsplash
Photo by Robert Laursoo on Unsplash
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MOTOR OIL

For starters: It’s flammable and toxic and can't be poured down the drain. So, you can take it to your local automotive repair place or gas station, and they should take it and properly dispose of it. In addition, places such as  Auto Zone or other big automotive retailers will help take it off your hands. How'd you get it on your hands in the first place?

Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash
Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash
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TIRES

They are bad and banned at the majority of landfills in the USA. According to MSN.com, car tires contain steel belts that can puncture landfills and contaminate the environment. When you get your tires changed at a shop, they should take your old ones (there may be a small fee).

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