5 Things You Should NEVER Put in the Trash

5 Things You Should NEVER Put in the Trash
We all know the convenience of tossing something into the trash and calling it a day. But not everything belongs in your trash bin. In fact, certain items can harm the environment, pose safety risks, or even get you fined if improperly disposed of. At Junk Trust, we’re passionate about responsible waste removal, so here’s a quick guide to five things you should never put in the trash—and what you should do instead.
1. Hazardous Materials (Paint, Chemicals, & Solvents)
That half-empty can of paint or leftover household cleaner might seem harmless, but hazardous materials like these can leak into the ground and pollute water sources. Items like motor oil, pesticides, and solvents also fall under this category.
What to Do Instead:
- Check your local hazardous waste facility for proper disposal options.
- Many cities host hazardous waste collection events, so keep an eye out for those.
- Saint Lucie County and The Office of Solid Waste offers two free Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day events every year. Additionally, free drop-off locations for rechargeable batteries (such as cell phone batteries) are available at city buildings. For more information, call 772-871-1775 and press 5. You can also visit their website at https://www.cityofpsl.com/Government/Your-City-Government/Departments/Office-of-Solid-Waste/Household-Hazardous-Waste
- Martin County residents can bring up to 100 pounds of hazardous waste to the Household Hazardous Waste Disposal Center in Palm City for FREE disposal. The waste must be from a Martin County home.
Location
Household Hazardous Waste Disposal Center
9155 Busch Street, Palm City, Florida or visit their website at https://www.martin.fl.us/HHWaste
2. Electronics (E-Waste)
From old phones to outdated TVs, electronics (or "e-waste") contain heavy metals like lead and mercury that are harmful to the environment when dumped in a landfill.
What to Do Instead:
- Recycle them through a certified e-waste recycling center.
- Donate still-working devices to charities or community organizations.
- Many electronics retailers offer trade-in or recycling programs.
3. Batteries
Whether it’s single-use AA batteries or rechargeable lithium-ion ones, batteries contain toxic chemicals that can leak into the soil or cause fires in landfills.
What to Do Instead:
- Bring them to a battery recycling facility or drop-off location.
- Some stores (like Home Depot or Best Buy) have battery recycling bins for customer use.
4. Large Appliances & Furniture
Dumping an old fridge, couch, or mattress into your trash isn’t just impractical—it’s often against local regulations. Plus, these bulky items take up precious landfill space unnecessarily.
What to Do Instead:
- Contact a junk removal service (like Junk Trust!) to handle the heavy lifting.
- Consider donating usable items to local charities or thrift stores. (Junk Trust works with local donations centers/charities)
5. Medical Waste
Prescription medications, needles, and other medical waste can pose serious risks if thrown in the trash. Medications can contaminate water systems, while improperly disposed of needles can injure sanitation workers.
What to Do Instead:
- Use designated medication drop-off boxes at pharmacies or police stations.
- For sharps like needles, use an FDA-approved sharps disposal container and follow local disposal guidelines.
The Importance of Responsible Junk Removal
Proper disposal isn’t just about keeping your home tidy—it’s about protecting the environment, your community, and the people who handle your waste. At Junk Trust, we specialize in eco-friendly junk removal services across Port St. Lucie and surrounding areas, ensuring that everything is disposed of or recycled properly.
So the next time you’re clearing out your garage or upgrading your furniture, give us a call. Together, we can make sure your unwanted items are handled the right way.
Need Help with Junk Removal?
Contact
Junk Trust today for reliable, fast, and eco-friendly service! We proudly serve Port St. Lucie, Fort Pierce, Stuart, Jensen Beach, Vero Beach, Palm City, Hobe Sound, Jupiter and beyond.
Let’s work together to keep our homes—and our planet—clean.
