Items like batteries, medicine, and more should never go in your home’s trash can.

Here’s how you might get rid of them safely.

Getty Images / Grace Cary

Some items obviously should never go in the trash, such as hot ashes.

trash can in kitchen

Credit:Getty Images / Grace Cary

However,it’s possible for you to’t recycle everything, so what do you do with the rest?

Tossing them in the trash can damage the environment and drinking water.

Never pour paint products down the drain, as they can clog pipes and damage sewage systems.

If the paint is still useful, consider donating it to Habitat for Humanity or similar organizations.

These contaminants can seep into the ground and leach into the water.

Tires

There are several reasons tires shouldn’t be discarded in the landfill.

They aren’t biodegradable and take up valuable space in landfills.

Plus, they have various chemicals that can harm the environment.

Its high toxicity comes from ethylene glycol, the main ingredient of antifreeze.

Electronics

Electronics are full of hazardous materials like lead, mercury, and other harmful components.

If thrown in the trash, these materials can harm the environment and contaminate groundwater.

Additionally, electronics contain valuable metals, which should be recycled.

Be sure to erase any personal data before recycling electronics.

Where to Dispose of Electronics:Take old electronics to a recycling facility that offers electronic recycling.

Even before that, it can pose a risk to anyone who comes into contact with it.

Mattresses

Mattresses should never be discarded in the landfill as they resist compression, compromising the landfill process.

Additionally, mattresses can leach harmful chemicals into the ground if placed in a landfill.

Additionally, you shouldconsider donatingyour old mattress if it’s in good shape.