The landfill is the location of last resort for most of what we all throw away. Once you sort out compostables and the obvious recyclables (redeemable items, plastics, cans and such) there are still a lot of items that should never go in the landfill. Here are 10:
- Your old TV and other electronics, including cell phones: Electronics can be recycled and materials in their components can be used in other products. Some old cell phones are refurbished and sold.
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Old computers and printer cartridges: materials in their components can be used in other products and printer cartridges can be refilled.
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Batteries (single use and recyclable): heavy metals can be removed from old batteries and used to make new batteries. (Recovered metals, nickel, cobalt, cadmium, lead, iron and copper, are used in the manufacture of new batteries, cement additives and stainless steel products.)
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Household cleaning supplies: These are considered household hazardous waste and should be taken to the HHW facility at Crane Mountain Landfill.
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Fluorescent lightbulbs: The mercury in CFLs can be recovered and used in other products.
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Nail polish and remover: these are considered household hazardous waste and should be taken to the HHW facility at Crane Mountain Landfill.
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Paint and related chemicals, stains and varnishes: Through Recycle NB 70% of all paint collected is turned into new recycled paint products.
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Pesticides, herbicides and insecticides, including your pet’s flea collar or tick treatment: these are considered household hazardous waste and should be taken to the HHW facility at Crane Mountain Landfill.
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Unused medications: Leftover medications, including expired Tylenol, Advil and other over-the-counter medications should stay out of the garbage and should never be flushed down the toilet. Instead you can take them to your nearest pharmacy for proper disposal.
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Recyclables and compostables! Clean paper, boxboard, cardboard, cans and recyclable plastics should all go in the blue bins. Compostables should go in the compost bin.
