A lot of trash finds its way into landfills every year. However, not all forms of waste should get thrown into them. Some types of waste are too toxic to safely be put in landfills, and it’s important to know which types those are so you can make the world a less toxic place.
You should exercise due diligence when seeking a disposal bin rental from Mr. Waste and set guidelines in place to avoid the following five items from heading to the landfill. It’s worth taking the time to help protect and preserve the environment.
Tires and Petroleum Products
If there’s any one item you should avoid throwing into landfills, it’s tires. Even though it may be tucked away safely in your rental from Mr. Waste, once it’s emptied the petroleum stands a good chance of leaching into the water table. Tires are also a fire hazard and can be difficult to extinguish once they begin burning.
Tires are also a grave danger when they’re in landfills because they put methane gas in the earth’s soil while they break down.
Vehicle Batteries
The batteries from vehicles like cars, trucks, motorcycles, and other off-road equipment contain lead. It’s toxic when introduced to the water supply. Small children and pregnant women are at high risk of poisoning and birth defects with higher than normal levels of lead in the body. It can also prove fatal in high amounts. Find a proper disposal service that handles lead batteries. As tempting as it might be to save a few dollars on disposal, it isn’t worth placing people and the environment in harm’s way.
Electronics and Metals
Electronics often have toxic chemicals in them, and those chemicals can do serious damage if they get into the ground. It’s better if you recycle electronics instead. You can recycle things like computers, printers, copiers, cell phones and keyboards among other things.
Metals like steel, copper, and aluminium should be kept to the side and not sent to the landfill in a container from Mr. Waste. You are helping reduce the impact and footprint on the environment by providing more materials to recycle into new products. Recycling metals is also a great way to earn a little extra cash, especially when you have it piling up in large amounts. Take advantage of the savings and help the environment at the same time.
Aerosol Cans and Paints
The problem with an aerosol can isn’t the can itself—it’s what might be inside of it. There could be chemicals or propellants still in there, which could cause it to explode inside of a trash compactor. If you’ve completely emptied all of the contents from the can, you may be able to recycle it. Also: Never try to pierce an aerosol can—to get rid of its contents or for any other reason—as this can be very dangerous.
Contact your local government agencies and find out where safe drop-off locations are that collect and dispose of chemicals like paints, stains, and household cleaners. You are bound to have a location near you that offers convenient drop-off days and hours.
Mr. Waste Rental Bins
Learn more about our waste management and waste disposal services in Burlington, Oakville, Milton, Mississauga and the surrounding areas. Schedule a pickup or request a quote for disposal services. Give us a call at (905) 845-9240 and we’ll be happy to answer your questions.