10 Things It is Illegal to Throw Away in ID, WA, and UT

Taking out the trash has to be one of the worst chores. You have to go outside at night and take the trash cans out before going to bed, or get up early and do it before heading to work, but either way, it is inconvenient. It is even worse when it is raining or snowing, or if the sprinklers go off on you when moving them. While taking out the trash isn't fun, did you know that you might be breaking the law by what you put in your trash before you take it out to the curb? Certain items are illegal to throw away in Idaho, Washington, and Utah, and below are the items you should not dispose of in your trash.

Paint and Varnish

This is a cheat as it is two separate items, but they are close enough that they are counted as one. Paint and varnish are dangerous to dispose of in a trash can, especially liquid paint. It can be harmful to the environment if disposed of improperly.

Batteries

This one might be a surprise, as it is likely that everyone reading this has thrown away batteries before. Most take them out and throw them away in trash cans regularly, but they have toxic materials that can harm the environment or hurt human health. Stop throwing away your batteries.

Fuel and Gasoline

Throwing away gasoline or fuel is illegal, and this one is obvious. It is highly flammable and toxic, and having it in landfills could lead to explosions, fires, and do a lot of harm. It can cause major health risks if not disposed of properly.

Fluorescent Lights

When most of us throw out light bulbs, we likely toss them in the trash without a second thought. Perhaps you break them when you toss them in for fun. When it comes to fluorescent lights, it is not wise to throw them in the normal trash, as they contain mercury, which is a toxic substance.

Televisions

When it is time to get a new television, what are you supposed to do with the old one? Putting it in the trash is not the way to dispose of it. It is considered an electrical waste and contains hazardous materials. 

Computer Monitors

Similar to televisions, computer monitors contain hazardous materials such as mercury, lead, and cadmium, which can be dangerous in a landfill. Throwing one in your trash can is not the way to go.

Flea Powder

This one might be surprising as well, as many likely throw flea powder out when they are done with it, but it is hazardous to both humans and animals if not disposed of properly and should be treated as hazardous waste.

Nail Polish Remover

Nail polish remover containing acetone should not be thrown out. To be safe, it is best not to throw out any nail polish remover. Like many on this list, it is hazardous and should be treated as such.

Fireworks (Sort Of)

Fireworks can be thrown away, but only after they have been soaked in water for a good minute or two to make sure they are no longer explosive. Putting a firework in the trash without soaking it is highly dangerous and illegal.

Antifreeze

Perhaps one of the worst ones on this list that is illegal to throw away is antifreeze or coolant. There are toxic chemicals that make it dangerous and harmful to throw away. It could contaminate water, harm wildlife, or poison people or pets. 

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The next time you are looking to get rid of any of the above items, make sure not to put them in the trash. To see more items that are illegal to throw away, make sure to keep scrolling and check out the pictures below.