Where to Recycle Batteries, CFL Bulbs, and Other Hard-to

Disposing of recyclable materials in landfills isn’t just detrimental to the environment; in many regions, it’s becoming illegal to discard certain items this way. When items aren’t included in your municipality’s standard recycling collection, the temptation to toss them in the trash can be significant. Here’s how to correctly dispose of those challenging items.

1. Non-rechargeable batteries

From your children’s toys to the 9-volt batteries in smoke detectors, non-rechargeable batteries should never be thrown away. Many waste management services will collect batteries for proper disposal if they’re placed in designated containers. Additionally, public places like libraries and city halls are increasingly providing battery drop-off stations. If you’re unsure where to go, use Call2Recycle to find the nearest battery recycling spot—most people live within 10 miles of one.

2. Rechargeable batteries

While rechargeable batteries can’t be used indefinitely, it’s crucial to keep them out of landfills due to the hazardous heavy metals they contain. Various retailers accept these batteries for recycling, so checking Call2Recycle for nearby locations is a good idea.

3. Cellphones

When replacing your phone, make sure to leave the battery in it and take it to a recycling kiosk, drop-off box, or nonprofit organization. Many used smartphones still hold value, so several charities and organizations are willing to accept them.

4. CFL bulbs

Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) contain mercury, making them unsafe to dispose of in landfills. Visit earth911 to find nearby recycling options or consider dropping them off at major retailers like The Home Depot, Lowe’s, or Ace Hardware, which often accept them for recycling.

5. Eyeglasses

Don’t discard an old pair of glasses! Organizations like the Lions Club can repurpose them for low-income individuals in need, sorting them by prescription to ensure they match users correctly. Many optometry clinics host Lions Club collection boxes, or you can reach out directly to a local chapter or send them via mail.

6. Electronics

Goodwill accepts working electronics for donation, either at their stores or through pickup services. They offer to erase any personal data from hard drives at no charge. Acceptable items include desktop and laptop computers, tablets, routers, and network switches, as long as they are five years old or newer. Older electronics should be taken to an e-waste collection facility.

7. CRT monitors

Because picture tubes contain lead, it’s crucial to avoid tossing these monitors in landfills. While Goodwill does not accept old CRT monitors, you can drop them off for free at Staples or pay $25 to dispose of them at Best Buy, where you can drop off up to two monitors a day. Additionally, check with the manufacturer for any take-back or trade-in programs they might offer.

8. TVs

For smaller televisions, electronics retailers can be an option for disposal. Larger models often need to be handled by e-waste companies like All Green, which offer both pickup for a fee and drop-off services. Local government entities may also have organized e-waste disposal days or designated drop-off centers for these items.

9. Printer ink and toner cartridges

On a positive note, you can often receive money or store credits for returning used ink cartridges to office supply retailers or participating in buyback programs. Be sure to contact your local office supply store for details.

10. Tires

Once regarded as waste, about 90% of old tires are now repurposed for playground surfaces, building materials, and even as fuel sources. A single tire can contain up to five gallons of oil! Call local tire stores to see if they will take your old tires, or check your state’s official tire disposal guidelines. You can also explore options on earth911 for additional drop-off locations. (See also: 12 Creative Ways to Transform Trash into Treasure)

11. Appliances

Due to their metal components, unwanted appliances are often easily disposed of, and you might even earn some money for them. For example, my electric company paid me $35 for picking up my old freezer. Many retailers offer complimentary removal of older appliances when delivering new ones, but sometimes local scrap dealers can provide faster service. In my case, I managed to find a nearby scrap dealer who was able to come by quickly.

12. Paint and chemicals

To learn how to properly dispose of household hazardous waste, contact your local municipal offices. In places like Los Angeles County, there are regular collection events for hazardous materials. They even reuse certain discarded items, such as paint for graffiti covering and convert used oil into marine diesel.

13. Medication

The FDA advises consulting your waste management service or local government to determine if there’s a medication take-back program available in your area. If such a program isn’t accessible, the FDA recommends mixing old pills with an unpalatable substance (like kitty litter), sealing it in a plastic bag, and disposing of it in the trash.

If all else fails

If you’re pressed for time and can’t make calls regarding e-waste collection days or medication take-back programs, there are two convenient alternatives to dispose of almost anything:

Pay someone to handle it

Companies like 1-800-GOT-JUNK? will come to collect non-hazardous items like appliances, old hot tubs, tires, and construction debris for you. Although ensuring responsible disposal is part of their service, this solution usually comes at a cost—averaging around $500 per truckload.

List items for free

You may be surprised what someone else might want. I’ve had success in finding new homes for empty glass bottles, outdated magazines, unwanted furniture, and broken electronics just by listing them in my local Freecycle group.