By Olivia Lansing

You’ve probably done it. You probably still do it. We’re all guilty of one garbage crime or another. But those dead batteries or empty ink cartridge you tossed in the trash could have devastating effects on our air, water, and soil. Helping the environment can be as easy as thinking twice about what you throw away. These three household items should never see the bottom of your garbage can.

Batteries

The Problem: It’s hard to believe that one little battery could truly make that big of a difference in the grand scheme of things. But the truth of the matter is that batteries contain cadmium, lead, potassium hydroxide, and other toxic components that can cause reproductive disorders and kidney, liver, and neurological dysfunctions. These toxins are so severe that throwing away batteries is actually illegal in California

The Solution: The best way to dispose of batteries is to drop them off at your local hazardous waste disposal site. In Des Moines, Clean Harbors accepts batteries and other household hazardous waste items. Place used batteries individually in zipper storage bags—even a dead battery can create a spark when it touches another battery.

Inkjet Printer Cartridges

The Problem: Printer cartridges that end up in landfills release extremely harmful fumes and particulate matter into our environment. Plus, in today’s tough economic times, taking your old cartridges to be refilled can save you a great deal of money.

The Solution: Many print cartridge companies include a postage-paid envelope to send your empty cartridges in to be recycled. Some stores, like Staples, have recycling programs that give a cash reward or a ream of paper for each cartridge you recycle at their location.

Prescription Medicine

The Problem: While it might seem harmless to throw unwanted, unused, or expired prescription medication in the trash, the effects of doing so can be devastating. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is currently studying the implications of careless disposal of prescription medicine and the effect it has on U.S. waterways. We also face the frightening reality of having medicine stolen from trash cans, which can lead to accidental overdose and even death.

The Solution: Take your prescription drugs to a local pharmacy or hospital for proper disposal. They will dispose of them in a safe and environmentally conscious manner. Never flush unused medicine down the toilet. To prevent theft or accidental overdose, mix the leftover pills with items such as coffee grinds or vegetable peels and place them in a zipper storage bag.