How To Dispose Of Your Waste

Some waste is easy to throw away or recycle. Most people know how to handle kitchen waste, paper, and everyday household garbage. The good news is that more people recycle each year, which helps reduce landfill waste and protects the environment.

However, some items are harder to dispose of. In fact, certain materials are banned from regular garbage disposal. When you are unsure what to do with an item, this simple guide will help you make the right choice.

Batteries

Many batteries can be recycled safely.

• Household batteries: Usually accepted at landfill recycling stations.

• Car batteries (lead-acid): Often accepted at landfills, but many mechanics will take your old battery when you buy a new one—sometimes offering a discount.

Always store used batteries safely and avoid throwing them in regular trash.

Cardboard and Boxes

Cardboard should never go in the garbage unless it is heavily soiled.

• Recycling cardboard keeps it out of landfills.

• Recycled cardboard is reused to make new boxes and paper products.

Flatten boxes before recycling to save space.

Scrap Metal

Scrap metal is highly recyclable.

• Old appliances, metal parts, and tools can be melted down and reused.

• Many recycling centers and scrap yards accept metal items.

This helps conserve natural resources and reduce waste.

Styrofoam

Styrofoam disposal depends on the type:

• Recyclable: Foam cushioning and some food packaging.

• Not recyclable: Packing peanuts and blue or pink insulation boards.

Non-recyclable Styrofoam must go into regular garbage and should be disposed of responsibly.

Mattresses and Box Springs

Mattresses are accepted at landfills but:

• They are not accepted at standard recycling stations.

• A disposal fee usually applies due to size and handling requirements.

Because of their bulk, landfill disposal is often the best option.

Yard and Lawn Trimmings

Yard waste must be handled carefully.

• Never dump trimmings into rivers, creeks, or natural areas.

• Landfills and green waste facilities accept these items for a small fee.

Proper disposal prevents environmental damage and water pollution.

Broken Fluorescent Light Bulbs

These bulbs cannot go into regular garbage or landfills.

• They contain hazardous materials like mercury.

• A Vancouver-based company, Light Recycle, accepts fluorescent bulbs and ensures they are processed safely.

Always handle broken bulbs with care.

Paint and Empty Paint Cans

Paint products must not be thrown away in regular trash.

• Many cities run paint disposal drives, especially in spring and summer.

• These events allow safe and eco-friendly disposal of leftover paint and empty cans.

This is the best time to clean out old supplies.

Prescription Drugs

Unused or expired prescription drugs should never be flushed or thrown away.

• Take them to your local pharmacy, which can dispose of them safely.

• This prevents environmental contamination and misuse.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What waste items are banned from regular garbage in Vancouver?

Banned items include batteries, paint, fluorescent light bulbs, prescription drugs, and car batteries. These must be disposed of through approved recycling or disposal programs.

2. Where can I safely dispose of household batteries?

Household batteries can be taken to landfill recycling stations, while car batteries are often accepted by auto shops or mechanics during replacement.

3. Can cardboard and Styrofoam be recycled?

Cardboard and clean boxes should always be recycled. Some Styrofoam packaging is recyclable, but packing peanuts and insulation foam must go in regular garbage.

4. How should I dispose of paint and fluorescent light bulbs?

Paint should be taken to approved paint collection events. Fluorescent light bulbs must be dropped off at certified recycling facilities and not placed in landfill waste.

5. What is the correct way to dispose of unused prescription drugs?

Unused prescription drugs should be returned to a local pharmacy for safe and legal disposal.

Need Help With Waste Disposal?

This guide covers many common items, but questions can still come up. If you are unsure how to dispose of something, it is always better to ask than guess.

You can Contact Fleetwood Waste Systems for expert advice on waste disposal in and around Vancouver. Our team is happy to help you make smart, responsible waste disposal decisions.