Have you ever cleaned out your garage and thought, "Can I just toss this in the trash?" Well, in Texas, the answer might be no! There are several items that are actually illegal to throw away, and you could get fined for putting them in your garbage bin. Let’s take a look at some of the things you need to dispose of properly.

It's Illegal In Texas To Throw These Items In The Trash
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  • Electronics - That old phone or broken TV? You can’t just trash them in Texas. Electronics contain harmful materials like lead and mercury. Instead, donate or recycle them at an e-waste center.
  • Batteries - Whether it’s an old car battery or the ones from your remote, Texas law says nope to tossing them in the trash. Batteries contain chemicals that can leak into the ground and mess up the environment. Instead, take them to a recycling center or a store that collects old batteries.
  • Motor Oil & Antifreeze - Changing your own oil? That’s cool, but don’t dump the used oil or antifreeze in the trash. These liquids are super toxic and can contaminate water sources. Many auto shops will take your used oil and recycle it for you.
  • Tires - Got an old tire sitting in your garage? You can’t just throw it in the bin. Tires can cause major problems in landfills, so Texas law requires you to recycle them at a tire disposal center.
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  • Fluorescent Light Bulbs - These bulbs last a long time, but when they finally burn out, don’t just throw them away! They contain small amounts of mercury, which is bad for the environment. Instead, drop them off at a recycling center.
  • Paint & Paint Thinner - If you’ve got half a can of paint left from your last home project, don’t just dump it in the trash. Paint and paint thinner have harmful chemicals that can seep into the ground. Instead, take them to a hazardous waste collection site or let the paint dry out completely before disposing of the can.
  • Pesticides & Chemicals - Lawn care and pest control products can be dangerous if they get into the environment. Texas law says you need to take these to a hazardous waste collection site instead of tossing them in the garbage.
  • Medical Waste - Needles, syringes, and old medications shouldn’t go in the trash. Sharps can hurt workers, and old meds can get into the water supply. Instead, take them to a pharmacy or medical waste disposal site.
  • Fireworks & Explosives - Yes, fireworks are fun, but they don’t belong in your garbage! Even if they look burnt out, they could still cause a fire. Soak them in water and check with local authorities for proper disposal.
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What Should You Do Instead?

Most cities in Texas have special recycling or hazardous waste collection programs, so check with your local waste management service for drop-off locations. You might even find some stores that will take your old stuff for free!

So next time you’re about to throw something questionable in the trash, take a second and check if it’s on this list. A little extra effort can help keep Texas clean and safe!

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Gallery Credit: Jessica Poxson