What items are considered hazardous?Not every item or substance can be recycled or thrown away in the same way as everything else. Some household liquids, such as paints and paint thinners, industrial chemicals used for cleaning, and pesticides, are too dangerous to be mixed in with the standard recycling. These items may be flammable, toxic, or corrosive, and it’s unsafe to expose sanitation workers to substances they’re unprepared to handle. Pharmaceuticals and medical sharps can also pose a risk, and electronics contain dangerous compounds—including lead, zinc, and mercury—that are harmless to users but can be a threat when the item is smashed or broken.
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Recycling hazardous materialsFortunately, there are programs and centers in place to collect hazardous materials. Local police stations may have drop boxes for pharmaceuticals, and the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection sponsors pharmaceutical take-back sessions around the state. The Departments of Public Works for different areas of Connecticut provide a yearly schedule of where to take hazardous materials. For more information, click here or here.
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Recycling alternativesOftentimes we replace electronics before they’re truly unusable—we want the latest Galaxy or iPhone, or we need a better computer for school. Instead of recycling your device, consider donating it to a charity that can reuse it. Some Goodwill Industries or Salvation Army chapters will accept electronics. Cell Phones for Soldiers provides cell phones to members of our military, allowing them to stay in touch with their families. Verizon collects cell phones for victims of domestic violence, for whom a working phone can be a literal life saver. Reusing these devices cuts down on the electronic waste generated.
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