Toss with Care: Trash Tips for Gainesville Apartment Living
Each year, Americans generate over one million tons of household hazardous waste, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.
You may think that you never handle hazardous waste, but surprisingly, toxic products are very common in most homes. For example, products that contain corrosive, toxic, or reactive ingredients include:
- Paints
- Cleaners
- Oils
- Batteries
- Pesticides
- CFLs (compact fluorescent lights)
- Computer equipment
When you recycle and properly dispose of trash—especially trash that is potentially toxic to the environment—you divert it from the waste stream and prevent environmental contamination. Case in point, all the above items should not be tossed into your average dumpster. Thankfully, there are hazardous waste collection centers throughout Alachua County, including the North Central Solid Waste Collection Center. Alachua County collection centers accept the following waste materials:
- Automobile fluids
- Automotive batteries
- Dry cell/button batteries
- Latex and oil based paint
- Used oil filters
- Florescent tubes and bulbs
- Used motor oil
- Electronics
- Aerosol cans
In addition, local businesses in the general vicinity of our Gainesville apartments accept used oil for recycling, including all Advance Auto Parts stores. Finally, many office supply stores take monitors, laptops, printers, and faxes if you’re willing to pay a disposal fee for each item.
