Yard work is in full swing. As warmer weather approaches, it’s important to stay ahead on yard maintenance, but there may be questions about what to do with old items that are no longer usable. Cleaning out sheds, garages, and garden beds often involves coming across leftover products from last season, like half-used bags of fertilizer, old weed killer, or containers of fuel for lawn mowers and trimmers. It might be tempting to toss these items out with the rest of your yard waste, but many of them require special handling and dumping.
Knowing what can and can’t go in your regular trash is an important part of any cleanup. Certain lawn and garden products contain chemicals that can be harmful if improperly disposed of. Taking a few extra minutes to sort these items now can help prevent problems later and make disposal easier when collection opportunities are available.
Keep this out of the trash
Items that should NOT go in your regular trash include:
- Fertilizers and weed killers
- Herbicides and pesticides
- Pool and spa chemicals
- Gasoline or mixed fuels used for yard equipment
Do this instead
The materials above can be harmful if poured down drains, left on the ground, or thrown away improperly. Instead, you should:
- Set aside any leftover or unwanted products for HHW disposal
- Keep items in their original containers so they can be safely identified
- Store materials in a cool, dry place until you’re ready to bring them to a collection event
Smart tips going forward
As you sort through old items and prepare for the season ahead, keep these tips in mind to avoid future disposal issues:
- Buy only what you need for the season
- Use up products fully before purchasing more
- Check labels for proper use and storage instructions
- Avoid mixing or combining leftover chemicals
Taking a little extra time helps keep your home safe and protects your local environment. When in doubt, it’s always better to set materials aside and bring them to a proper disposal site.
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