According to recent statistics, Indiana has a significant trash problem. Indiana is ranked #2 in the U.S. for waste in landfills per person. The state ranks high in the amount of waste sent to landfills, and this, along with issues like illegal dumping and the closure of recycling centers, contributes to the problem. And it's not just keeping trash out of landfills, but keeping out other items that could have severe consequences.
According to the Indiana Department of Environmental Management(IDEM), certain items that may seem like ordinary trash can cause significant environmental and public health hazards. When household hazardous products are thrown away, they can cause a dangerous situation for people and equipment transporting them to the landfill.
Experts say some are easy to spot, labeled with “warning,” “danger,” “corrosive,” “irritant,” “toxic,” “caution,” or “flammable,” and are typically considered household hazardous waste. These items require specific disposal at specific locations where they will be responsibly managed, disposed of, recycled, and/or reused. But while some household products are clearly labeled as hazardous, some don't come with a warning. And Indiana residents are urged to check the list of items below.
Beauty Products Cosmetics, nail polish remover, perfume, cologne, and hairspray often contain petrochemicals and can catch fire.
Medications, drugs, pharmaceuticals, prescription, and non-prescription, are all biologically active chemical formulations and can be toxic to the environment.
Smoke detectors contain a small amount of radioactive material. You will know if it does because it will have a radiation symbol printed on its label.
Batteries are made with toxic chemicals and solvents that can decompose and seep into the soil, water, and even air if they end up in landfills.
Light bulbs may include toxic materials like mercury, lead, and arsenic.
Paint often contains toxic solvents and pigments, including hobby-based oil paints.
E-cigs and Vapes may have nicotine in them which is toxic and a lithium battery which may spark and cause a fire.
Scrap tires pose a fire and a human health risk as mosquito breeding grounds.
Aerosol cans often contain materials that are ignitable, corrosive, and toxic.
Gasoline and other fuels are ignitable and toxic
Thermometers containing mercury are toxic and are a serious environmental threat.