Austin has been recognized as one of the greenest cities in the United States. According to Travis County, Austin residents recycled almost 900 car batteries and 300 gallons of antifreeze in 2012. Single stream recycling increased by 10% from 2013 to 2014. The city even offers a composting rebate program.
How To Dispose of Household Items in Austin
Though many Austinites are taking advantage of some of the better-known programs and incentives to dispose of waste properly, there are still a few household items that can pose a challenge to even the most informed citizen. If you are wondering about how to dispose of trash, Austin has plenty of options to get rid of common items in an environmentally responsible way. Read our list below to learn more.
What’s considered toxic or hazardous waste?
Before you begin sorting which items to recycle and deciding where to take them, it’s important to know what items or household products are considered hazardous waste. Potentially hazardous products include:
- Antifreeze
- Certain paints
- Motor oils
- Oven cleaners
- Insect repellents
- Pesticides
If you want to refresh your memory on what can be recycled, and what the Austin recycling schedule is, you can look at the Austin Resource Recovery’s website. Here’s how to dispose of other items.
Where can I dispose of common household liquids?
Antifreeze is a common household liquid, as are latex paints and used oils, and both cooking and automotive oils as well. This list also includes potentially flammable liquids. To properly dispose of these products, visit the Hazardous Waste Disposal Collection Center. Visit the Center’s website or call (512) 974-4343. Make sure to check the list of accepted and unaccepted items online before you head out.
Where should I recycle my used batteries?
Batteries contain metals that are harmful to the environment if not disposed of properly. That’s why even batteries like alkaline and lithium batteries that can be tossed in the trash should still be recycled. Go to Recycle & Reuse Drop-Off Center to properly dispose of your batteries.
In addition, Austin has more than 30 locations citywide that collect batteries, including Austin Public Library branches, Whole Earth Provisions locations and Whole Foods and Batteries Plus stores. Check the website for an updated list and be sure to only drop off batteries, as many of these locations aren’t equipped to accept other hazardous waste materials.
What can I do with ink cartridges?
You might not realize it, but printer ink cartridges can be harmful to the environment, since the ink or toner can leak out into the soil or water and harm plants and animals. One way you can properly dispose of used cartridges is to send them back to the manufacturer; many come with a special envelope for that purpose. Some local schools and nonprofits accept cartridges for recycling, or you can take them to your local Staples, OfficeMax/Office Depot or Best Buy store. To find the location nearest you, check Earth911’s website.
What should I do with old or outdated electronics?
Electronics can include cell phones, computers, accessories, DVD boxes and more. If they still work and could benefit others, consider donating them to a local nonprofit. If not, you can drop them off at the Recycle and Reuse Drop-Off Center. They’ll also take bulky electronics like TVs and appliances, like washing machines. The Drop-Off Center even accepts packing peanuts and Styrofoam! You can also visit a Goodwill Central Texas location, as they’ve instituted a program to recycle and reuse donated electronic equipment. For larger scale recycling, visit the Goodwill Resource Center located in South Austin.
Can I recycle my light bulbs, too?
Unfortunately, light bulbs aren’t collected curbside, as they’re considered toxic items. To properly dispose of fluorescent light bulbs, visit the Recycle & Reuse Drop-Off Center, Home Depot or Batteries Plus. For broken fluorescent light bulbs, follow the EPA’s recommendations and guidelines to ensure your family is safe.
Where should I recycle my brush and yard trimmings?
In addition to brush collection, which is available each week curbside, The Recycle & Reuse Drop-Off Center will also collect your yard trimmings at no cost. Accepted items include tree limbs, leaves and Christmas trees. The Center cannot accept treated or painted lumber and any construction materials.
Brush and yard trimmings can also be composted. Consider composting in your own backyard—and add kitchen scraps like fruit peelings—to your pile, or seek out a community garden. Compost Coalition is an Austin-based program that can help connect you to local organizations and find resources for specific composting needs.
Are Plastic Bags Recyclable?
Plastic shopping bags and other plastic materials (for example, the plastic that is used to package items like paper towels, bread and newspapers) can be recycled in bins outside of many grocery stores and some dry cleaners. Plastic bags are not accepted in Austin’s residential recycling program.
What Can I Do With Unused, Unneeded or Expired Medication?
Contrary to popular belief, it is not a good idea to flush old medicine down the toilet. Two disposal kiosks are available for drop-off, and several Walgreens locations in the area participate in the Walgreens Safe Medication Disposal Program.
ABC Makes Life Easier For Austinites
ABC Home & Commercial Services has been providing reliable, high-quality services for over 60 years. In addition to being the largest independently-owned and operated pest control company in the state of Texas, ABC gives back to the communities we serve. Whether it’s through a sponsorship of Austin’s favorite annual events, donating to local nonprofits or providing resources to help build a better community, ABC is here to make life easier on Austin homeowners.
