Climate change still continues to be an important topic of debate around the globe. However, I am sure we will all agree that cleaning our houses at the cost of risking our environmental conditions is never worth the risk. Not only because it’s our duty to keep the environment clean, but also because no one wants to end up behind bars for taking out the trash. Well, you could end up going to jail if you take out these five items and throw them in the trash in the US.
1) Batteries
We all are guilty of throwing away our used alkaline batteries in the trash but do you know how harmful they are?! These batteries can let out hazardous chemicals that end up in the water and ground and can start fires too. You can find these small batteries in almost every gadget you use. Right from calculators and watches to lithium batteries in smartphones. It’s against the law to throw away one-time-use batteries in many states, like New York. You will be fined $50 if it was a first offence to $200 if you have broken the law quite a number of times.
2) Motor Oil
Throwing away used motor oil in the garbage is also against the law in many countries and states. The reason behind it is because motor oil contains harmful chemicals that can harm almost every living being like animals, plants, soil, and also the underground water. Breaking hazardous waste disposal rules can lead to a federal prison sentence of two years or more and a fine of $50,000 or more according to federal law.
3) Smartphones/Tablets
Throwing away smartphones and tablets is also one of the items that can land you behind bars if you don’t properly dispose of them. Smartphones and tablets harm the environment because they let out toxic substances, and they can even emit poisonous smoke after catching on fire. People found in violation of proper disposal regulations may be charged a minimum of $100.
4) Televisions/Computers
Instead of tossing your computers and TV in the trash consider donating them to a thrift store. TV and computers contain materials like circuits, glass, plastics, and metals that are not suitable for regular disposal and are hazardous waste. In many U.S. states, you could be fined at least $100 for disposing of them improperly.
5) Microwave Ovens
Microwave ovens are also harmful to the environment because of the electrical parts they contain and are classified as electronic waste (e-waste). There are electromechanical components like motors and switches, along with magnetron tubes inside of the microwave ovens which help control the radiation used for cooking. People who break the law and don’t dispose them safely may face a fine of at least $100.
