Tossing leftover aspirin doesn't require a second thought, but each time it's flushed down the drain, it can contribute to water contamination. One little pill doesn't seem like a big deal, until you start thinking about what, exactly, is in that water you use to brew your morning cup of coffee. Things like medicine, motor oil, and paint shouldn't go down the drain, and other items should be left out of trash heaps, too. Here's how to recycle or safely dispose of them — without making it more difficult than just opening the bin. Now doing good can apply to your everyday chores.
Medications: On your next trip to the pharmacy, ask if it will properly dispose of old medications for you. The laws vary by location.
Ink-jet or toner cartridges: FedEx Kinko's and stores like Office Max accept them. Simply drop them off when you buy new ones.
Motor oil, antifreeze, and car batteries: Patronize an auto shop that recycles. Check www.earth911.org to find one near you.
Other batteries: Put single-use batteries in a plastic bag to prevent leakage in landfills. Hazardous-waste collection sites and Radio Shack stores accept rechargeable batteries. The Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation (www.rbrc.com) collects batteries from electronics such as digital cameras, power tools, laptops, and cell phones.
Magazines: Don't use magazines as a fire starter in your fireplace. They contain toxic chemicals that shouldn't be released into the air. Recycle as usual, or bring them to your doctor's office or child's school.
Paint: Let latex paint dry, then put it out with your regular trash. (Mix in cat litter or sand to dry up cans more than a quarter full.) Take oil-based paints to waste-collection centers.
To find your state's waste-information website and hazardous-waste collection centers near you, log on to www.epa.gov/epaoswer/osw.
Written by Elizabeth Wells and Melinda Page October 2005
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