The Definitive Guide: How to Properly Dispose of a Trash Can

Let’s face it, dealing with a broken, damaged, or simply unwanted trash can is one of those unglamorous but necessary parts of homeownership (or renting). While it might seem straightforward, properly disposing of a trash can involves a bit more than just chucking it out with the regular garbage. From material identification to local regulations and eco-conscious choices, this comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of how to responsibly dispose of your old trash can.

## Why You Can’t Just Throw it in the Trash

Before we dive into the ‘how,’ let’s quickly touch upon the ‘why.’ You might be thinking, “It’s a trash can, shouldn’t it just go in the trash?” While that seems logical, there are several reasons why this isn’t always the best or even legal option:

* **Size and Capacity:** Many trash cans are simply too large to fit into your regular curbside bin or exceed weight limits. Trying to force it can damage your bin or prevent collection.
* **Material Composition:** Trash cans are typically made of plastic or metal, materials that, while durable, take a very long time to decompose in landfills. Disposing of them improperly contributes to environmental pollution.
* **Local Regulations:** Many municipalities have specific regulations regarding the disposal of bulky items, including trash cans. Ignoring these regulations can result in fines or penalties.
* **Resource Recovery:** Plastic and metal are valuable resources that can be recycled and reused. Disposing of a trash can in the regular trash stream means missing an opportunity to recover these materials and reduce the need for virgin resources.

## Step 1: Identifying the Material

The first crucial step is determining what your trash can is made of. This will significantly impact your disposal options.

* **Plastic:** Most modern trash cans are made of various types of plastic, often high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or polypropylene (PP). These plastics are relatively durable and recyclable, but not all recycling facilities accept all types of plastic.
* **Metal:** Older or more heavy-duty trash cans might be made of metal, typically steel or aluminum. Metal is highly recyclable and valuable, making it a prime candidate for scrap metal recycling.
* **Combination:** Some trash cans might feature a combination of plastic and metal components. In this case, you’ll need to separate the materials before disposal, if possible.

**How to Identify the Material:**

* **Look for Markings:** Many plastic products have a recycling symbol stamped on them, usually on the bottom. This symbol, a triangle of arrows with a number inside, indicates the type of plastic used. Common numbers for trash cans include 2 (HDPE) and 5 (PP). Metal cans may also have markings indicating the type of metal.
* **Visual Inspection:** If there are no markings, try to visually assess the material. Plastic will usually be lighter and more flexible than metal. Metal will often have a metallic sheen or rust if it’s steel.
* **Magnet Test:** If you’re unsure whether a can is metal, try sticking a magnet to it. Steel will attract a magnet, while aluminum will not.

## Step 2: Cleaning the Trash Can (Important!)**

Before you attempt to recycle or dispose of your trash can, it’s essential to clean it thoroughly. This isn’t just about hygiene; it also makes the can more acceptable to recycling facilities and reduces the risk of attracting pests during storage or transport.

**Cleaning Procedure:**

1. **Empty the Can:** Ensure the trash can is completely empty of any remaining waste.
2. **Rinse with Water:** Use a garden hose or sink to rinse the inside and outside of the can with water. Remove any loose debris or stuck-on materials.
3. **Wash with Soap:** Fill a bucket with warm water and add a few squirts of dish soap or a general-purpose cleaner. Use a scrub brush or sponge to thoroughly wash the inside and outside of the can, paying attention to any areas with stubborn stains or grime.
4. **Rinse Again:** Rinse the can thoroughly with clean water to remove all traces of soap.
5. **Disinfect (Optional):** For extra hygiene, you can disinfect the can with a solution of bleach and water (1 part bleach to 10 parts water). Apply the solution to the inside and outside of the can, let it sit for a few minutes, and then rinse thoroughly with clean water.
6. **Dry Completely:** Allow the trash can to dry completely in the sun or with a clean towel before proceeding with disposal.

## Step 3: Exploring Your Disposal Options

Now that you’ve identified the material and cleaned the trash can, it’s time to explore your disposal options. Here are several possibilities, ranked from most to least environmentally friendly:

### 1. Recycling

Recycling is the most environmentally responsible way to dispose of a trash can. It allows the materials to be recovered and reused, reducing the need for virgin resources and minimizing landfill waste.

**How to Recycle:**

* **Check Local Recycling Guidelines:** Contact your local municipality or waste management company to determine their recycling guidelines for bulky items like trash cans. Some municipalities may accept plastic and metal trash cans in their curbside recycling program, while others may require you to drop them off at a designated recycling center.
* **Locate a Recycling Center:** If your municipality doesn’t offer curbside recycling for trash cans, search online for local recycling centers that accept plastic or metal. Websites like Earth911 ([https://search.earth911.com/](https://search.earth911.com/)) can help you find nearby recycling facilities.
* **Separate Materials:** If your trash can is made of a combination of plastic and metal, separate the materials before taking them to the recycling center. This may involve removing a metal handle from a plastic can or vice versa.
* **Prepare for Drop-off:** Some recycling centers may have specific requirements for preparing items for drop-off, such as removing lids or cutting plastic cans into smaller pieces. Check with the recycling center beforehand to ensure you comply with their guidelines.

**Challenges of Recycling:**

* **Limited Acceptance:** Not all recycling facilities accept all types of plastic or metal. You may need to call around to find a facility that accepts your specific type of trash can.
* **Transportation:** Transporting a large trash can to a recycling center can be inconvenient, especially if you don’t have a suitable vehicle.
* **Cleaning Requirements:** Recycling facilities may reject dirty or contaminated trash cans. Make sure to clean your can thoroughly before attempting to recycle it.

### 2. Reuse or Repurpose

Before recycling, consider whether you can reuse or repurpose the trash can for another purpose. This is an even more environmentally friendly option than recycling, as it avoids the energy and resources required for processing and manufacturing new products.

**Repurposing Ideas:**

* **Storage Container:** Use the trash can to store gardening tools, pet food, sporting equipment, or other bulky items in your garage, shed, or basement.
* **Compost Bin:** Convert the trash can into a compost bin for yard waste and food scraps. Add drainage holes to the bottom and a lid to keep out pests.
* **Rain Barrel:** Collect rainwater for watering your garden by attaching a downspout to the trash can. Make sure to cover the top with a screen to prevent mosquitoes from breeding.
* **Planter:** Use the trash can as a large planter for trees, shrubs, or flowers. Add drainage holes to the bottom and fill with potting soil.
* **DIY Projects:** Get creative and use the trash can as a base for various DIY projects, such as a drum set, a decorative table, or a unique piece of art.

**Benefits of Reuse:**

* **Reduces Waste:** Reusing a trash can prevents it from ending up in a landfill or requiring recycling.
* **Saves Money:** Reusing a trash can eliminates the need to buy a new storage container or other item.
* **Promotes Creativity:** Repurposing a trash can can be a fun and rewarding DIY project.

### 3. Donation or Freecycling

If you can’t reuse the trash can yourself, consider donating it to a charity or giving it away through a freecycling network. Someone else may be able to use it for its intended purpose or repurpose it in a creative way.

**How to Donate or Freecycle:**

* **Contact Local Charities:** Reach out to local charities or non-profit organizations to see if they accept donations of used trash cans. Schools, community gardens, or animal shelters might be interested.
* **Use Freecycling Networks:** Post the trash can on a freecycling website or group, such as Freecycle.org or a local Facebook group. Describe the item and its condition, and arrange for pickup with interested parties.
* **Offer it on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace (Free Section):** You can list the item for free on online marketplaces, specifying that it’s free to anyone who wants to pick it up.

**Advantages of Donation:**

* **Helps Others:** Donating a trash can can benefit individuals or organizations in need.
* **Reduces Waste:** Donation prevents the trash can from ending up in a landfill.
* **Promotes Community:** Freecycling and donation foster a sense of community and sharing.

### 4. Bulky Waste Collection

If recycling, reuse, and donation are not feasible options, your next best bet is to utilize your municipality’s bulky waste collection program. Most cities and towns offer scheduled pickups for large items that don’t fit in regular trash bins.

**How to Utilize Bulky Waste Collection:**

* **Contact Your Municipality:** Contact your local municipality or waste management company to inquire about their bulky waste collection schedule and guidelines.
* **Schedule a Pickup:** Most bulky waste programs require you to schedule a pickup in advance. You may need to call or fill out an online form to request a collection date.
* **Prepare the Trash Can:** Follow your municipality’s instructions for preparing the trash can for collection. This may involve placing it at the curb on a specific day, wrapping it in plastic, or disassembling it into smaller pieces.
* **Be Aware of Restrictions:** Bulky waste programs often have restrictions on the types of items they accept. Make sure your trash can meets the program’s requirements before scheduling a pickup.

**Disadvantages of Bulky Waste Collection:**

* **Landfill Disposal:** Bulky waste collection typically results in the items being disposed of in a landfill, which is not the most environmentally friendly option.
* **Limited Availability:** Bulky waste collection may only be offered a few times a year, and you may have to wait several weeks for a pickup appointment.
* **Fees:** Some municipalities charge a fee for bulky waste collection services.

### 5. Landfill Disposal (Last Resort)

If all other options have been exhausted, landfill disposal is the last resort. However, it’s important to dispose of the trash can responsibly to minimize its impact on the environment.

**How to Dispose of in a Landfill:**

* **Check Local Regulations:** Contact your local municipality or waste management company to determine if there are any specific regulations regarding the disposal of trash cans in landfills. Some municipalities may require you to dispose of the can at a designated landfill or transfer station.
* **Transport to Landfill:** Transport the trash can to the landfill or transfer station. You may need to rent a truck or trailer if the can is too large to fit in your car.
* **Pay Disposal Fees:** Landfills typically charge disposal fees based on the weight or volume of the waste. Be prepared to pay a fee when you drop off the trash can.

**Negative Impacts of Landfill Disposal:**

* **Environmental Pollution:** Landfills can pollute the air, water, and soil. Trash cans made of plastic or metal can take hundreds of years to decompose, releasing harmful chemicals into the environment.
* **Resource Depletion:** Landfill disposal wastes valuable resources that could be recycled or reused.
* **Land Use:** Landfills take up valuable land space.

## Step 4: Preventing Future Trash Can Problems

Once you’ve successfully disposed of your old trash can, take steps to prevent future problems.

* **Choose Durable Trash Cans:** Invest in high-quality trash cans made of durable materials that can withstand wear and tear. Look for cans with reinforced handles, sturdy lids, and UV protection to prevent cracking and fading.
* **Proper Maintenance:** Regularly clean and maintain your trash cans to prevent the buildup of grime, odors, and pests. Rinse them out with water and soap regularly, and disinfect them occasionally.
* **Avoid Overfilling:** Don’t overfill your trash cans, as this can damage the lids and handles. Use trash bags that are the appropriate size for your cans, and tie them securely to prevent spills.
* **Protect from the Elements:** Store your trash cans in a sheltered location to protect them from the sun, rain, and snow. This can help to extend their lifespan and prevent them from becoming damaged or brittle.
* **Consider a Trash Can Liner:** Using a trash can liner can significantly reduce the mess and odor inside your can, making cleaning easier and extending its lifespan.

## Specific Scenarios and Considerations

Let’s address a few specific scenarios you might encounter when dealing with a trash can disposal:

* **Broken Lid:** If only the lid is broken, consider replacing just the lid. Many hardware stores sell replacement lids for common trash can sizes. If you can’t find a replacement lid, you might be able to repurpose the can for indoor storage where a lid isn’t essential.
* **Cracked Body:** A cracked body compromises the integrity of the can and makes it unsuitable for containing trash. This is a prime candidate for recycling or, if the crack isn’t too severe, repurposing (e.g., as a planter, lined to prevent leaks).
* **Wheeled Cans:** Wheeled trash cans require extra consideration. The wheels are often made of different materials (plastic and metal axles). Try to disassemble these for separate recycling. If disassembly isn’t possible, inquire with your local recycling center about their policy on mixed-material items.
* **Commercial-Sized Dumpsters:** Disposing of a commercial-sized dumpster is a different ballgame. These are typically leased or owned by businesses and require specialized disposal services. Contact your waste management provider for guidance. Do *not* attempt to move or dispose of a large dumpster on your own.
* **Trash Cans with Electronic Components (e.g., Automatic Opening):** These require special handling due to the electronic components. Check if the manufacturer offers a recycling program. Otherwise, treat the can as electronic waste (e-waste), which often has dedicated collection programs due to the presence of hazardous materials.

## Conclusion

Disposing of a trash can properly requires a bit of effort, but it’s a worthwhile endeavor for the sake of the environment and your community. By identifying the material, cleaning the can, and exploring your disposal options, you can ensure that your old trash can is handled responsibly. Remember, recycling, reuse, and donation are always preferable to landfill disposal. With a little planning and effort, you can make a positive impact on the planet while getting rid of that unwanted trash can.