Think twice before tossing these items into trash: Here’s why

A bag of garbage can be seen in a stock photo. (Pixabay/Cocoparisienne)

Do you toss old, used batteries into the trash? Are you aware that throwing batteries, especially lithium-ion, into the garbage can cause big problems? And it’s not just batteries that can be problematic.

The District of Muskoka is reminding residents that the everyday items tossed into garbage bags can have long-term effects on the environment if not properly sorted.

Officials say small household choices add up. Items such as glass jars, old clothing and batteries can take hundreds – or even millions – of years to break down, all while potentially releasing harmful substances into the ground and water.

For example, a glass jar that ends up in the garbage instead of being recycled could take up to a million years to decompose. An old t-shirt thrown away could take two centuries to break down, while dyes and chemicals from its fabric may seep into soil and groundwater.

Batteries are considered among the most harmful when not handled correctly. District staff warn they can leak toxic chemicals like mercury and lead. Lithium-ion batteries, commonly used in cellphones and other electronics, can even spark fires in collection trucks or waste facilities if tossed into regular trash.

To prevent these risks, residents are encouraged to use local recycling programs and household hazardous waste sites. A year-round facility in Bracebridge accepts hazardous materials, including batteries, free of charge.

The district says making informed choices about where waste belongs can help reduce environmental damage and keep the community safe.

“Know where it goes” is the key message behind the campaign, with officials stressing that even small steps at home can make a big difference for the environment.