In the world of real estate with clients and friends moving in and out of their homes, wondering what to do with those cans of unneeded paint and that private stash of old batteries taking up space is a common issue. These items are difficult to throw out, but what do you do when it is time to get rid of them. Always resist the temptation to toss them in the trash anyway. Batteries, CFL bulbs, electronics, motor oil and paint contain toxic chemicals capable of contaminating the environment if not disposed of properly.

Unlike items that are picked up at the curb, you'll have to make a special effort to unload these ones responsibly. But, with a little advance planning and some good info, it's really quite simple to dispose of these items safely and properly. Here's are some suggestions:

    * Batteries: Recycling rechargeable batteries is fairly easy. Home Depot, Staples, Radio Shack, Best Buy, and other retailers take them back free of charge. There are fewer options for single-use batteries, but look for bins at your local Whole Foods Market, Ikea, or library. Otherwise, your best bet is the local household hazardous waste drop-off site. Search you local city web site for more details. Click here Austin Solid Waste Department for more info in Austin.


    * CFLs: These energy-efficient bulbs are becoming easier to get rid of. Just drop old bulbs off at any Home Depot or Ikea for free recycling. Or ask about CFL recycling at your local Ace Hardware or home improvement store. You can search locally for other nearby solutions.  You can also donate you no longer needed cells phones.

    * Electronics: Every retailer that takes back rechargeable batteries also accepts mobile phones, as do most wireless providers. For computers, cameras, televisions and others, it's worthwhile to do a little homework because some stores charge fees depending on item and brand. Check out Best Buy, Staples, and Office Depot to see what's the best fit. Some places, like Radio Shack, have trade-in programs where you can receive store credit for your old gadgets. For more info, click here Cell Phone Donations

    * Motor Oil:  In case you need some motivation, consider this: Every gallon of used motor oil that's improperly disposed of can contaminate one million gallons of drinking water. Bring it to Wal-Mart, Autozone, Jiffy Lube, or search online for more convenient choices.

    * Paint: It's among the harder items in this group to dispose of, but it's worth it and totally doable. With proper planning and application, paint disposal is usually unnecessary. Buy the right amount for your project.  Apply a second coat and touch up areas that need improvement. If the paint is still in good shape, consider donating it. Liquid wastes are restricted from municipal solid waste landfills – never throw away leftover liquid paints in your trash.  From more info from the National Paint Association on paint disposal, click here National Paint Association