Wheel your carts to the street and place them curbside before 6 a.m. on your collection day. Do not overload carts; the lids must close completely. Overage fees may apply to overfilled carts. Make sure that all trash and debris is in the cart. Garbage or waste left beside carts may not be collected.

The following household hazardous waste items should NOT be treated as everyday garbage and should NOT be disposed of curbside, in your totes, bins or carts:

• Batteries

• Electronics

• Fluorescent light bulbs

• Paint and paint cans

• Used motor oil and filters

• Prescription medications

WM has drop-off locations across the United States and in Canada. Visit one of these locations to properly dispose of your aforementioned household hazardous waste.

While acceptable materials may vary by location, the list of items below are usually allowed in the everyday trash you dispose of in your curbside toter, bin, can or container.

• Diapers

• Disposable razors

• Cactus and palm branches

• Cat litter and pet feces

• Glassware and ceramic dishes/cups

• Hoses and wire

• Juice boxes/pouches

• Non-fluorescent light bulbs

• Sheet glass (windows, mirrors, etc.)

• Foam cups or packing materials

• Treated wood (painted, stained, etc.)

Generally, the items below can be placed in your curbside recycling containers, bins or totes. These items should be clean and loose — remove from any additional packaging and do not bag them.

For more information on recyclable and non-recyclable materials, check out our Recycling 101 page.

• All plastics #1-7 (except foam cups or packing materials)

• Aluminum foil products (cans, baking tins and foil)

• Paper bags

• Cardboard

• Clean paper

• Glass containers

• Scrap metal (cookie sheets, utensils)

Organic or green waste refers to biodegradable items made of natural materials. Items included in this category include:

• All meat, bones, dairy and eggshells

• Bread, rice, beans and pasta

• Coffee grounds, filters, tea leaves and bags

• Food-soiled paper containers

• Fruits, vegetables and leftovers

• Paper towels, plates, napkins and cups

• Shredded paper contained in paper bags

• Waxed paper cartons (milk, ice cream, juice, etc.)

• Yard trimmings, such as:
  Branches and twigs

• Flowers, weeds and roots

• Leaves, grass and plant clippings

• Uncoated wood and chips

Bulky or bulk-waste pickups are available to certain WM customers. Terms, fees and conditions may apply. Visit Bulk Trash Pickup to check availability and learn more.

Items considered bulky include:

• Appliances, TVs and electronics

• Household furniture

• Scrap metal

• Tires — up to 4 car or light-truck tires separated from rims

• Yard trimmings — bundled for composting

WM has a drop-off location near you. Visit the nearest drop-off location to properly dispose of extra-large or bulky items that are too big or heavy for your regular trash container or bin.

Some items are too hazardous for recycling or disposal in a landfill. Search for a drop-off location that accepts these items and plan for drop-off. Fees, terms and conditions may apply.

• Paint, stain, varnish, thinner and adhesives

• Automotive products such as old fuel, anti-freeze, brake fluid, motor oil and oil filters

• Household cleaners with ammonia or bleach

• Aerosol cans

• Fluorescent light bulbs and lamps

• Computer equipment

• Dead animals

• Garden products including pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers

• Propane tanks and fire extinguishers

• Pool or photographic chemicals

• Thermostats, thermometers and other items containing mercury

• Expired prescriptions and non-prescription medications (no controlled substances)

• Sharps (syringes, needles, etc.)*

• Ammunitions, firearms**

*WM has a mail-back service for sharps disposal. To arrange this service and learn more, read our Support article and choose Request Help if you'd like to submit a request.

**WM does not accept these items. Contact your local police or sheriff’s office for disposal instructions.