Residential - City of Tifton

What Can't Go in My Trash Cart?

Quick Answer

Hazardous waste, electronics, tires, large appliances, construction debris, and liquids are NOT allowed in your residential trash cart.

Prohibited Items

These items can damage our trucks, injure workers, or contaminate the waste stream. They must be disposed of properly.

Hazardous Materials

  • • Paints and stains
  • • Motor oil and antifreeze
  • • Pesticides and herbicides
  • • Pool chemicals
  • • Propane tanks
  • • Ammunition

Electronics (E-Waste)

  • • TVs and monitors
  • • Computers and laptops
  • • Printers
  • • Cell phones
  • • Batteries (all types)
  • • Light bulbs (CFL, LED)

Large Items

  • • Refrigerators and freezers
  • • Air conditioners
  • • Water heaters
  • • Washers and dryers
  • • Mattresses
  • • Large furniture

Other Prohibited Items

  • • Tires
  • • Construction debris
  • • Medical/sharps waste
  • • Liquids of any kind
  • • Dirt, rocks, concrete
  • • Hot ashes or coals

How to Dispose of These Items

Paint, Stains & Solvents

  • Latex paint: Let dry completely (leave lid off), then dispose in regular trash
  • Oil-based paint: Take to a hazardous waste collection event
  • Speed drying: Add kitty litter or paint hardener to speed up drying

Many hardware stores accept leftover paint for recycling.

Batteries

  • Alkaline batteries (AA, AAA, C, D): Place tape over terminals, dispose in trash
  • Rechargeable/lithium batteries: Take to Best Buy, Home Depot, or Lowe's for recycling
  • Car batteries: Return to auto parts stores (AutoZone, O'Reilly) - most offer rebates

Never throw lithium batteries in trash - they can cause fires!

Motor Oil & Antifreeze

  • Used motor oil: Auto parts stores (AutoZone, O'Reilly, Advance Auto) accept used oil for free
  • Antifreeze: Take to an auto shop or hazardous waste event
  • Tip: Store in original container or clean plastic jug with tight lid

Electronics (E-Waste)

  • TVs & monitors: Best Buy accepts up to 3 items per day (may charge fee for TVs over 32")
  • Computers & phones: Staples, Best Buy, and cell phone stores accept these for free
  • Tip: Wipe personal data before recycling electronics

Propane Tanks

  • Small camping propane: Blue Rhino exchange locations at Walmart, Lowe's, Home Depot
  • Large grill tanks: Exchange at hardware stores or take to propane dealers
  • Never: Put propane tanks in trash - explosion hazard!

Large Items & Appliances

  • Bulk pickup: Call us at (229) 382-4411 to schedule
  • Working appliances: Consider donating to Habitat ReStore or Goodwill
  • Refrigerators/AC: Must be emptied of freon by certified technician before disposal

Household Hazardous Waste Events

Tift County hosts periodic hazardous waste collection days where you can drop off:

  • • Pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers
  • • Pool chemicals
  • • Cleaning solvents
  • • Fluorescent bulbs
  • • Mercury thermometers

Check with Tift County Extension Office at (229) 386-3407 for upcoming dates.

Need Help Disposing of Large Items?

Call us about bulk pickup or roll-off dumpster rental.

Call (229) 382-4411