I’ve often thought about how easy it is to toss, burn, or bury things in the backyard without considering the consequences. It turns out, some common items can cause real harm to the environment, your health, or even your property if not handled properly. Knowing what to avoid can save a lot of trouble down the line.
Understanding which items you should never burn, bury, or throw away in your yard helps protect the soil, air quality, and water around your home. Taking a moment to be cautious about these things keeps your yard safe and supports a cleaner environment for everyone.
Expired medications
I’ve learned never to burn expired medications because they release toxic fumes that can harm my lungs. Burning them at home is unsafe and can create dangerous air pollution.
Burying old meds isn’t a good idea either. Chemicals can leak into the soil and groundwater, which could affect the environment and nearby water sources.
Instead, I use local take-back programs or pharmacies that accept unused medications for safe disposal. It’s a simple way to protect myself and my community. You can find more about safe disposal options here.
Paint cans, especially oil-based
I’ve learned that old paint cans, especially oil-based ones, are a real fire risk. They contain solvents and heavy metals that don’t break down easily and can catch fire if thrown in the trash or burned.
I always avoid tossing these paint cans in my garbage or fire pit. Instead, I take them to a hazardous waste disposal site. It’s a small extra step that keeps my yard and home safer.
If you have leftover paint, never bury it. It can leak harmful chemicals into the soil. I found it’s best to check local guidelines for safe disposal of oil-based paint cans. This saves the environment and prevents accidents.
For more details on this risk, you can check out this hidden fire hazard of old paint cans.
Tires
I’ve learned that burning tires is a big no-no. When tires burn, they release harmful chemicals that aren’t safe for anyone around. It’s not just bad for the environment—it can also make your backyard smell awful and create toxic smoke.
Burying tires isn’t a good idea either. Old tires can leak chemicals into the soil and groundwater over time, which might cause problems later on. I always look for recycling options instead, since tires can be turned into useful materials like playground surfaces or road construction.
If you have old tires, it’s better to find a proper disposal or recycling program. Avoid tossing them anywhere that could harm the environment or break local rules.
More info on why burning or burying tires is harmful can be found at 15 things you should never toss, burn, or bury.
Pressure-treated wood
I always avoid burning pressure-treated wood in my yard. It contains chemicals that release toxic fumes when burned, which can harm my health and the environment.
I also know that burying this wood isn’t safe. The chemicals can leach into the soil and contaminate the area around it.
When working with pressure-treated wood, I wear gloves and protective gear to keep myself safe. It’s best to dispose of it properly rather than trying to burn or bury it. For more details, you can check information about the dangers of burning pressure-treated wood.
Plastics
I never burn plastics in my backyard. When burned, they release harmful chemicals that are bad for both my health and the environment. The smoke can irritate your lungs and pollute the air around you.
Burying plastics isn’t a good option either. They take a long time to break down and can harm soil and water quality.
Instead, I try to recycle plastics properly or find ways to reduce their use altogether. It’s a small change that makes a big difference. For more details on why plastics shouldn’t be burned, you can check this guide on things you should never burn in your backyard.
Asbestos-containing materials
I’ve learned that asbestos is found in many old building materials like insulation, cement, and floor tiles. Burning or disturbing these materials can release harmful fibers into the air.
It’s important not to burn or bury anything that might contain asbestos because the fibers can cause serious health problems when inhaled.
If you suspect asbestos in your home, I always recommend having a professional test it before any remodel or cleanup. Proper removal should be done by trained experts to keep you and your family safe.
For more details on asbestos risks and products, check this list of asbestos products.
Batteries
I always make sure not to burn or toss batteries in my yard. They contain harmful chemicals like lead and mercury that can leak into the soil and water. This can cause long-term damage to the environment and wildlife.
Lithium-ion batteries, which I use in my phone and laptop, are especially risky. They can overheat and even catch fire if damaged. That’s why I never bury or throw them in the trash.
Instead, I take my old batteries to recycling centers or stores with special programs. This keeps them safe and helps recover valuable materials. For more on battery disposal, check out this guide on battery types you should never throw in the trash.
Pesticides and herbicides
I’ve learned that pesticides and herbicides should never be burned or buried in the yard. These chemicals can linger in the soil for months or even years, harming helpful insects and wildlife.
Burning them releases toxic compounds like dioxins, which are bad for air quality and health.
When I had old pesticides, I took them to a hazardous waste collection instead of tossing them out. It’s a safer way to protect my garden and the environment from accidental poisonings and pollution.
For more details on why pesticides and herbicides are risky to burn or bury, you can check this guide on things to never toss, burn, or bury.
Food waste like pizza
I never burn food waste like pizza or greasy containers in my yard. These items create unpleasant smells and produce a lot of smoke that doesn’t feel great to breathe.
Burning food also leaves behind a messy residue in my fire pit or fireplace. It can even attract pests like raccoons or rodents, which is something I like to avoid.
Keeping food scraps out of my fire pit helps me enjoy the fire without extra problems. It’s a small step that makes a big difference in safety and cleanliness. For more details, you can check this article on things you should never burn in your backyard fire pit.