46 Things You Can't Throw Away in Wisconsin or Face Consequences

I was always taught to throw away my trash. That's a good idea with the exception of like a billion items that are actually against the law to throw away in Wisconsin. Toss these things and you'll face consequences.

This is not a do not throw away list that I imagined out of thin air. No, this list comes directly from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. It's a pretty exhaustive list of items you're not allowed to dispose of in the trash no matter if it's your household or place of employment. They say the law in Wisconsin will find you and make you face consequences if you do.

Antifreeze
Automotive type batteries
Brake fluid
Carburetor cleaner
Degreasers
Gasoline and fuels
Motor oil (used)
Tires
Transmission fluid
Windshield washer
Cleaner with ammonia
Cleaner with bleach
Concrete cleaners (acid)
Disinfectants
Drain cleaner
Metal cleaners
Oven cleaners
Polish/spot removers
Polish with solvents
Pool chemicals
Toilet/tub/tile cleaner
Adhesives with solvents
Floor/wax stripper
Furniture stripper
Paint, oil-based
Paint remover/thinner
Sealers
Stain, varnish, lacquer
Turpentine
Wood preservatives
Fertilizer with weed killer
Flea spray
Insect/bug killer
Mothballs
Rat/rodent poison
Weed killer
Aerosol cans
Propane tanks (refillable)
Propane tanks (small, nonrefillable)
Ammunition/bullets
Marine flares
Lighter fluid
Mercury
Paint (artist or hobby paint)
Thermometers (with mercury)
Vaping devices

Many of these items are common sense. Of course you don't throw away flammable things that would be dangerous. But, I was not aware that mothballs and thermometers were such a no-no.

It would likely be a good idea to not just take my word for it and check the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources site for details and updates to this do not throw away list.