When it comes to waste disposal, many of us think we’re doing the right thing—tossing trash into bins, sorting recyclables, and putting out garbage on collection day. However, even with good intentions, it's surprisingly easy to make mistakes that can harm the environment, clog landfills, and even pose health risks. Understanding the common errors in trash disposal can help individuals and communities build better waste management habits. Mixing Recyclables with Regular Trash One of the most frequent mistakes people make is throwing recyclables like plastic bottles, paper, and aluminum cans into the regular trash. When recyclable materials end up in landfills, they not only take up valuable space but also contribute to long-term pollution. On the flip side, putting dirty or contaminated items into the recycling bin—like greasy pizza boxes or unwashed containers—can spoil entire batches of recycling. Always rinse recyclables and double-check your local recycling guidelines t...