Even though they have a recycling symbol on the bottom, plastic motor oil containers should not be added to your curbside recycling bin. The residual film inside can contaminate a load of recyclables. Instead, if you replace your motor oil at home, use the container that held the new oil to hold your old oil, and then take that to a disposal facility. It solves two problems: It lets you dispose of old oil properly, and professionals will recycle the plastic container.

Fall weather means jack-o'-lanterns and pumpkins, but when it's time to dispose of these seasonal decorations, think about doing just one thing to help wildlife. Scoop out pumpkin seeds, and let the seeds air dry on a few sheets of newspaper. Do not bake, salt or do anything else to the seeds. When they are dry to the touch, add the seeds to bird feeders or sprinkle them where birds and small wild animals will find them.

Does shampoo or conditioner expire or go bad? Personal care products do expire, and using bad hair care products can damage your scalp and create more harm than good. The rule of thumb is any unopened bottles can last for around three years, and any bottle that's been used has a shelf life of 1 1/2 years. If you buy hair-care products on sale or in bulk or hoard small bottles from hotel rooms, keep this timeline in mind.