So the other day, my neighbor casually mentioned he buried an old mattress behind his shed to “save a dump run.” I blinked. Twice. It got me thinking, how many weird things end up in backyards that really shouldn’t be there?
Everything from old pet waste tricks to half-forgotten building materials, there’s a surprising list of stuff people bury, thinking it’s harmless or just easier. Yet the honest truth is that some of these items can actually wreak havoc on your soil, water supply, and even the value of your land. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) warns that illegal dumping can introduce harmful contaminants into the environment.
These include heavy metals, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), persistent organic pollutants (POPs), and pathogens. They can contaminate water supplies, making them unsafe and posing risks to public health and the environment. Grab your iced tea and let’s dig into 15 things that should definitely stay above ground.
Old Tires
Sure, they seem like harmless rubber rings, but tires release toxic chemicals as they break down underground. None of which should be anywhere near your veggie garden.
The U.S. EPA and researchers have identified over 400 chemicals in tires, including heavy metals, microplastics, and carcinogens. In fact, one tire can shed 2–14 pounds of rubber particles over its lifetime. As tires break down, they release these substances into the soil and water systems.
Additionally, buried tires collect water and turn into a mosquito’s preferred party spot. Across many states, disposing of them in this manner is actually illegal. Best bet? Recycle them or haul them to an authorized tire facility.
Cooking Oil and Grease
Though pouring your oil into a hole may seem better than pouring it down the drain, both options are just as harmful. Whereas organic food scraps decompose, grease solidifies into a thick, oxygen-shutting layer in the soil.
It chokes plant roots and draws pests. It stinks worse and worse as time goes on. Instead, freeze it and dispose of it properly, or take it to an authorized disposal facility.
Batteries (Even the “Dead” Ones)
Batteries, especially the older ones, are basically mini toxic waste capsules. When you bury them, they can leak cadmium, lithium, and lead into both your soil and the surrounding groundwater.
Battery recycling is encouraged by the EPA for a good reason—it’s all about safety, not merely clutter control. In fact, lead-acid batteries (like those in cars) now have a recycling rate of about 99%, thanks to well-established take-back systems and regulations.
Even small AA batteries can lead to serious problems down the line. So, no, they aren’t supposed to go under the flower bed.
Plastic Bags
Nope, not even the “biodegradable” kind. Underground plastics take a long time to decompose and frequently release microplastics back into the environment.
They also present a choking danger to wildlife and disturb soil quality. So, resist the urge to stash plastic underground to “hide” it. Recycle them instead.
Animal Waste
Although it feels like a natural thing to do, tucking pet poop into the ground isn’t the eco-friendly solution it seems. Dog waste contains persistent parasites and pathogens that pose risks to both humans and the environment. These include worms, parasites like Giardia, and bacteria such as E. coli and Salmonella.
The USDA notes that composting in an appropriate setup is a better option. But plainly burying it? Nope. Just bag it and dispose of it correctly.
Old Medication
Flushing is not a good choice, and burying it is even worse. When pills and liquids break down in the soil and groundwater, they can compromise wildlife and even groundwater intended for human consumption. According to the FDA, medicine should be disposed of at designated take-back programs.
In fact, numerous pharmacies have now installed secure drop-off boxes. Trust me, your garden doesn’t need antidepressants.
Construction Debris
Leftover drywall, treated wood, and insulation might seem like they’ll just break down. Spoiler alert: they won’t—at least not safely.
Wood that has been treated frequently harbors arsenic or creosote, both of which can seep into the soil. Creosote, derived from coal tar, contains over 200 chemical compounds, many of which are carcinogenic or allergenic, as per the EPA.
Tangy old paint flakes and sticky adhesives? Even worse. If it came from a renovation, it should be taken to the dump, not buried six feet underground.
Mattresses
Yes, people have tried burying mattresses—and no, it doesn’t work. Mattresses are bulky, non-biodegradable, and packed with materials that attract pests or grow mold underground.
Every day, over 50,000 mattresses are discarded, adding up to a staggering 15–20 million mattresses annually. While more than 75% of mattress materials are recyclable, less than 5% actually make it to recycling, statistics by TheRoundup show.
Instead, they end up in landfills, where the springs and foams break down painfully slowly, taking decades. Believe me, future-you (or whichever owner comes after) will not appreciate having to unearth that.
Household Cleaners
Casting leftover bleach or detergent into a hole is no way to dispose of it—it’s plain pollution. Such cleaners may pose a high hazard to plants, animals, and nearby water systems.
Even the “eco-friendly” varieties can unsettle the natural microbial life in your soil. Most municipal hazardous-waste facilities will accept these items free of charge. A lot safer than setting up your own backyard dumping ground.
Leftover Paint or Paint Cans
Paint, particularly oil-based paints, is a long-term environmental concern due to their solvent content and heavy metal additives. A 2020 study in Environmental Science and Pollution Research analyzed oil-based paints and found lead levels as high as 51,200 mg/kg, along with significant amounts of chromium, nickel, and zinc.
These metals do not biodegrade and can leach into soil and water over time. Even if the can is sealed, rust and corrosion will inevitably seep those nasties into the soil.
Latex paint is less hazardous, but it still shouldn’t be thrown into the ground. The majority of municipalities provide free drop-off services for old paint. Burying it? That’s a big backyard no-no.
Ashes From Treated Wood or Charcoal Briquettes
When you clear the ashes from your grill or fire pit, don’t simply tuck them into the ground. Charcoal often contains chemical additives and traces of lighter fluid. And if the wood had been pressure-treated? Even worse.
Such ashes may disturb soil pH and introduce undesired toxins. Only natural wood ash, in moderation, is garden-safe.
Pressure-Treated Wood
This wood, commonly installed in deck construction, is frequently treated with chromated copper arsenate (CCA). Doesn’t sound very fun, does it?
Arsenic in CCA is a known human carcinogen. Long-term exposure, especially through skin contact or inhalation of dust, has been linked to lung, bladder, and skin cancers.
Additionally, these chemicals seep into the soil and can harm nearby plants and wildlife. Even the slightest remnants should be handled as hazardous waste. Avoid composting and refrain from burying it altogether.
Cigarette Butts
Though they seem small and harmless, cigarette filters are crafted from cellulose acetate—a type of plastic. Tossing them into the soil releases toxins such as nicotine and arsenic into the earth.
They likewise take years to decompose—if they ever do at all. Composting? Not an option. Bin them responsibly.
Electronics (Even Tiny Ones)
Outdated phones, laptops, their wires, and even broken headphones harbor heavy metals such as mercury, cadmium, and lead. If disposed of in the ground, these items pollute the soil and draw curious critters.
In 2022, the world generated 62 million metric tons of e-waste. That’s enough to fill 1.55 million 40-ton trucks, which could circle the Earth bumper to bumper. Shockingly, only 22.3% of that e-waste was formally collected and recycled.
All e-waste ought to be taken to a recycling center. In other words, if it’s got a chip or a plug, leave it above the ground.
Dead Appliances
It might sound obvious, but you might be shocked to learn that mini-fridges, microwaves, and even dishwashers have been found buried in rural yards. These items contain everything from refrigerants to wiring that can leach harmful chemicals.
Improper disposal may also lead to a fine. Give your municipal waste agency a call—several provide bulk-pickup services at no charge.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- If it leaks, rusts, rots, or attracts bugs, don’t bury it. Old paint cans, discarded mattresses, tires, and many other everyday items can secretly harm the soil and entice unwelcome pests.
- Your backyard isn’t a landfill-in-disguise. Shoving electronics, batteries, or lingering chemicals into the ground can contaminate groundwater and land you in big trouble later (such as civil penalties or damage to your property).
- “Out of sight, out of mind” doesn’t work for toxins. Even small items, such as cigarette butts and pet feces, can leave an enduring mark beneath the soil, particularly when loaded with plastics or pathogens.
- There’s a better way—recycle, reuse, or drop it off. Many community disposal sites, recycling schemes, and even home-improvement stores accept hazardous materials at no or minimal cost. Protect your soil and the prospective price of your property by keeping harmful materials from ending up beneath the surface.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information. It is not intended to be professional advice.
How Total Beginners Are Building Wealth Fast in 2025—No Experience Needed
How Total Beginners Are Building Wealth Fast in 2025
I used to think investing was something you did after you were already rich. Like, you needed $10,000 in a suit pocket and a guy named Chad at some fancy firm who knew how to “diversify your portfolio.” Meanwhile, I was just trying to figure out how to stretch $43 to payday.
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12 Everyday Grocery Store Favorites Now Pack Banned Additives
Let me paint a picture. I was standing in the cereal aisle, scanning the shelves for my childhood favorite—those colorful little rings bursting with artificial fruit flavor. I hadn’t bought them in years, but nostalgia hit hard. Then I noticed something new on the label: “Now with no artificial dyes.”
12 Everyday Grocery Store Favorites Now Pack Banned Additives
