We’re Trying To Save The Planet, Not Curdle It

I work by a battery recycling kiosk in a department store. A man approaches the clearly labeled battery drop-off bin. It’s got big signage: “Used Batteries Only: No Trash, No Electronics, No Liquids.”

He’s holding… a full pint of milk.

Customer: “Where do I put this? It says ‘no liquids,’ but it’s sealed.”

Me: “Sir, that’s… milk.”

Customer: “Yeah, but I figured it’s expired, so it counts as used.”

Me: “Used batteries. Not used dairy.”

Customer: *Pointing to the bin.* “Well, can’t you just take it this once?”

Me: “If that bin starts smelling like spoiled milk, we’ll never get people to recycle anything again. Unless that milk can hold a charge, it’s not our department.”

He storms off muttering something about customer service, but leaving the milk behind, of course.