Which of the following items should NOT be placed in the trash compactor?

Placing glass and lightbulbs in the trash compactor is not suitable due to the risk of breakage and potential injury. Glass items can shatter during the compaction process, creating sharp shards that pose hazards to personnel and can cause damage to the compactor itself. Furthermore, lightbulbs, especially incandescent or fluorescent types, can contain hazardous materials, such as mercury in the case of compact fluorescents, which require special handling and disposal methods to avoid environmental contamination.

In contrast, food waste, paper products, and plastic packaging are generally acceptable for trash compactors, as they do not carry the same risks of injury or environmental harm associated with broken glass.