Some cities are now using a service from ReCollect that let you figure out how to dispose of most materials, you could look on your smartphone if there’s literally an app for it.

It even comes with your waste/commpost/recycling collection schedule, reminders, etc.

That kind of hazardous material such as CFL lightbulb will likely require special handling, so for that kind of stuff I keep a box for those items I can easily dispose of, that I’ll bring to my local ecocenter when it’s full.