9.  How to Dispose of Expired or Leaking Cans

To safely throw away expired canned food:

• Bag any leaking or bulging cans before tossing to prevent contamination

• Rinse and recycle empty cans if they’re not compromised

• Follow local waste guidelines for food safety

This protects your health—and the environment.

10.  Smart Pantry Organization = Safer Cans

Keep a tidy pantry and rotate stock. Tips:

• Use the FIFO rule (First In, First Out)

• Store newer cans in the back, older ones in the front

• Check dates monthly and discard anything expired

A quick monthly audit keeps your food safe and waste to a minimum.

11.  Final Rule: When in Doubt, Throw It Out

If something feels off, trust your gut—not the can.

A $2 can of soup is never worth a hospital visit. If it’s expired, smells weird, or looks suspicious, just throw it away.