diff --git a/code/datums/elements/trash.dm b/code/datums/elements/trash.dm
index e685f2ad22..3a4d5b0150 100644
--- a/code/datums/elements/trash.dm
+++ b/code/datums/elements/trash.dm
@@ -2,6 +2,7 @@
 	element_flags = ELEMENT_BESPOKE|ELEMENT_DETACH
 
 /datum/element/trash/Attach(datum/target)
+	. = ..()
 	RegisterSignal(target, COMSIG_ITEM_ATTACK, .proc/UseFromHand)
 
 /datum/element/trash/proc/UseFromHand(obj/item/source, mob/living/M, mob/living/user)
diff --git a/code/game/objects/items/trash.dm b/code/game/objects/items/trash.dm
index 1dc0378ea1..1816f26843 100644
--- a/code/game/objects/items/trash.dm
+++ b/code/game/objects/items/trash.dm
@@ -8,6 +8,7 @@
 	resistance_flags = FLAMMABLE
 
 /obj/item/trash/Initialize()
+	. = ..()
 	AddElement(/datum/element/trash)
 
 /obj/item/trash/raisins