Household hazardous waste
threatens the health and well-being of every man, woman, and child in the United
States. At this moment, the average American household has as much as 100 pounds
of
hazardous waste in the basement, garage, attic, storage shed, yard, or
living space itself, materials that can cause illness and even death.
Paints, batteries,
bathroom cleansers, solvents, pesticides, motor oil, paint thinner, prescription
drugs—these and many more items contain chemicals that are hazardous to human
health if they are used, stored, or discarded improperly. They have the
potential to explode, cause fires, corrode, or poison people, animals, and the
environment.
Household hazardous
products present significant challenges to consumers. These challenges are:
- They must be used
properly. Instructions for use should be followed exactly. Any shortcuts could
prove deadly or cause serious harm.
- They must be securely
stored, out of reach of children, pets, and anyone who may inadvertently
misuse the product (e.g., an elderly or confused adult). Each year, more than
1 million children under six years of age are
poisoned accidentally. All storage containers should be sealed properly,
undamaged, and labeled clearly as to its contents and dangers.
- They must be disposed
of safely. Unfortunately, unused portions of dangerous household products are
often poured onto the ground, washed down the drain, or thrown in the trash.
The chemicals then can poison the soil, air, and water and eventually make
their way back into the food and water supply for humans, plants, and animals.
Individuals, businesses,
and organizations are coming together to help reduce the amount of household
toxic waste that threatens communities. Are your ready to do your part?
-
Review the
labels on your household cleaning supplies and
replace toxic products with safe products or
methods.
Natural cleaning supplies are not only safer
but are usually less expensive as well.
-
Choose safer
alternatives to hazardous products whenever
possible. For example, choose water-based instead
of oil-based paint; spread compost (and you can make your own!) instead
of chemical fertilizers; diatomaceous earth
instead of roach killers; citrus oils instead of
paint thinners to clean paint brushes.
-
Use natural pest control for your garden, lawn,
and home. Organizations such as
Beyond Pesticides and the
Natural Resources Defense Council offer dozens
of safe, nontoxic alternatives to hazardous
pesticides.
-
Utilize the
hazardous household waste collection days or sites
offered in your community. Contact your solid
waste or hazardous waste department under "Local
Government" in your phone book, or check out
Earth911 for information on how to properly
recycle or dispose of household hazardous waste in
your community.
-
Dispose of
medications responsibly. Because drugs (both
over-the-counter and prescription) are hazardous
waste, many municipalities accept them as part of
their hazardous waste collection programs. Contact
your local program for details. You can also
contact local pharmacies, as many have medication
recycling/collection programs. Do not throw
medications into the toilet, trash, or waterways,
as the chemicals can seep into the water supply
and/or soil.
-
Donate or
recycle your unwanted
cell phone. Hundreds of schools, churches, and
other nonprofits collect cell phones for recycling
and fundraising. Most cell phone stores also
accept used phones for recycling. Cell phones are
hazardous waste, as many contain lead, as well as
high levels of copper, zinc, nickel, and antimony.
-
Donate or
recycle your personal
computers and peripherals. Like cell phones,
these items contain hazardous substances.
-
Properly dispose
of car batteries, used motor oil, and other toxic
fluids from vehicles. Fluids can be collected in
clean, sturdy containers and recycled at household
hazardous waste collection sites or by some
service stations or automobile supply stores.
Batteries are also collected by the same
facilities.
Help keep your
home a safe haven for you and your family by
reducing your use of toxic household items, choosing
safer alternatives, and recycling any toxic
substances responsibly.
