Residential Hazardous Waste Disposal & Alternatives
Left over waste from hazardous household products is found in almost every home. (The average home contains more than 60 hazardous products.)
- Hazardous waste can endanger the health and safety of people and pets.
- Putting hazardous waste in the garbage or recycling puts collectors and sorters at risk. Pouring them down the drain overloads sewage facilities and endangers fish and other animals.
Hazardous Waste Disposal Options, including free drop sites:
What Is Household Hazardous Waste?: Material in containers labeled "Warning", "Caution", "Danger", or "Poison", such as:
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Medical
Syringes
Mercury thermometers
Cleaners
Aerosol sprays
Disinfectants
Drain cleaners
Flea and roach killers
Spot removers
Toilet bowl cleaners
Metal polish
Oven cleaner
Solvents
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Electronics
Fluorescent bulbs & tubes
Computers
TVs
Cell phones
Mercury thermostats
Nicad batteries
Automotive
Used motor oil
Used antifreeze
Gasoline
Vehicle batteries
Brake fluid
Carburetor cleaner
Diesel fuel
Transmission fluid
Car polish or wax
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Lawn & Garden
Insecticides
Herbicides
Fertilizer
Paint-related
Paint-related Products
Paint, stain, varnish
Paint thinners
Paint strippers
Hobby & Recreation
Photographic chemicals
Chemistry set chemicals
Pool and spa chemicals
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Alternatives Hazardous Household Products
- Find and use the safest products
- Check ingredients. Manufacturers are not required to list all ingredients. Many products don't list ingredients in the 'Inert' category, even though they may have potential toxic effects. Even when ingredients are listed, the information can be confusing. Use the warning words as a guide. Learn more about potential health risks of products by name (National Institutes of Health).
- Follow product instructions for safest use. The fine print will tell you about products not to mix (like ammonia and bleach), safe clean up and storage, and how to avoid water pollution or environmental harm.
- Use or make safer alternatives (http://www.watoxics.org/homes-and-gardens)
- Use natural yard care techniques to keep your yard and household healthier.
- Support green businesses: Shop at businesses that offer less toxic alternatives and contribute to keeping the environment cleaner (EnviroStars).
More information:
Safer Alternative References:
- Baking Soda and Vinegar - Over 500 fabulous, fun and frugal uses you've probably never thought of.
Vicki Lansky, The Book Peddlers http://www.practicalparenting.com/household.html. Grandmother knew how useful baking soda is and now you can too.
- Clean it Fast, Clean it Right - Edited Jeff Brendenberg, Rodale Press. Household tips from A to W (even a remedy for shrunken sweaters!) using common generic products.
- Clean House, Clean Planet - Karen Logan, Pocket Books. Wealth of cleaning information and rates the effectiveness and cost estimates of alternatives.
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