Household Hazardous Waste
2008 Household Hazardous Waste Program Update.pdf
What is hazardous waste?
Generally speaking, hazardous waste consists of discarded solid or liquid materials, or containers holding gases, which may harm human beings or the environment unless given special handling and treatment. They may be flammable, corrosive, explosive or toxic – and because of these dangerous characteristics, they should not be disposed of in normal garbage, landfills or sewers.
How necessary is it to be concerned with home safety?
Householders who take the time to investigate the complex nature of home and garden chemicals invariably develop a new respect for some familiar products. Such ordinary household items as cleaning fluids, solvents and paints, automotive supplies, and garden-care materials contain substances which, if not used and disposed of safely, can cause injury to living things or damage to the environment. Some chemcials found in consumer products may contribute to allergic reactions, headaches, burns, nausea, coughs and dizziness. Others are associated with more serious effects such as liver or kidney damage, cancer, or birth defects.
Why we must take action?
Many common household products contain hazardous chemicals similar to those found in industrial waste yet some consumers, ofter unaware of the danger, continue to use and dispose of them in potentially unsafe ways. Once released into the environment, these chemicals may pose a serious threat to living oganisms. Small quantities of hazardous substances can accumulate over time to reach dangerous levels and contaminate the air, water, or soil.
What are the risks to children?
Children are at special risk from the potentially-hazardous drugs and chemicals found around the home. There are warnings that neglected or unsecured medicines are the most common cause of poisoning in children, followed by house plants and familiar household products. Every month, there are some 500 drug poisonings in children under five with medicines being the most common cause. To prevent possible tragedy, you are urged to search out the old, unused and outdated medications in your home and take them to your local pharmacy. It's advisable too, to check every room in your house for potential poisons. Know which products are poisonous and know where they are. Any products no longer being used should be disposed of properly.
Common Products Include:
Aerosol cans (with contents)
Adhesives
Antifreeze coolants
Batteries (household/car)
Bleach
Butane cartridge
Car care products
Chemicals
Cleaning products
Compact fluorescent light bulbs
Diesel fuel
Driveway sealant
Ethanol
Fertilizers
Flea powder
Floor polish/wax
Fluorescent light bulbs
|
Gasoline
Glue
Herbicides
Insecticides
Kerosene
Lighters (with contents)
Mercury (thermometers)
Motor oils and filters
Nail polish/remover
Oven cleaner
Paint and thinners
Pesticides
Pool chemicals
Propane cylinders
Propane tanks
Stains and varnishes |
Not Accepted X Explosives
X Radioactive Waste