Most homes today contain hazardous products that are potentially harmful to people and the environment. Household hazardous waste is defined as those substances that are flammable, explosive, corrosive or toxic. Products common to households that have these properties include commercial household cleaners, pesticides, medications, and home improvement and automotive products. To prevent hazardous materials from being dumped into landfills where they can contaminate water supplies and the air, it is critical for communities to find ways to limit the amount of hazardous waste produced.
Collection Sites
Find out if your county or local government has any hazardous material collection sites. Many communities offer a place where residents can drop off hazardous household and automotive wastes. Even communities that do not have a regular disposal facility sometimes schedule several days each year when residents can drop off hazardous materials at an appointed collection site. These events are free and open to all residents offering them a way to dispose of toxic household waste without throwing it into their regular trash. Yet despite more communities nationwide sponsoring hazardous waste recycling programs, a 2007 National Bienniel Report shows that the 1.8 million tons of hazardous waste recycled accounted for less than 5 percent of the total amount of hazardous waste generated.
Battery Alternatives
The standard alkaline batteries used in most households generate waste that can be hazardous to the environment. Therefore, rather than throwing so many of these batteries into the trash, one solution is to purchase rechargeable batteries and a battery charger. Because rechargeable batteries can be charged hundreds of times, this may be a more practical choice for devices that get a lot of use. NiMH rechargeable batteries in particular offer several advantages, including being free of toxic heavy metals. A good quality battery charger is a worthwhile investment as well, as it can extend the life of your rechargeable batteries. Lithium ion batteries are another waste minimizing alternative. Although these batteries are more expensive, they can go for a long time without being used and still hold their charge.
Recycling Electronics
Hazardous electronic waste includes any electronic devices, which contain cathode ray tubes or LED displays. Because of the levels of toxic substances such as lead, mercury and cadmium contained in these products, you should see if you could have your electronics repaired before buying new to do your part in minimizing hazardous waste. Taking good care of your electronics will also help them to last longer. Instead of throwing away old electronics, such as computers and cell phones, when you do buy new, find out if there are any charities in your area that may accept used electronics for repair or to salvage the parts for money. In addition, some businesses buy certain used electronics and recondition them for resale. Electronic manufacturers often allow you to mail back used products to be recycled. Along similar lines, you might want to consider buying remanufactured toner cartridges for your printer. They work just as well and cost less. Some chain stores, including Staples, even allow you to trade in old ink cartridges for credit toward a new toner.
Non-Toxic Products
Use natural cleaning products instead of hazardous commercial cleansers. Safer alternatives include vinegar, baking soda, borax, fresh lemon juice, salt, warm water and plenty of elbow grease. These non-toxic alternatives can be used to remove grease, disinfect, kill mold and mildew, clean glass, open drains and soften clothes. The use of water-based instead of oil-base paints for paint jobs around your home is another less toxic option.
Disposing of Medications
The Food and Drug Administration advises consumers that most outdated or unused drugs or other medications can be discarded in the regular household trash unless the medicine label gives specific instructions for another method of disposal. Make sure that the medicine container is not accessible to a child or pet that may get into the trash. Some communities offer drug take-back programs where you can take any expired or left over medicines to a drop off location where it will be disposed of properly. Contact the recycling program in your community for more information.
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