The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that the average American home collects approximately 100 pounds of hazardous waste in the form of various pesticides, cleaners, medications and other products. Properly identifying and disposing of such products is imperative for protecting the health and safety of the household's occupants, the community and the environment.
Hazardous Waste Properties
Hazardous waste includes any material or product that contains ingredients that are harmful to human health or to the environment. Flammable or ignitable items could potential start a fire. Corrosive items that contain acids or alkaline bases can burn or destroy tissue or other materials. Explosive and reactive items can generate dangerous fumes or cause an explosion if they come in contact with air, water or other chemicals. Poisonous items injure or kill if ingested, inhaled or touched. Radioactive items destroy cells and chromosomal material. Federal law requires highly hazardous products to be labeled with the words "Danger" or "Poison," while moderately hazardous materials carry the "Warning" or "Caution" label.
Hazardous Waste Examples
Hazardous household items can be found in the garage, in the medicine cabinet and under the kitchen sink. Examples of harmful automotive products include anti-freeze, wiper fluid, lead-acid batteries, brake fluid and motor oil. Home improvement and cleaning items such as paint and varnish, caulk, adhesives, bleach, furniture polish, drain opener and ammonia pose health and environmental dangers, as well. Also, pesticidal products like weed killer, flea collars, mothballs, rodent poison and insect repellent have harmful effects.
Proper Disposal
While federal law does not prohibit the disposal of hazardous waste in the trash or down the drain, doing so can injure sanitation workers or contaminate wastewater treatment centers. Many communities offer hazardous waste collection days or permanent sites that permit hazardous waste drop-offs. The EPA strongly encourages participation in proper disposal efforts and suggests that you contact your local environmental or waste agency to see what programs are available in your area.
Hazardous Materials Exchanges
Some communities offer hazardous waste exchange days in which you can exchange unused or leftover hazardous materials such as paint or pesticide with your neighbors. Participating in an exchange not only saves you the cost of buying new products, but also keeps hazardous ingredients out of the waste disposal stream. Additionally, some local businesses may accept certain leftover hazardous materials if your community doesn't offer such a program. For example, a garage might take used motor oil or other automotive items.
Reduce Use
Minimize your exposure to hazardous waste products by purchasing or making your own natural alternatives. For example, consider replacing mothballs with rosemary to preserve fabrics. Make an all-purpose cleaner by mixing 4 tablespoons of baking soda with 1 quart of warm water. Use toothpaste to polish gold and silver and substitute a 2 to 1 solution of olive oil and vinegar for furniture polish. Eliminate ants and roaches by spreading boric acid at their entry point. Although boric acid is moderately toxic, it is a less poisonous alternative to pesticide. However, it should still be kept out of the reach of children or pets.
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