|
|
|
Helpful Tips for Managing Household Hazardous Waste
|
|
|
If you work on your home or car, or in your garden, or use store-bought household cleaning products, chances are you’re storing some hazardous materials.
Defining the Problem
 Common household items such as cleaners, pesticides, solvents, thinners, motor oil, and paint may contaminate our air, soil, and water if disposed of improperly. This could cause harm to you, your family and pets, trash collectors, our community, and the environment.
Even small amounts of these wastes, when thrown out in the trash, may pollute ground or surface water at a landfill. Products that are poured down the drain, onto the ground, or washed into gutters or storm drains can damage septic and sewer systems and pollute lakes and streams.
What You Can Do
Don’t despair... more than 60 percent of household hazardous waste can be recycled. By following some general guidelines you can complete your household projects, while keeping your home and the environment safe:
Plan ahead
- Think about how you are going to dispose of the product before you buy it. Also, evaluate if you really need the product to get the job done.
Think small
- Buy only what you need so you have little or nothing to dispose of. When possible buy a multi-purpose product that can be used for several tasks.
Read the label
- Avoid products labeled “danger” or “poison,” and closely follow instructions on proper use and safe storage of the product.
Look for non-toxic alternatives
- Purchase the least toxic product available. In many cases, the least toxic and best product for the job can be made at home, saving you money. Check the shopping list in the back of this booklet for ideas.
Store properly
- Always store products in the original containers and protect the label. Children can easily mistake toxic items when stored in empty soft drink bottles, milk jugs, or glass jars. Always keep items out of reach of children and pets.
Don’t mix
- Some household products can form dangerous fumes or may become explosive when mixed. Always read product labels and use as directed.
Use it all
- The best disposal method is to use the entire product according to the directions on the label.
Share
- Find a neighbor or friend who can use excess products or purchase the material with someone who can also use it.
Donate
- Donate excess products to a business or charity that can use them up. Excess pesticide might be offered to a greenhouse or garden center, for example, and theater groups often need surplus paint.
Recycle
- Whenever possible take products such as used motor oil, automobile batteries, antifreeze, and paint to a recycling center.
Consumer Choices
We can easily reduce the amount and toxicity of waste in and around our homes, and at the same time save money. Remember that the decisions consumers make affect the way manufacturers design products, and consumer demand for less-toxic alternatives ensures a steady market for manufacturers. We can also make better product choices, and use those products more efficiently. Here are some helpful consumer tips:
- There are many safe, non-toxic and environmentally friendly products on the market. Look for them next to conventional products during your next trip to the supermarket.
- Select water-based products over solvent-based products when available (e.g., paint, glue, shoe polish).
- Avoid aerosol sprays. Choose the pump spray or other alternatives.
- Be smart when you apply pesticides or fertilizers. Do not apply before a rain. Not only will you lose most of the pesticides or fertilizer through runoff, but you also will be harming the environment. Do not overwater after application. Read the label. Do not apply more than is recommended.
- Have a professional change your motor oil. For a few dollars more, you not only save yourself time and energy, but it’s more likely that the used motor oil collected is recycled.
- Ask for re-refined motor oil for your vehicle. Re-refined oil is oil that has been recycled and then reprocessed so it is as good or better than virgin oil. By using re-refined motor oil, you are closing the loop and saving natural resources.
- Switch to synthetic oil, which resists chemical breakdown and heats more efficiently than petroleum oils. Since synthetic oils produce fewer emissions and last longer than conventional oils, you need fewer oil changes.
Safer Alternatives
Many sources of household hazardous waste can be replaced with other products that are safer, cheaper and equally effective. Below are examples of some alternative products you can easily make at home.
Drain cleaner
- Use a plunger or plumber's snake.
 Oven cleaner
- Clean spills as soon as the oven cools using steel wool and baking soda; for tough stains, add salt (do not use this method in self-cleaning or continuous-cleaning ovens).
Glass cleaner
- Mix 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice in 1 quart of water. Spray on and use newspaper to wipe dry.
Toilet bowl cleaner
- Use a toilet brush and baking soda or vinegar. (This will clean but not disinfect.)
Furniture polish
- Mix 1 teaspoon of lemon juice in 1 pint of mineral or vegetable oil, and wipe furniture.
Rug deodorizer
- Deodorize dry carpets by sprinkling liberally with baking soda. Wait at least 15 minutes and vacuum. Repeat if necessary.
Silver polish
- Boil 2 to 3 inches of water in a shallow pan with 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and a sheet of aluminum foil. Totally submerge silver and boil for 2 to 3 more minutes. Wipe away tarnish. Repeat if necessary. (Do not use this method on antique silver knives. The blade will separate from the handle.) Another great and inexpensive alternative is to use nonabrasive toothpaste.
Plant sprays
- Wipe leaves with a mild soap and water solution; rinse.
Mothballs
- Use cedar chips, lavender flowers, rosemary, mint, or white peppercorns.
Ensure Proper Disposal
To ensure proper disposal of any remaining unwanted portions you have, participate in Denver's household hazardous waste collection program. Home pick-up and central drop-off options are available. Participating in the program means that you are helping keep our community and environment clean and safe now, and for future generations.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The guide offers great information on choosing and making safer alternatives to most common household products.
It also contains a helpful shopping guide and other resources to help you make the most informed decisions to protect your home, your health, and the environment.
|
|
|
|
|
|