How to Dispose of Toxic Waste Products

The United States accumulates billions of pounds of toxic wastes in landfills every year. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), toxic waste or solid waste has four main characteristics: toxicity, flammability, corrosivity and reactivity. Many of our household products can pose a lethal threat to the environment--if they're not safely disposed or recycled. Disposing toxic waste is a serious matter that should be researched carefully.

Instructions

1. Scout around for all of your hazardous materials in your house. Read the label of the containers before pitching them. Flammable liquids, antifreeze, paints and even electronics are possible hazards.

2. Store all of the items in safe, closed containers to keep them from leaking into the environment and causing harm. Leave the liquids in their original containers, so that you can drop off at your local recycling and disposal agencies. Prepare them for transportation--like placing them in plastic bins or garbage bags.

3. Check the household hazardous wastes program in your area to find out the requirements for your list of hazardous materials. Notify them of what you have--before you go--since there are possible safety guidelines and certifications needed for different hazardous items. Typically these centers have a waste disposal chart with a list of toxic materials they accept like ammunition, car fluids and oils, batteries, tires, unbroken lightbulbs and much more. Drop the items off during office hours.

4. Call around to see if organizations or companies are accepting specific leftover items. Donate and recycle your cellphones and electronics. Remember to deactivate and erase all of your information before doing this, then drop them off at a local nonprofit. Car businesses may accept old car batteries.

Tips & Warnings

• Discarding toxic waste illegally may result in fines or jail time.

References

• Lerner
• City of Flagstaff
• EPA

Resources

• Earth 911
• MSN Lifestyle
• Berkeley Lab