How to Dispose of Household Hazardous Waste
According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, Americans produce 1.6 million tons of hazardous household waster per year. Most people know that paints and motor oils must be disposed of in an environmentally responsible way--not just poured down the drain--but everyday items such as harsh cleaners and batteries must also be disposed of with care, to avoid damage to the environment and human health. It's all too easy to toss used batteries in with the regular garbage, especially when there is a lack of information about how to dispose of hazardous household waste properly. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Reduce the Amount Of Hazardous Household Waste You Throw Out
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Reduce the amount of hazardous household waste in your home by using alternative items where possible. For example, buy "green" or organic cleaning materials that are non-corrosive and non-poisonous. Put a little extra effort into scrubbing instead of buying "non-scrub" formulas which are usually far more concentrated and contain larger amounts of hazardous chemicals.
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Reuse any hazardous materials that you can. Purchase a battery charger and use rechargeable batteries, and store leftover paint safely for a future project rather than dumping it. If you can no longer use something, but it is still usable, sell or give it to someone who can reuse it.
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Seek out local programs recycling things like used video game consoles and computer parts. Electronics can do a lot of damage to the environment if they end up in a landfill.
Dispose of Remaining Hazardous Household Waste Safely
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Check to see if your community has days where you can place hazardous household waste at the curb to be picked up.
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Find permanent facilities in your community that accept drop-offs of hazardous household waste and dispose of them properly. If your municipality or region does not provide such a service, check local businesses. For example, garages will often accept used motor oil.
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Call your local waste management agency if you have trouble locating any permanent hazardous waste facilities in your community. A quick Internet search will allow you to find phone numbers and addresses for the facilities near you.
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References
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