Recycling hazardous materials require some special considerations

Leftover household products that contain corrosive, toxic, ignitable, or reactive ingredients are considered to be "household hazardous waste" or "HHW." Products, such as paints, cleaners, oils, batteries and pesticides that contain potentially hazardous ingredients require special care when you dispose of them.

Improper disposal of household hazardous wastes can include pouring them down the drain, on the ground, into storm sewers, or in some cases putting them out with the trash. The dangers of such disposal methods might not be immediately obvious, but improper disposal of these wastes can pollute the environment and pose a threat to human health. Many communities in the United States offer a variety of options for conveniently and safely managing HHW. Benefits of Proper HHW Management

• Reduction and recycling of HHW conserves resources and energy that would be expended in the production of more products.
• Reuse of hazardous household products can save money and reduce the need for generating hazardous substances.
• Proper disposal prevents pollution that could endanger human health and the environment.

TIPS ON HOW TO MANAGE YOUR HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE

Many common household cleaning products, paints, pesticides, even motor oil, can pose a threat to your family—and the environment. The EPA estimates that we generate 1.6 million TONS of household hazardous waste each year! Even small amounts of these wastes, when disposed of improperly, can pollute ground or surface water—and can put humans and animals at risk. Each year, do-it-your-selfers who change their own car oil improperly dispose of almost 9 times more used motor oil than was spilled in the EXXON Valdez accident! In fact, just one gallon of motor oil dumped down a storm sewer can pollute up to a million gallons of drinking water!

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 our lakes and streams. The good news is there IS something you can do to help protect yourself and your family—and help preserve the beauty of our environment.

• The best place to start is by taking stock of what’s already in your home. You can easily identify hazardous household products just by reading labels. Hazardous symbols and warnings will alert you to potentially dangerous products. Also, read the directions for proper use and storage.
• And don’t ever mix products! Many common household products are extremely dangerous when they come in contact with each other. Vinegar and chlorine bleach can cause toxic fumes when mixed. And pool chlorine and brake fluid can explode!
• If you do have any hazardous materials in your home, first make sure they are stored properly. Always store products in their original containers and protect the label. You don’t want to run the risk of mistaking one product for another because you’ve stored it in an empty milk jug or glass jar. And keep hazardous materials out of reach of children and pets. Once you make sure these products are stored safely, it’s time to start thinking about reducing the amounts of these products in your home. The easiest way is to use up what you already have.
• If you can’t use it yourself, share it with a neighbor or friend. You can also look for schools, churches and non-profit organizations that can use your leftover cleaning products and paints.
• When shopping, read the labels and look for less toxic alternatives, like citrus-based cleaners. They work well. Most are comparable in cost to conventional products, and often come in concentrated form, so they last longer. If you really want to save money, there are great cleaners you can make at home that work just as well as many brand name products. Everyday ingredients like vinegar, baking soda and lemon juice are inexpensive and can be used for all sorts of chores around the house, like… Clearing clogged drains… Cleaning windows… Polishing furniture… Cleaning your oven… Even polishing metal. Regular biodegradable dishwashing soap makes a great car wash, and can be used as an insecticide for house plants.