Take precaution when disposing of household products

The products from a single home seem insignificant, but when countless thousands of homes use similar products and dispose of them down the drain or in the landfill, the combined effect becomes a major problem. Landfills contaminate groundwater with hundreds of pollutants. Waste water treatment does not remove many of the materials we put down the drain so streams are contaminated. Soil and air are also adversely affected.

Chemicals are a way of life in most American homes. A typical home can contain 100 to 200 products used for cleaning, painting, lubricating, disinfecting, etc. the house, yard, workshop, and garage.

When used according to label directions, most household products pose little hazard to people or to the environment. However, these products may become hazardous when used, stored, or disposed of carelessly. Improper use may cause toxic health effects. Improper storage may harm people or the environment. Some chemicals when released into the environment cause water, soil or air pollution and may be toxic to people or animals. Improper disposal allows these materials to enter the environment directly. Water may be polluted or wildlife killed, or chemicals may accumulate in the food chain of people or wildlife.

A few precautions can prevent unused household products or containers from becoming hazardous wastes.


DO'S

Think carefully before buying a product. Do you really need it? Do you already have something similar?

Buy just enough product to do the job.

Look for a non-hazardous or less hazardous substitute for each job.

Read the label and follow use, storage, and disposal directions carefully. Watch for signal words such as caution, warning, or danger. If directions are unclear, contact the manufacturer or dealer before using.

Keep all chemical products and waste out of reach of children and animals.

Keep leftover product in original labeled containers so that you can refer to directions for use and proper disposal. Always store in a safe, dry place.

Share unused materials with others if product is in its original container with a label.

Locate firms for recycling oil, antifreeze, and batteries. [Note: Check the contact information available in section 6 of the Main Menu.]

Drain all containers thoroughly before disposal.

When the label indicates that containers can be placed in the trash, wrap the empty container in several layers of newspaper and dispose of with other household garbage.

Triple rinse all containers of water soluble materials. Use rinse water according to label directions.

DON'TS

Do not dump leftover products. It may be illegal and it contaminates the soil, water, and air.

Do not burn used or leftover products or product containers. Burning may produce toxic fumes.

Do not bury leftover products or containers in your yard or garden.

Do not reuse pesticide or other chemical containers for other purposes.

Do not mix chemical products or wastes.

Do not put any liquids in the trash.

Do not put toxic materials such as pesticides in the trash or sewer.

Do not put products containing heavy metals (mercury, lead, nickel, chromium, cadmium, etc.) such as rechargeable batteries or mercury batteries in the trash.

Do not permit wastes to enter unlicensed or unregulated landfill, recycler, incinerator, hauler, etc.


Sources:
1. G. Morgan Powell and Michael H. Bradshaw. Household Product Disposal Guide. Cooperative Extension Service, Manhattan, Kansas. November 1991. MF-965 Revised.
2. Michael P. Vogel. Household Hazardous Waste - Disposal Recommendations. Montana State University. Solid Waste Management Series. MT 9207(HR)

Return to Disposal Guide Menu Disposal Guide Menu © Copyright