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DAMAGING Disposal Methods And Their Effects
Just because you bought something at your local grocery store doesn't mean it's safe. Everyday products like oven cleaner, chlorine bleach, weed killer, and oil based paints are hazardous and should be handled with caution.
For example, when ammonia and chlorine bleach are mixed together, toxic fumes are formed that can harm your lungs. This hazardous combination can also occur after the products have been discarded, and could create a health hazard to sanitation workers.
The health risks associated with hazardous products don't go away once the trash is taken to the landfill. Containers, even sturdy ones, break when crushed under tons of garbage, potentially releasing toxic substances into our groundwater.
To the extent possible, substitute safe products for hazardous household chemicals. When it's necessary to buy products containing hazardous substances, buy only as much as you need and be sure to follow the directions on the labels for proper use, storage, and disposal. Do not remove products from their original containers and do not remove product labels.
People often dispose of waste by throwing it in the trash, storing it, or dumping it down the sink, toilet or storm drain. All of these methods may be harmful to people and the environment.
In the trash
- Garbage collectors have been injured by household products when
they have collected the trash. Sometimes items such as pool chemicals
splash in their eyes and cause burning or blindness. Reactive chemicals
produce fumes that have sent workers to the hospital.
Dumping - Products dumped on the roadside can allow them to sink into the soil and cause both soil and groundwater to be contaminated.
Down the
sink or toilet - When you pour something down a sink or flush it,
the water and the product go to the sewer. Because the sewage treatment plant discharges
into the river, pollutants could enter the river and connecting waterways.
Storm drain (the metal grate at the curb or in the street.) - Anything that is poured into the gutter or on a driveway goes into the storm drain. Storm drains flow directly to the Sacramento River without being treated, allowing pollutants to enter our water supply.
It's up to each of us to help protect our environment by disposing of household hazardous waste properly. Here is a list of steps you can follow for handling hazardous products in your home.
 Take an inventory of the products stored in your home to identify hazardous substances.
Use up these products so there is no hazardous "waste."
Dispose of those products you no longer use according to the instructions here.
Buy only what you need.
Read the product label. Choose products with clear directions and follow the instructions.
Buy non-toxics or the least toxic products available.
Use rechargeable batteries.
Buy only one house cleaner rather than a variety of products for each purpose.
Use the amount specified. Twice as much does not mean twice as effective.
When you can't use it, recycle it. Give extra house cleaning or gardening supplies to neighbors.
Used motor oil can be recycled curbside and can also be taken to the Autozone and Kragen Auto Parts for redemption. Call 1-800-CLEANUP for more information on this program.
The best way to protect your home and the environment from hazardous substances is to buy as few as possible in the first place.
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