DISPOSAL OF HAZARDOUS HOUSEHOLD WASTE
For more about the Monroe County Hazardous Waste program, visit
http://www.monroecounty.gov/des-hhw.php
A number of problems can occur when we discard hazardous household waste using common disposal methods. Recommendations for proper disposal will depend on both the particular type of waste and the waste disposal options available in your community.
Local ordinances vary. Landfills may or may not accept certain hazardous household products. They also may vary on how they want the product to arrive at the landfill. For example, one landfill may want you to solidify (air-dry) paint and wrap the container. Another landfill may want paint handled a different way. In addition, wastewater treatment plants may not allow certain liquids to be poured down the drain.
GENERAL DISPOSAL RECOMMENDATIONS:
1. Follow the label instruction.
Some labels give disposal recommendations. Read the label carefully and follow the manufacturer's recommendations.
2. Use it up.
When products are fully used up as intended there is no hazardous waste. Buy only as much as you need. Do not buy a gallon of paint, pesticide, or specialty cleaner when a quart will do. The large container may cost less per ounce, but leftovers must be stored or disposed of so as not to harm people or the environment.
3. Recycle.
Recycling means reclaiming the potential waste so that the product is usable again. Recycling helps reduce the overall demand for hazardous household products and the amount of waste produced. You can recycle paint thinner at home. Pour paint thinner or cleaner into a jar. Let it sit for several days. The solids settle to the bottom. When the liquid at the top of the jar is clean, pour it into a container that can be sealed for future use. If pouring stirs up the solid, pour the liquid through a funnel lined with an old sheet. Dispose of the dried solids in the trash.
Oil and transmission fluids from your car and lawn mower can be recycled. Find out if a collection program is available in your area. Many gas stations are now accepting used oil for recycling. Gas stations and stores that sell auto batteries must recycle them.
4. Donate.
Donate paint, household cleaners, or other products to a local charity, church, or service organization. Theater groups, the local housing authority, or a neighbor may be happy to accept small quantities of usable paint or cleaning products. Such items need to be in original containers with labels.
5. Throw it in the trash with special treatment.
Some hazardous household wastes are acceptable at landfills if special treatment is followed. Empty hazardous product containers should be rinsed several times before discarding in the trash. Use the rinse solution in the same manner you were using the chemical solution. Call the local landfill or solid waste management contractor for special information on disposing of hazardous household waste. They can advise you if they will even accept the waste.
6. Save for a collection day.
A community waste collection day is one way to manage hazardous household waste and keep it out of the landfill. The collection days are usually sponsored by a local government agency or a private organization. Residents are notified of the date, the dropoff location, and the types of materials the program will accept. The collected wastes are recycled, treated, or disposed of by a professional handler.
For more about hazardous waste collection programs and schedules in Monroe County, visit http://www.monroecounty.gov/des-hhw.php
Article Source: Centers for Disease Control |
