Waste Diversion and You: Handling household hazardous waste with care

Part two in a three-part series

They can contain corrosive, toxic, flammable or reactive ingredients.

And yet, homeowners most commonly dispose of leftover pesticides—and other forms of household hazardous waste—by flushing them down the toilet or sink.

Generally speaking, disposing of an item means throwing away the energy and the raw materials that were used in producing that item in the first place. As we mentioned in Part 1 of this series, landfills account for about 20 percent of U.S. methane emissions, while recycling reduces the energy costs of the consumer goods production cycle.

But when we improperly dispose of household hazardous waste (HHW), whether it’s by flushing, burning, burying, tossing, or pouring down the storm sewer, we’re creating more direct and urgent problems.

Improper disposal of HHW can contaminate the water, air and soil. It can corrode plumbing and cause failure in septic systems. It can cause a fire or an explosion. It can poison the ground at landfills. It can cause illness or death to animals or plants. And it can seriously harm or kill waste workers exposed to toxic substances.

So what do you with that old half-bottle of weed killer? That tube of industrial glue? That old tin of turpentine? That used oil, tired transmission fluid and bald tire left from your last backyard mechanic session?

Here are some suggestions to help you dispose properly of HHW:

• Check for hazardous materials roundups and drives in your community;
• Check online for government HHW programs established by U.S. states and Canadian provinces and territories;
• Some communities have established eco-stations for convenient drop-off;
• In some communities, fire stations will accept HHW as a public service; and
• Some communities also offer a pickup service for residential hazardous waste.

In the above scenarios, you’ll want to check first to find out what these agencies will and will not take.

It may be some or most of the following—abrasive cleaners, drain cleaners, oils, pesticides, paint, batteries, light bulbs, chemicals, aerosol sprays, antifreeze, glues, fluorescent tubes, paint thinner, rechargeable batteries, shoe polish, tires, weed killers, windshield washer solution, and oven cleaner.

Stay tuned for future installments in our Waste Diversion and You series!

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