Household Hazardous Waste and Non-Toxic Cleaners November 30th, 2011 Tara Roffler, Ramsey County and Rebecca Kulas, Dakota County

Hazardous Waste in the Home Americans generate 1.6 million tons of harmful household chemicals per year The average home accumulates 100 pounds of hazardous waste over time

Overview Identifying hazardous products Proper storage Proper disposal Alternative cleaners Resources to share

hazardous waste: waste with characteristics that make it harmful to human health and the environment CORROSIVE IGNITABLE REACTIVE TOXIC

Household Hazardous Waste Aerosols Fluorescent Lamps Appliances Mercury Products Batteries Oil & Oil Filters Corrosives Paints Electronics Pesticides & Poisons Flammable Liquids Tires

Exposure Pathways for Chemicals Inhaling Swallowing Absorption through skin/eyes Contact from eating, drinking or smoking

Why Are Labels Important? Gives product description Lists warnings Gives directions for proper use

Signal Words for Toxicity Less Toxic Caution Mild hazard Warning moderate hazard More Toxic Danger: Poison extremely flammable, corrosive or highly toxic

10 Safety Precautions Do not use when children are present Keep your house well ventilated Wear protective clothing Purchase only what you need Don’t use hot water

10 Safety Precautions (continued) Never mix cleaners Rinse cleaned surfaces thoroughly Avoid waxes and polishes, as well as toilet bowl and oven cleaners Don’t use aerosol cleaners Take extra precaution in the kitchen

Where to Store Hazardous Products Keep in original container Store in closet or garage, not kitchen Store flammables away from heat sources Keep out of reach of young children

What to Do with Leftover Chemicals Use it up or share with a neighbor Bring it to a county Household Hazardous Waste collection site

Using Safer Cleaners in the Home Identifying risks and choosing alternatives

Chemical Health Effect Product Alkyl phenoxy ethanols Hormone disruptors – can cause cancer and birth defects Laundry detergents All-purpose cleaners Amyl acetate Neurotoxin Furniture polish Dioxane Immunosuppressant Carcinogen Window cleaners Laundry and dish soap Phosphoric acid Corrosive skin toxicant Tub and tile cleaners Toilet cleaners

Habits for Safer Purchases Read the labels Choose the least harmful product Choose low or no VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) options Buy only what you need Check the product for Health and Safety Data

Look for Safer Cleaners Biodegradable Non-toxic Most Plant-based ingredients (note: some plant based ingredients can be harmful)

Product Certifications Third Party Certification Programs Green Seal Eco Logo Greenguard US EPA Design for the Environment Green Seal: Non profit organization that has been around for approx 20 years that certify residential and commercial cleaning products as safe. US EPA Design for the Environment: DfE has been helping consumers and industrial purchasers make wise choices by identifying safe and effective products. It has evaluated and allowed more than 1,500 products to carry the DfE logo. Greenguard: Focus is on indoor air quality and effects on small children and the elderly

Current Products in the Marketplace Off up some examples of current products on the market today

Natural Ingredient Purpose Baking Soda Deodorizer, non-abrasive scouring powder Borax Deodorizer, disinfectant, non-abrasive scouring powder, all-purpose cleaner, mold inhibitor, rust stain remover Citrus fruit (orange, lemon, lime) Grease cutter, deodorizer, flea repellent Eucalyptus oil Insect repellent Hydrogen Peroxide Bleaching agent and antibacterial

Natural Ingredient Purpose Olive oil Wood polisher Toothpaste Silver cleaner Vegetable-based liquid soap General detergent product substitute Washing Soda Grease cutter, stain remover, disinfectant, wax remover, deodorizer, removes hard water marks White Distilled Vinegar Grease cutter, cleaning wood and glass, removing tarnish

Habits for a Cleaner Home Leave dirt outside Think of safer alternatives Follow product directions Clean up spills as soon as possible Clean frequently Things that we can do around the house to promote a cleaner home and a cleaner environment.

Resources www.rethinkrecycling.com www.pca.state.mn.us/waste/hhw/index.html http://householdproducts.nlm.nih.gov/index.htm County staff and web sites A Guide to Healthy Household Products Ramsey County A to Z Recycling Guide: http://www.ramseyrecycles.com/ www.turi.org