Household Hazardous Waste -What to look for- -How to use- -Alternatives- Bill Fouks Carver County Environmental Services

What is HHW? Unwanted homeowner products that have the same qualities as a hazardous waste described in MN Hazardous Waste Rules

What are We Talking About Here? (Just Look Under the sink or in the garage!) Cleaners Lubricants Paint Drain Openers Pesticides Fertilizers Mercury Pharmaceuticals Lead Electronic Waste

Environmental Concerns Causes leachate problems in LFs Causes emission problems in incinerators Fires in transfer stations

Personal Exposure Concerns In 2010, the Minnesota Poison Control System received a total of 55,205 calls. – 54% of the accidental poison exposures reported involved children under the age of 6 years old. Acute vs. chronic exposure – single exposure may result in severe biological harm or death; lasting no longer than a day. – continuous exposure to a toxin over an extended period of time, often measured in months or years; may cause irreversible side effects

Homeowner vs. Business Homeowners are exempt from the HW rules but businesses are not! Businesses are HW generators; must obey the HW rules. Can NOT throw in the trash

Using Hazardous Products Safely Read the label. Look for words like caution, warning, flammable, harmful, danger, poison. Follow directions Dispose properly.

Using Hazardous Products Safely Look for special instructions on the label such as: “Work in well ventilated area.” This means work outside or with the windows open. The fumes can make you sick if you do not have enough fresh air. “Wear protective clothing.” This means wear goggles or safety glasses, gloves, long sleeves, or other coverings. The right clothing can prevent burns or keep chemicals from going into your body through the skin. Never mix products unless the label says it is safe to do it. For example, never mix products containing chlorine bleach with products containing ammonia. You will make a deadly gas by mixing these together. Keep children & pets away while you use hazardous products. Always put the cap back on and put away right.

Using Hazardous Products Safely Do you store hazardous household products safely? Keep them away from children. A locked, secure place is best. Store them in the package, can, or bottle they came in. Never put them in another container (especially one for food or drink)! This helps prevent poisoning and keeps the label instructions with the product. Keep containers and packages dry. Close them tightly. Set containers inside a plastic bucket in case of leaks. Store products at least 150 feet away from your well, cistern, or water pump. This will protect your water supply and your health. Keep products away from heat, sparks, or fire. Always wash hands and change clothes before eating or drinking upon using products. Store batteries and flammable chemicals like gasoline in the shade, away from direct sunlight.

Using Hazardous Products Safely Safe Disposal--How do you get rid of leftover products? Share the extra with someone who will use it up. Take leftovers to a hazardous waste collection point. Some products—like pesticides—are very hazardous. You will even need to be careful how you dispose of the container. The label will tell you what to do. Never dump or burn hazardous products on your property. Never burn hazardous wastes in a barrel or stove. Burning may let off toxic gases and make hazardous ash and smoke. And, it’s against the law in many states. Recycle used motor oil or antifreeze Mercury is a threat to health. Fluorescent bulbs, thermometers, thermostats, and blood pressure meters should be recycled.

Non-Toxic Alternatives Window Cleaner ¼ - ½ teaspoon liquid detergent 3 Tablespoons vinegar 2 cups water Spray bottle Oven Cleaner 1 cup or more baking soda Water A squirt of two of liquid detergent All Purpose Spray Cleaner ½ teaspoon washing soda A dab of liquid soap 2 cups hot water Furniture Polish ½ teaspoon oil, such as olive (or jojoba, a liquid wax) ¼ cup vinegar or fresh lemon juice Mix ingredients in a glass jar. Use product and cover the glass jar for storage Creamy Soft Scrubber ½ cup baking soda Enough liquid detergent to make texture like frosting 1 teaspoon of vegetable glycerin to store in glass jar