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

2. 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

9. 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. 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

11. 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

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

13. Using Safer Cleaners in the Home
Identifying risks and choosing alternatives

14. 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

15. 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

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

17. 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

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

19. 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

20. 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

21. 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.

22. Resources www.rethinkrecycling.com
County staff and web sites
A Guide to Healthy Household Products
Ramsey County A to Z Recycling Guide: