
Did you know that people in the United States throw away 180,000 tons of batteries each year?
Most of these batteries end up in landfills with other hazardous materials.
If you are cleaning up your home and encounter hazardous materials, it is crucial that you properly dispose of them.
Continue reading to discover household hazardous waste disposal procedures that you should follow!
Batteries
Although many household batteries are safe to put in the regular trash, they should still get recycled as hazardous materials.
Always take lithium and rechargeable batteries to a household hazardous waste disposal unit. This way, you can prevent fires and toxic fumes. Even your AAA batteries from the remote can have detrimental effects on the environment. The chemicals within batteries can contaminate the soil and water, making it unsafe.
Watch out for batteries made of lithium, cadmium, lead, or sulfuric acid. Even if you only throw a couple of batteries away each year, they quickly add up with the others that end up in landfills.
Electronics
Learning how to throw away household hazardous waste is critical for not only chemicals but electronics too.
Many recycling centers around the country will take electronics and get rid of them. Apple and Best Buy even offer waste disposal services to help keep the environment safe.
Electronics are often called e-waste. This type of waste can be harmful to the planet by polluting the soil. Taking it to a recycling center will prevent electronics from ending up in landfills; if you want to get rid of electronics that still work, considering selling them to a store that can refurbish them.
Recycling electronics is much better for the environment. Keep this in mind as you go to throw out old cameras, phones, and computers.
Pesticides & Herbicides
Did you know that it is against the law to get rid of pesticides and herbicides through a drain?
Putting these chemicals into a storm drain, the sink, and even the toilet can put many people at risk. When you have leftover pesticides and herbicides, put them to the side and take them to a local hazardous waste center.
When gardening chemicals such as these are poured down drains, they can contaminate the water and soil. The chemicals have proven to impact fish, plants, and other living organisms. You should always use caution when dealing with pesticides and herbicides so that you aren't harmed as well.
Nail Polish Remover
Most nail polish removers are made with acetone, which is a hazardous chemical.
Acetone is so strong that it can ruin pipes in your home and cause permanent damage. Never pour nail polish remover down the sink, drain, or in the toilet. If you need to dispose of large amounts of acetone, be sure to take them to your local hazardous waste center.
If you want to get rid of cotton balls filled with acetone from cleaning your nails, make sure you put them in a metal container or plastic bag. These materials will help keep the acetone contained and prevent contamination. Acetone can eat away at many materials, including metals, and damage the soil and water.
Paint & Wood Stains
Paint is considered to be a hazardous material because of its flammability and chemicals.
If you are trying to get rid of extra paint, visit Hcienv.com for professional and reliable help. Paint should always be brought to a recycling center to avoid contamination and fires. Xylene and toluene are common ingredients that can damage soil and water if exposed to them.
Wood stains are another type of hazardous household material that you should properly recycle. The chemicals are strong in stains and can impact the environment. These liquids are highly flammable and could lead to issues if thrown in the landfill.
Antifreeze
Whether you are working with used or new antifreeze, you should never pour it down the drain.
Antifreeze is made up of lead and cadmium, which are harmful to the environment. Exposure to these chemicals can cause burns and breathing problems.
When you go to recycle antifreeze, they will likely turn it into a new coolant after filtering away strong chemicals and metals. Disposing of antifreeze at a recycling center leaves a smaller carbon footprint and can help save wildlife, plants, and people.
Aerosol Cans
When it comes to aerosol cans, it is important to handle each one individually.
Cans that were filled with whipped cream, hairspray, and sunscreen can be thrown away with trash but make sure they are empty. When it comes to cans with paint and chemicals, they should always be taken to a hazardous recycling facility.
Tossing hazardous aerosol cans in the normal trash can lead to fires and contamination if they are punctured. When these chemicals leak, they can cause damage to the environment and be harmful to humans.
Bleach & Cleaners
Cleaning out your cleaning product cabinet may seem like a good idea, but only if you make a stop at the recycling center.
Tossing bleach and household cleaners in the trash can cause fires or become a fatal combination. Never mix bleach with acidic or ammonia products. This will create a toxic fume that can be fatal to humans and animals if breathed in.
Always put your cleaners in a bag and keep them sealed and separate to avoid making fumes. Professionals will be able to get rid of these products without causing damage to the environment.
Take Care of Household Hazardous Waste Disposal
Many common items require household hazardous waste disposal.
By utilizing this guide, you can identify harmful things to your pipes, house, and the environment. Depending on what you are dealing with, there are certain procedures that you should follow to help keep everyone safe.
Always use caution when dealing with hazardous materials, as they can cause severe damage.
Be sure to check out our blog for more articles about hazardous waste services and maintaining your home!