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Dispose of Hazardous Wastes SafelyGetting Rid Dangerous Chemicals Stored in the Home
Learn how to dispose of cleaners, aerosols, corrosives, poisons, paints and solvents safely.
Over time, many old, out-of-date and seldom-used chemicals pile up in basements, garages and cupboards. With age, containers begin to deteriorate and labels fade. If products are not being used, pass them on to someone who will use them, or disposed of them legally and safely. Detergents, Cleaners, and BleachSmall quanities of these products, according to the University of Mexico Extension Service, can be diluted with water and safely flushed down the drain. They warn not to mix products containing bleach with cleaners containing ammonia. The two chemicals interact and form a toxic, potentially deadly, gas. Disposing of Aerosol CansThe contents of aerosol cans are under pressure and can explode. Aerosols should only thrown away when they are completely empty. Ohio State University publishes a fact sheet for disposing of household wastes. They suggest emptying an aerosol can by turning the can upside down and spraying the contents onto newspapers or cardboard in a well-ventilated area until the product and propellent are completely gone. Then roll the can in newpaper and put it in the trash. Disposing of AcidsCaustic products such as drain openers and some heavy-duty cleaning products contain corrosive acids. These chemicals pose a threat to human health and the environment. They should never be disposed of down the drain. The only safe way to dispose of these chemicals is by using them according to package directions, or taking them to a hazardous waste disposal facility. Disposing of Garden PoisonsPesticides, insecticides and fungicides all qualify as hazardous wastes and pose a serious threat to the environment. They should never be poured down the drain or onto the ground. Use the chemicals up, or take them to a hazardous waste facility. Also take precautions when disposing of the empty containers for these products. Leave the lid off the empty container until it is dry inside, then wrap the container in newspaper, and put it into the trash. Never reuse the containers. Disposing of Paints and SolventsBy volume, paint is the largest quantity of material taken to hazardous waste disposal facilities. For this reason, some facilities have stopped accepting paint. Paint can be disposed of in household trash, but it must be solidified first. The Ohio State EPA Office says small quantities of paint – less than a quarter of a can – may be dried in the container by removing the lid, and stirring the paint every day or so to hasten the drying. Larger quantities of paint will need to be poured into a cardboard box lined with a plastic bag and left until completely dry. The process can be accelerated by adding sawdust or kitty litter. Solvents like turpentine or paint thinner can be reused. Put used solvent in a jar with a screw top and allowed paint particles to settle out, then pour the clear liquid back into the original container for reuse. Mix the paint particles and remaining solvent with kitty litter or sawdust and allow it to dry out before placing it in the trash. Looking for a Hazardous Waste Facility?Earth911 lists the locations of hazardous wastes facilities in 27 countries.
The copyright of the article Dispose of Hazardous Wastes Safely in Home Management is owned by Sheila Gaquin. Permission to republish Dispose of Hazardous Wastes Safely in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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