Sure, you’ve stopped tossing old cans of paint into the trash can. Great job! But what about those fluorescent light bulbs?
Do you know what items are considered household hazardous waste? Let’s take a look so you can feel confident disposing of the items correctly, keeping the environment clean, and your wonderful sanitation and wastewater treatment employees safe.
Household hazardous waste are items in the home that can catch fire, react, or explode under certain circumstances, or that are corrosive or toxic, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Certain types of these household items can cause physical injury to sanitation workers and may contaminate septic tanks or wastewater treatment systems if poured down drains or toilets, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.
According to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, household hazardous waste includes:
- Corrosive cleaners (such as drain cleaner and lye-based oven cleaner)
- Fluorescent light bulbs (including CFLs)
- Fuels (gasoline, propane, diesel)
- Mercury
- Paints (oil-based or some anti-mildew latex)
- Pesticides
- Pool chlorine and acid
- Wood stains or varnishes
Fortunately, many communities have household hazardous waste drop-off facilities or hold collection events. The TCEQ has a list of ongoing programs here. When you go to dispose of the items, be sure to keep them in their original container so that the workers who accept and store them can do so safely. Don’t forget to store and transport your waste upright, not on its side, to prevent leaks in your vehicle. Never mix products, and be sure to keep them away from children and pets.
Remember, even empty containers of HHW can pose hazards because of the residual chemicals that might remain, so handle them with care.
Some cities and communities also host BOPA collection events to dispose of batteries, oil, paint, and antifreeze. BOPA materials are generally nonhazardous or are regulated under other programs, so collections of only these materials are exempt from state household hazardous waste requirements, according to the TCEQ.
While exempt, the EPA considers products that can catch fire, react or explode under certain conditions, or are corrosive or toxic, to be household hazardous waste. These products include paints, cleaners, oils, batteries, and pesticides.
A good way to not worry about these household hazardous waste items is to reduce the amount of them in your home. Only buy what you need, and consider swapping some purchases for alternatives.
The EPA suggests:
- Instead of a drain cleaner, use a plunger or plumber's snake.
- Instead of a glass cleaner, mix one tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice in one quart of water. Then spray on and use newspapers to dry.
- Instead of using furniture polish, mix one teaspoon of lemon juice in one pint of mineral or vegetable oil and then wipe furniture.
- Instead of a rug deodorizer, liberally sprinkle carpets with baking soda. Wait at least 15 minutes and vacuum, repeating if necessary.
- Instead of using mothballs, try using cedar chips, lavender flowers, rosemary, mints, or white peppercorns.
Each person’s effort goes a long way when combined with their neighbors and community to help protect this remarkable planet we inhabit.