HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE what you can do
WHAT IS HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE? Leftover household products that contain corrosive, toxic, ignitable, or reactive ingredients are considered to be household hazardous waste (HHW). Products, such as paints, cleaners, oils, batteries, and pesticides that contain potentially hazardous ingredients require special care when you dispose of them. Improper disposal of HHW can include pouring them down the drain, on the ground, into storm sewers, or in some cases putting them out with the trash. The dangers of such disposal methods might not be immediately obvious, but improper disposal of these wastes can pollute the environment and pose a threat to human health. Many communities in the United States offer a variety of options for conveniently and safely managing HHW. HHW Reduction, Reuse, Recycling, and Disposal Options The options of reduction reuse, recycling, and disposalare all important tools to safely manage HHW. The following information can help you determine the best ways to reduce, reuse, or dispose of common household products that may contain hazardous ingredients. Each community is different, so check with your local environmental, health, or solid waste agency for more information on HHW management options in your area. Benefits of Proper HHW Management Reduction and recycling of HHW conserves resources and energy that would be expended in the production of more products. Reuse of hazardous household products can save money and reduce the need for generating hazardous substances. Proper disposal prevents pollution that could endanger human health and the environment. Reduction at Home To avoid the potential risks associated with household hazardous wastes, it is important that people always monitor the use, storage, and disposal of products with potentially hazardous substances in families homes. Below are some tips for individuals to follow in their homes: Use and store products containing hazardous substances carefully to prevent any accidents at home. Never store hazardous products in food containers; keep them in their original containers and never remove labels. Corroding containers, however, require special handling. Call your local hazardous materials official or fire department for instructions. When leftovers remain, never mix HHW with other products. Incompatible products might react, ignite, or explode, and contaminated HHW might become unrecyclable. Remember to follow any instructions for use and disposal provided on product labels. Call your local environmental, health, or solid waste agency for instructions on proper use and disposal and to learn about local HHW drop off programs and upcoming collection days.
Collection Options Municipalities and Local Governments Facilitating Reuse, Recycling, and Proper Disposal Permanent collection or exchange. See if your community has a facility that collects HHW year-round. Some of these facilities have exchange areas for unused or leftover paints, solvents, pesticides, cleaning and automotive products, and other materials. By taking advantage of these facilities, materials can be used by someone else, rather than being thrown away. Special collection days. If your community doesn t have a year-round collection system for HHW, see if there are any designated days in your area for collecting solid waste at a central location to ensure safe management and disposal. Local business collection sites. If your community has neither a permanent collection site nor a special collection day, you might be able to drop off certain products at local businesses for recycling or proper disposal. Some local garages, for example, may accept used motor oil for recycling. Disposal Options Certain types of HHW have the potential to cause physical injury to sanitation workers, contaminate septic tanks or wastewater treatment systems if poured down drains or toilets, and present hazards to children and pets if left around the house. Federal law allows disposal of HHW in the trash. However, many communities have collection programs for HHW to reduce the potential harm posed by these chemicals. Families are encouraged to participate in these HHW collection programs rather than discarding the HHW in the trash. Call your local environmental, health, or solid waste agency for the time and location of your HHW collection program. Also, read product labels for disposal directions to reduce the risk of products exploding, igniting, leaking, mixing with other chemicals, or posing other hazards on the way to a disposal facility. Even empty containers of HHW can pose hazards because of the residual chemicals that might remain. The dangers of improper disposal methods might not be immediately obvious, but can pollute the environment and pose a threat to human health.
What are Household Hazardous Materials? Read the label! Look for the words Poison, Danger, Warning, or Caution on the product label. Poison and Danger indicate the highest hazard levels: Poison means that a product is either highly toxic, and can cause injury or death if ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin. Danger means that a product is highly toxic, flammable, or corrosive. Look for the word danger on cleaners, polishes, paint strippers and pesticides. Danger means the product could poison you, cause serious damage to your skin or eyes easily cause a fire. Warning and Caution both indicate that a product may be mildly to moderate toxic, corrosive, reactive, or flammable. Products that don t have any of the above words on the label are the least hazardous. Hazards of Common Household Products Look for Hazardous Properties A product is hazardous if it has at least one of the following properties: Toxic Poisonous or causes long-term illness (such as cancer). Pesticides, paint thinners, many auto products and some cleaners are toxic. Look for words on the product label like: Harmful or fatal if swallowed Use only in a well-ventilated area (this means products fumes are toxic) Flammable Burns easily. Paint, thinners and other solvents, and auto products are the most flammable home products. Look for words on the product label like: Do not use near heat or flame Combustible Do not smoke while using this product Corrosive Eats through materials (acid, for example). Oven cleaners, drain cleaners, toilet bowl cleaners, and auto batteries are common corrosive products. Look for words on the product label like: Causes severe burns on contact Can burn eyes, skin, throat Reactive Can spontaneously ignite or create poisonous vapors when mixed with other products (therefore NEVER mix household products). Can also explode when exposed to heat, air, water, or shock. Fortunately, there a few consumer products still on the market that is explosive (except for fireworks). Some older explosive products might still be stored in homes.
Why are batteries an issue? batteries These are essential to recycle and contain dangerous heavy metals and chemicals like mercury, so that cannot be tossed into the rubbish. They also can t be sent curbside. When you initially purchase your batteries, don t buy them for the long term. They expire and drain down even when not in use. Not all batteries are accepted as hazardous waste in all areas In most parts of the US, household alkaline batteries (non-rechargeable AA and AAA type batteries) are not classified as hazardous waste, and are supposed to be put in the trash. Some people have reported that their local hazardous waste offices have refused to be except batteries at hazardous waste drop-offs, and they have been directed to put them with the regular garbage. Simple Tips Consider rechargeable batteries to lower the amount of batteries you consume. Gift idea: Buy rechargeable batteries (and a charger) for children that you give a toy to. Three important safety tips for dead batteries 1. Never dispose of batteries in fire, as they could explode. 2. Remove worn-out batteries from equipment immediately and dispose of promptly. 3. Do not attempt to recharge a battery unless the battery specifically is marked rechargeable. Dispose of immediately
Why are cell phones an issue? There are millions of cellphones floating around the world, many not even activated. There are plenty of organizations dedicated to recycling your cellphone. Like batteries, cellphones contain hazardous chemicals, so they need to be disposed of (or recycled properly). Why are computers an issue? A major reason many people do not recycle their computer is for security reasons. To tackle this hurdle, erase you hardrive. It s not as hard as it sounds, and it s easy for others to access your information even if you ve deleted sensitive information from your computer. Erasing your hard drive isn t sending documents to the computer s recycling bin, so don t think that s all you have to do! Local disposal locations in Jefferson County Technical knock-out City of Birmingham e-cycling day e-cycling
why are Aerosol cans an issue? aerosols The negative consequences of aerosol cans have been largely documented, but if you have some lying around, they can still be recycled! Take the cap off, be completely sure the canister is empty, and peel off the label, just as you would with your metal food cans. Send it curbside, or take it with you on your recycling center trip. Aerosols and Spray Paint Spray paint is highly combustible. And citizens have unknowingly put aerosol cans in the garbage. If compacted with our high pressure garbage compactors on the back of the garbage trucks, the aerosol from paint or any other type of spray can become a missile and injure anyone who might be standing at the back of the truck, choking them or damaging their eyesight. In fact, we have had sanitation workers injured in this manner from spray cans hidden in opaque garbage bags. Simple tips To dispose of a spray paint can, get an old piece of carpet, cardboard, blanket, towel, or any type of rag that is disposable. Spray the can until all the paint and aerosol has been expelled. Then you may have put the can in a paper stack or in the trash (not garbage) and it will be taken away with your next once-a-week trash collection.
Why are Cleaning Products an issue? Simple tips Never mix household cleaners. Never ever mix bleach with other cleaners or soaps, especially ammonia products. These mixtures can create deadly fumes. Avoid products with antibacterial Triclosan. Germs can be stubborn and adaptable. The use of Triclosan may create resistant germs. Simple soap and water are just as effective. Choose a product with little or no scent and avoid aerosols. Perfumes can irritate people who have sensitive skin or respiratory ailments. Aerosols can send propellants and solvents throughout the air. Pump sprayers or wipe-on liquids are a better choice. Avoid air fresheners and fabric softeners. These products can send particles and perfume chemicals into the air and trigger asthma and skin reactions. cleaners
cooking oil Why is household oil and grease an issue? In Jefferson County, significant amounts of fats, oils and grease are entering the sanitary sewer system. Over time these materials will collect on the insides of the pipe; this build up increases over time as grease and other debris are washed down the drain. Eventually, this excessive accumulation will prevent the flow of wastewater and could potentially result in a sanitary sewer overflow in your neighborhood or home. Why not recycle these fats, oils and grease to keep our pipes healthy and flowing? Help us to be proactive by preventing overflows and protecting the water resources and the people and animals that depend on them! How to recycle cooking oil and grease: Pick up a collection container Allow cooking oil and grease to cool completely Pour into collection container Seal with provided lid Return to recycle station to exchange for a new container Cooking Oil and Grease Recycling: We have collection bins in Adamsville, Birmingham, Bessemer, Centerpoint, Gardendale, Homewood, Hueytown, Leeds, Midfield, Pinson, Tarrant, and Trussville; each location has new containers for you to exchange with the full ones. Only edible oil products will be accepted (cooking oil or grease) No fuel or motor oil, please! See page 13 for motor oil recycling. Adamsville Pharmacy 3633 Gray Avenue Adamsville, AL 35005 Birmingham Botanical Gardens 2612 Lane Park Road Birmingham, AL 35223 Bessemer Fire Station # 3 2316 Morgan Road Bessemer, AL 35022 Bessemer Recycling Center 1601 1st Avenue North Bessemer, AL 35020 Centerpoint - The Pointe Apts 1814 Bond Circle Birmingham, AL 35215 Gardendale Fire Station #1 1811 Decatur Hwy. Gardendale, AL 35071 Homewood City Works building 187 Citation Court Homewood, AL 35209 Hueytown City Hall 1318 Hueytown Road Hueytown, AL 35023 Jefferson County re-fueling station 2420 8th Avenue North Birmingham, AL 35203 Leeds Fire Station #28475 1st Avenue SE Leeds, AL 35094 Midfield Fire Station 704 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. Midfield, AL 35228
Cooking Oil and Grease Recycling, continued: Pinson City Hall 4410 Main Street Pinson, AL 35126 Tarrant City Hall 1604 Pinson Valley Parkway Tarrant, AL 35217 Trussville Fire Station #1 131 Main Street Trussville, AL 35173 Trussville Fire Station #2 7317 Roper Road Trussville, AL 35173 Trussville Fire Station #3 8160 Gadsden Highway Trussville, AL 35173 UAB Campus 620 11th St. South Birmingham, AL 35233 Why is Latex Paint an issue? Simple Tips To properly dispose of latex paint, the container needs to be completely emptied. To safely do this, you can purchase paint hardener to solidify the paint, or you can even use kitty litter, mulch or shredded paper from your paper shredder. Once the paint has dried, you can easily scoop the paint out. Dried latex paint can be disposed of in the rubbish. Metal paint cans can be disposed of as well, and recycled if empty. Consider using all of the paint before disposing of it, whether it be by touching up or adding an extra coat of paint to your wall. It s easier, more practical, safer, and economical...not to mention you ll be saving space and yourself the trouble of having to dry the paint! latex paint
fluorescents Why are fluorescent lights an issue? Fluorescent Lights Types of lamps that may contain mercury are: Fluorescent bulbs, tubes, and globes: used in businesses, schools, offices, and stores. High-intensity discharge (HID) lamps, including mercury vapor, metal halide, and high-pressure sodium: used for streetlights, floodlights, photography, and industrial lighting. Also may contain regulated amount of lead in the base. Compact fluorescent: used in homes and offices. Neon lamps (some use mercury and phosphor powder): used as novelties, in lounge, and retail establishments Simple tips Remove bulbs from fixtures Put lamps in original cartons or boxes supplied by the recycler, with no packing material For large quantities of lamps, call your vendor for packing instructions Do not tape lamps together Store cartons in a dry place Date the boxes on the day you begin storing; limit accumulation to one year Businesses should save disposal receipts for proof of legal disposal What to Do If You Break a Lamp Avoid breathing vapors or touching broken materials. Do not vacuum or sweep. 1. Open windows to vent vapors for at least 15 minutes. 2. Use stiff paper or cardboard to pick up large pieces. 3. Use duct tape to pick up small pieces and powder. 4. Wipe that area clean with a damp paper towel or wet wipe.
Why is motor oil an issue? Used oil never wears out. It just gets dirty. Oil can be cleaned and reused, saving energy and non-renewable petroleum resources. Simple Tips 1. Drain the used oil in a sealable, reusable container. A clean milk or laundry detergent jug will work, or try a reusable drain pan available at many auto sales. 2. Keep the oil pure. Keep the container sealed from rain water and debris. When mixed with toxic substances like solvents, gasoline, thinners, or antifreeze, used oil becomes hazardous waste 3. Take the used oil to a collection site. To reduce waste, keep the oil container to use again. motor oil
scrap tires Why are Scrap Tires an issue There are at least 275 million scrap tires in stockpiles in the US. In addition, approximately 290 million scrap tires were generated in 2003. Markets now exist for about 80 percent of scrap tires up from 17 percent in 1990. The states have played a major role in tackling this problem by regulating the hauling, processing, and storage of scrap tires; and by working with industry to recycle and beneficially use scrap tires, through developing markets for the collected scrap tires. Simple Tips Dump standing water from old tires. Keep unrimmed tires covered or inside of a storage area Location of scrap tires Recycling in Jefferson County Metro Tires
Why is Mercury an issue? Mercury is a highly toxic element that can harm the brain, kidneys, and lung. As the only element or metal that is liquid at room temperature, it is used in many common household products and fixtures. To reduce risks to the public and environment Mercury Pollution Mercury enters the air, land, and water from many sources. The top three sources from human activities are diesel fuel combustion, coal-fired power plants, and wastewater treatment plants. Municipal and medical waste combustion are also large sources. Mercury does not break down in the environment; it is persistent and builds up in the food chain (bioaccumulates). We add to mercury pollution if we throw a mercury product in the trash or wash it down the drain. Products that May Contain Mercury thermometers (looks like a silvery liquid) thermostats barometers fluorescent and high-intensity discharge (HID) lamps auto switches float switches button-cell batteries old late paint (pre-1990) some oil-based points old alkaline batteries (pre-1996) old fungicides for seeds and turf dental amalgam mercury
Recycling Locations and information: http:// www.squidoo.com/paint disposal http:// www.squidoo.com/how to dispose batteries http:// www.squidoo.com/recycling-top-ten http://www.homewoodal.net/publicworks.php?id=52 http://www.co.thurston.wa.us/health/ehhm/mercury.html/ http://www.co.thurston.wa.us./health/ehhw/fluorescent.html http://www.co.thurston.wa.us./health/ehhw/used_oil.html http://www.co.thurston.wa.us./health/ehhw/paint.html http://www.epa.gov/osw/conserve/materials/usedoil/index.htm http://www.epa.gov/osw/conserve/materials/hhw/htm http://www.co.thurston.wa.us./health/ehhm/what arehhm.html http://www.co.thurston.wa.us./health/ehhm/wherefound.html http://www.co.thurston.wa.us./health/ehhm/index.html http://www.co.thurston.wa.us./health/ehhm/mercury.html