Harmful rubbish is considered to be the unwanted material or products that are likely to cause illness or death to people, plants and animals. Proper dispose of household hazardous waste is important as it helps to prevent the spread of chemicals in our soil, air and water. When such waste ends up in landfills then it is likely to pollute our soil and groundwater.
Proper disposal of wastes ensures that the workers are not exposed to the risk of inhaling toxic substances and it also helps to reduce the chance of fires or explosions. It is advisable not to pour or flush the house hold waste down the drain through which the waste is likely to enter the sewage system. Chemicals can decay plumbing and cause failure in septic systems before they make their way to our waterways and oceans.
There are certain household cleaners which are also considered to be household waste such as abrasive cleaners, aerosol air fresheners, all purpose cleaners, ammonia, bleach, disinfectants, drain cleaners, fabric softeners, glass cleaners, laundry starch, laundry stain removers, mildew removers, oven cleaners, rug and upholstery cleaners, toilet cleaners and tub and tile cleaners. Apart from this acetone, ant/wasp spray, barbeque starters, antifreeze, car waxes and polishes, glues, hair colouring, aerosol hair spray, lye, nail polish remover, paint thinners, rechargeable batteries, shoe polish, spa and pool chemicals, weed killers and windshield washer solution are also considered to be the household wastes. So it is very much essential to dispose the household waste in the correct way and in this article you will be able to know the right way to dispose the household wastes.
1. HOUSEHOLD CLEANERS AND PAINTING PRODUCTS
Ammonia-based cleaners, aerosol cans, paint, paint thinner and removers are the household waste that requires proper disposal. You are not able to dump such wastes down through the drains or gutters. In case of latex or water-based paint you need to put such waste in kitty litter and allow it to soak up any leftover paint in the can. When it is dry then you can place the kitty litter and empty the paint can in the trash.
Another option is to take the leftover paint and use it up by painting newspaper pages or pouring the paint into an open plastic bag. Allow the paint to dry out and then place the materials in the trash. However, in case of oil based paints you cannot do such things. They will have to be taken to a household hazardous waste drop-off site.
In case of household cleaners and aerosol cans, if they still have solutions inside, you can either give them to friends or neighbours. Otherwise, you can take them to a household hazardous waste drop-off site.
2. ELECTRONIC WASTE
Cell phones and their batteries, TVs, computer monitors, laptops, mice, keyboards, CPUs, printers and fax machines are also the household wastes that require proper disposing.
There are many cell-phone companies that have recycling programs which will let you donate or take back used cell phones, batteries and accessories. All electronic, computer and cell phone equipment can also be sold to the non profit organizations and local governments may offer options. You also can check with your computer's manufacturer. A number of manufacturers now have recycling programs. For example: - Dell computers have a recycling program that allows you to drop off any brand of used equipment at participating Goodwill centres. You can also get rid of cords, cables, printers and the like at these stores.
3. AUTOMOTIVE
Used car oil, antifreeze, batteries and tires should be disposed properly. There are many automotive stores and oil-change shops will take used oil from cars or lawn mowers and accept filters for a small fee. There are also a few places which will take it as antifreeze. You can even pour brake fluid into a container of cat litter and leave in a safe, well-ventilated place. It will evaporate within a few days.
4. HOUSEHOLD ITEMS
Fluorescent tubes and compact fluorescent light bulbs, carpeting and padding, propane tanks and batteries, such as alkaline and rechargeable one are considered to be household items and it requires proper disposing.
In case of profane tanks there are many businesses that sell and refill propane tanks can be exchanged with your old one for a new one. But if you are not looking to buy more propane then you can take empty ones to a gas facility place and it requires a fee.
Carpeting can be taken to the recycling guide. The carpet must be dry and free of construction material. They charge it of $1 per yard. In case fluorescent lights can be taken to hardware stores for recycling. There are a number of retailers who are likely to take back rechargeable batteries.
5. APPLIANCES
Such as microwaves, refrigerators, stoves, washing machines and dryers also require recycling. There are many appliance stores which are willing to take your old ones when you buy new appliances. Electronic goods such as televisions, refrigerators and air conditioners can easily be exchanged with the new ones at the electronic goods stores. There are also pick up services available and the charges are likely to vary according to the size and quantity of the electronic goods.
6. GARDEN/ POOL PRODUCTS
Fertilizers, pesticides, pool chemicals, lawn mower gas and oil should be disposed properly. You can give the remaining fertilizers, pesticides and pool chemicals to friends and neighbours who might want them and can use them. However, you must make sure the labels and instructions are still readable. Otherwise, you can take them to a household hazardous waste drop-off site where it will be disposed nicely without polluting the places.
7. SHARP ITEMS (NEEDLES, LANCETS)
Those who need to use needles and lancets at home (such as diabetics) may often wonder what to do with these sharp items. It is advisable to take such items to appropriate collection sites, such as doctors’ offices, hospitals, pharmacies, health departments, or fire stations. You can even look for sharps mail back services that will take used needles back by mail. There are also some manufacturers who sell at-home needle destruction devices that break or burn the needles to make them safe for regular disposal.
If we all follow the disposing techniques of various items then we will be able to make pollution free so that people are able to live a healthy life.