230 likes | 384 Views
Household Hazardous Waste and Non-Toxic Cleaners. November 30th, 2011 Tara Roffler, Ramsey County and Rebecca Kulas, Dakota County. Hazardous Waste in the Home. Americans generate 1.6 million tons of harmful household chemicals per year
E N D
Household Hazardous Waste and Non-Toxic Cleaners November 30th, 2011 Tara Roffler, Ramsey County and Rebecca Kulas, Dakota County
Hazardous Waste in the Home • Americans generate 1.6 million tons of harmful household chemicals per year • The average home accumulates 100 pounds of hazardous waste over time
Overview • Identifying hazardous products • Proper storage • Proper disposal • Alternative cleaners • Resources to share
hazardous waste: waste with characteristics that make it harmful to human health and the environment • CORROSIVE • IGNITABLE • REACTIVE • TOXIC
Exposure Pathways for Chemicals • Inhaling • Swallowing • Absorption through skin/eyes • Contact from eating,drinking or smoking
Why Are Labels Important? • Gives product description • Lists warnings • Gives directions for proper use
10 Safety Precautions • Do not use when children are present • Keep your house well ventilated • Wear protective clothing • Purchase only what you need • Don’t use hot water
10 Safety Precautions (continued) • Never mix cleaners • Rinse cleaned surfaces thoroughly • Avoid waxes and polishes, as well as toilet bowl and oven cleaners • Don’t use aerosol cleaners • Take extra precaution in the kitchen
Where to Store Hazardous Products • Keep in original container • Store in closet or garage, not kitchen • Store flammables away from heat sources • Keep out of reach of young children
What to Do with Leftover Chemicals • Use it up or share with a neighbor • Bring it to a county Household Hazardous Waste collection site
Using Safer Cleaners in the Home Identifying risks and choosing alternatives
Habits for Safer Purchases • Read the labels • Choose the least harmfulproduct • Choose low or no VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) options • Buy only what you need • Check the product for Health and Safety Data
Look for Safer Cleaners • Biodegradable • Non-toxic • Most Plant-based ingredients (note: some plant based ingredients can be harmful)
Product Certifications • Third Party Certification Programs • Green Seal • Eco Logo • Greenguard • US EPA Design for the Environment
Habits for a Cleaner Home • Leave dirt outside • Think of safer alternatives • Follow product directions • Clean up spills as soon as possible • Clean frequently
Resources • www.rethinkrecycling.com • www.pca.state.mn.us/waste/hhw/index.html • http://householdproducts.nlm.nih.gov/index.htm • County staff and web sites • A Guide to Healthy Household Products • Ramsey County A to Z Disposal Guide: www.co.ramsey.mn.us/ph • www.turi.org