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Hazardous Waste
What do you think of when you hear about hazardous waste? Do you think of big oil spills or dumps of waste from big business? I bet you never think about hazardous waste coming from your house.But that is where most of it comes from!
Lots of cleaning products are hazardous to the environment if you don’t throw them away correctly. Here are some common ones:
Bleach, disinfectant, window cleaner, drain cleaner, oven cleaner, furniture polish, spot remover, nail polish remover, hair spray, car polish, engine de-greaser, mothballs, bug spray, flea powder, turpentine, oil based paint, oil/antifreeze, shoe polish.
When we finish with these, the containers or remaining residue should not be dumped into our trash, down the sink or toilet or into storm drains. Containers and any remaining residue should be kept separate and disposed of properly. Some will need to be taken to a hazardous waste disposal collection site for transportation and proper disposal in a hazardous waste landfill.
Even though we need these products it doesn’t mean that we have to pollute our environment. If we let that stuff get into the ground it makes it polluted and dangerous for everyone. Look at this polluted creek!
There is no excuse for hazardous waste dumping!
Resources
Arizona Interagency Fire Prevention Kid's Page
Ask the Answer Worm! (Soil Questions)
Learn About Chemicals Around Your House
