Tips on Disposing Hazardous Waste Safely

Have you ever stopped to consider that much of your household waste might be hazardous?

There are environmental and safety implications for a startling number of substances, which we casually chuck away and then forget about. They include all sorts of paint, hairspray, nail polish, furniture and metal polishes, household cleaners (such as ammonia, bleach, and drain cleaners), aerosol sprays, hair dye, some moth killers and other insecticides, batteries (those containing lead, mercury, or cadmium), some light bulbs, medicines, paint strippers, and paint thinners.

Ask yourself if you really need a product before you buy it. There are often safer alternatives. Fr example, clean drains with baking soda instead of corrosive drain cleaner. If you think you need it, buy the smallest amount possible and use it up.

Make sure products are used up. When it comes to disposal, read the manufacturer's label. Some local authorities have special facilities for the disposal of hazardous waste, such as large quantities of paints and varnishes. Contact your local waste management department. Otherwise, check whether metals or containers can be recycled.

Empty aerosol cans completely by turning upside down and pressing the nozzle so all the propellant is used up. Then put in the recycling bin or in the dustbin.

Rinse out empty bleach and disinfectant bottles and either put in the recycling bin, or wrap in newspaper and put in the dustbin. Small quantities of bleach or disinfectant can be poured down the drain, with plenty of water. However, never pour bleach down the drain with any other chemical.

Some pharmacies will take medicines for safe disposal. Otherwise, pour liquids down the toilet, flushing several times. Pills and capsules should be wrapped tightly and put in the dustbin. Ensure that rubbish containing medicines is disposed of so that neither children nor animals can get hold of them. Take the tops off old bottles of nail varnish and polish and allow to dry. Close, then wrap in several sheets of newspaper and put in the dustbin.

Check whether there are any facilities to recycle paint cans in your area. Otherwise, take the lid off the container and allow any leftover paint to dry. Put the can in the dustbin, leaving the lid off.