Proper Disposal of Hazardous Waste

Americans generate an estimated 1.6 million tons of hazard­ous household waste per year. What becomes of it? The typical household dumps it down the drain, pours it on the ground, releases it into storm sewers, or throws it out with the trash. All these methods pose a threat to the quality of our water, our air, and our soil. Even empty containers of hazardous materials, which can retain chemical residue, pose hazards to sanitation workers, septic tanks, and wastewater treatment plants.

Chemical Disposal

If a chemical product must be used, find out the best method for dis­posing of it. In most cases, the best thing to do is to use the product up (by sharing it with a friend, if nec­essary, or donating it to a business or organization).

If a product can be poured down the drain (see chart on pages 122-23), be sure to flush with plenty of water. If you have a septic system, this kind of waste will not pass through a treatment plant; it will either stick around your septic system or leach into the ground. Your local waste facility should be able to dispose of it instead.

Landfill Disposal

Products suitable for landfill disposal can go in the trash. Empty liquid containers can be thrown away, but only if fully drained — liquids should never be disposed of in the trash. When disposing of empty containers of toxic cleaners and polishes, wrap them in newspaper and throw them out with the trash. Some communi­ties allow this disposal method for empty containers of indoor pesti­cides and fertilizers as well. Some products, like paint, are accept­able for landfill disposal if they are hardened or dried up. Contact local officials before throwing away any product you're concerned about.

Disposal of Large Items

Check with your local sanitation de­partment on rules covering the dis­posal of large items. Big appliances, such as stoves, can often be hauled to your neighborhood Dumpster or left at the curb on certain days of the year, depending on where you live. Your area may have special rules on disposing of appliances that use CFC gas — specifically, air condition­ers and refrigerators. If your local sanitation department doesn't col­lect large items, call your local solid waste agency to schedule a pickup, which comes with a charge. A landfill operator or scrap metal dealer may take appliances, also for a fee.

Computers

Be sure the contents of your hard drive are deleted first, to pro­tect your privacy. Anything over 40 pounds should be taken to a regional collection center, which usually charges a small fee. Several companies will safely dispose of or recycle your computer; check out GreenDisk (www.greendisk.com), which accepts obsolete equipment for a small fee. Some computer makers — including Apple, Dell, Hewlett-Packard, and IBM — can recycle your machine, though some do so only when you buy a new one. Consider donating working equipment to charity; check your phone book for local organizations.

Toner and ink cartridges can be recycled; Staples and FedEx-Kinko's shops nationwide accept toner and ink, as do other businesses. (See www.earth911.org for local collec­tion sites.)

For many hazardous products, no safe disposal method is avail­able. These must be taken to a special collection facility or stored safely until your community holds a household hazardous waste col­lection day. Each community has different programs, so call your local environmental, health, or solid waste agency about programs and services in your area.

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