Household Hazardous Wastes

• 1). Identify the hazardous wastes in your home. These can include pesticides and poisons, mold and mildew removers, swimming pool chemicals, furniture waxes, paint and paint thinner and any cleaner that isn't clearly labeled "non-toxic." These can be oven cleaners, carpet cleaners, bathroom and toilet cleaners, and spot removers. Another household source of hazardous waste ies the electronics in the home. TVs, computers, even cell phones contain mercury and other toxic metals. Many of the newer compact fluorescent light bulbs also contain mercury. Many fire alarms and smoke detectors contain radioactive cells and should be considered hazardous waste
  
  
• 2). Store hazardous chemicals properly. Make sure that dangerous products are out of the reach of small children. Check the chemical for heat limits. Don't store flammable chemicals where they will get too hot. Also check any expiration dates. Some chemicals become unstable when they get too old.
  
  
• 3). Dispose of hazardous waste. Hazardous waste cannot just go in the trash. Trash goes into landfills. Toxins seep into the groundwater and pollute whole communities. Different counties handle disposal in different ways. Some places have a weekly or monthly hazardous waste pick-up. Others offer a convenient hazardous waste collection site.
  
  

Hazardous Waste in the Workplace

• 1). Identify the hazardous waste. While many offices have a minimum of cleaning, painting, and pesticides, most offices use toners, copy machine fluids, batteries and a variety of inks. There are also a multitude of electronic and technical equipment used in every office. Computers, telephones, projectors, copiers, scanners, and printers all need to be disposed of properly. If the business generates more than 220 lbs. of hazardous waste a month, the business is considered a Small Quantity Generator (SQG) and must obtain an EPA identification number.
  
  
• 2). Store the hazardous waste properly making sure that employees are kept safe from contamination.
  
  
• 3). Check with your local waste and recycling center. Many SQGs qualify for on-site pick up and government help.