REDUCING HAZARDOUS WASTE
   We may have lacked an understanding in the past on how household chemicals could injure ourselves and the environmental world around us, however we can reduce the impact. We have the power to make choices to protect ourselves, our families and our communities.

Think before you purchase
   Is there a different way at solving the problem?
When you have a clogged sink or tub - could you use a plunger or a plumber's snake instead of chemical drain openers? Consider using elbow grease instead of chemicals.
If possible, avoid using the most toxic chemicals, usually contained in furniture strippers, turpentine, lighter fluid, paint thinner, nail-polish remover, fuels, lubricating oils, furniture polishes, spot removers, glues, paints, wood finishes. Words such as corrosive, flammable, reactive, toxic, danger, poison, combustible, petroleum, benzene, carbon tetrachloride, chlorinated solvents, and mercury biocides are all indicators of a potentially harmful product.
   READ the labels of products before you buy them and use them. THe words warning and caution often imply some risk associated with using the product. The words Danger and Poison implies greater risk. Do you want to use these products in your home?

   If you absolutely need a household chemical for a particular task:
• Ask your neighbors if they have any leftovers.
• Buy products that are less toxic, such as water-based (latex) paints, adhesives, cleaners, finishes and avoid solvent-based products.
-Use all of the product up or offer to a neighbor if you have leftovers.
• Properly dispose of leftovers. See Household Hazardous Waste Disposal and Alternatives Chart: http://www.dec.state.ny.us/website/dshm/redrecy/hhwcht.pdf
• Hazardous Products in the Home: Virtual Tour and Description: http://www.epa.gov/grtlakes/seahome/housewaste/house/mainmenu.htm

   Buying Products that are Less Toxic
• Adhesives -- Use a water-based or latex adhesive.
• Batteries -- Choose rechargeable batteries (removable, so they can be recycled) and mercury-free batteries when possible.
• Cleaners -- Choose soap or detergent-based cleaners when possible. Avoid nonwater-soluable and corrosive cleaners when others offer an effective substitute.
• Household Pesticides -- Look for ways to reduce your need for these products through appropriate cleaning and maintenance habits. Explore alternatives to chemical pest control. URI CE GreenShare Program; URI CE Master Gardener Hotline 800-448-1011, Monday - Thursday 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

• Floor and Wood-finish strippers -- Use a detergent or water-based stripper.
• Paint Stripper -- Use sandpaper, a scraper, or heat gun for small jobs.
• Wood preservative -- Use a water-sealing coating.Read labels. Words such as corrosive, flammable, reactive, toxic, danger, poison, combustible, petroleum, benzene, carbon tetrachloride, chlorinated solvents, and mercury biocides are all indicators of a potentially harmful product. If possible, avoid them.
• Buy the appropriate product for the task – ask a shopkeeper for help selecting.
• Buy only the amount that you need and no more. New technology in paint matching has made stocking up on your favorite color unnecessary.

   Heavy metals, acid and alkali leak into the environment from discarded batteries. To reduce their impact on the environment, there should be an overall reduction in the number of batteries discarded. Therefore, buy longer-life auto batteries and rechargeable button (AA, AAA, D…) batteries. This will help decrease pollution and save you money in the long run.

   Gasoline is also a household hazardous pollutant. To reduce the amount of gasoline released into the environment through atmospheric deposition and runoff, buy the most fuel-efficient vehicle that you can afford.

   Read and follow labels for use and storage.

   PROPER DISPOSAL OF HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS PRODUCTS
   REUSE:
• Donate reusable paint to theater and school groups and to community projects.
• Reuse paint as a primer or on non-color sensitive surfaces like a storage area.
• Solvents, such as paint thinners, can be reused – just allow to settle, then strain and save in a separate, marked container.

   HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE COLLECTION
[SB-add a sentence or two of introduction]
Add link to HHW Collection Sites for New York State

    For your car, truck, or boat:
• Drive less, drive less, and drive less – use public transportation, carpool, walk, or bike.
• Maintain your auto – a properly tuned vehicle emits less pollutants and last longer!
• Fix any leaks.
• To collect drips, use pans, cloths, and cat litter.
• Collect and recycle all used oil. Put used oil in clean containers for proper recycling.
• At a place that sells used batteries, you can receive money for your old, used batteries.
• Recycle used oil, which is used to make lubricants or is burned for power. Check with your town or with a local service station or mechanic.
• Recycle used antifreeze (check with your town).

References:

1. Rachel's Hazardous Waste News #90, August 15, 1988, Environmental Research Foundation, P.O. Box 5036, Annapolis, MD 21403
2. Zero Waste America, c/o Lynn Landes, 217 S. Jessup Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, (215) 629-3553
3. These alternatives are as found at the University of Rhode Island Cooperative Extension


     Continue to learn about litter >>>