Many products used in the home, garage, and garden
contain hazardous ingredients and need to be used and stored safely. These
products include non-water-based paint, stain and varnish, motor oil, cleaning solvents, pesticides, weed
killers, antifreeze, rechargeable batteries, gasoline, aerosol cans, waxes and wood
preservative. Once these products are no longer needed, they become
household hazardous wastes (HHW) that require proper disposal.
It makes sense to collect HHW separately, thus keeping
it out of landfills. This keeps garbage collectors and landfill workers
from being injured by exploding cans, splashed chemicals, fumes or fires
created by mixed chemicals. It enables some of the wastes to be recycled
or used as energy-saving fuel. HHW should never be poured onto the ground
or down the gutter because it will wash into the storm drains. Water
flows in the storm drains directly into the streams, and this can result in the pollution of surface water,
groundwater, and wildlife habitat. Such wastes should not be flushed into
septic systems or into the sewer drains because this may kill the active
bacteria in the wastewater processes.
What should I do with my Latex Paint ? Save
yourself a trip to the Household Hazardous Waste Drop-off by drying out or
solidifying your spoiled latex paint and disposing of it with your regular
trash. Latex paint is not hazardous and, once solidified, can be safely
sent for landfill disposal. Here are some helpful tips for drying out
paint:
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For cans almost empty: Remove the lid and allow the paint to
dry. You may need to mix it up to be sure it dries all the way through.
This works well for small quantities and can take several days.
˙
For cans half full: Mix an equal amount of absorbent material
(kitty litter, sawdust, newspaper or vermiculite) into the paint, mix well
and allow it to dry. Paint hardening products can also be purchased at the
hardware stores. Once there is no free running liquid, you can dispose of
the cans with your trash.
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For full cans that have soured: Line a cardboard box with a
sturdy plastic bag free of holes. Pour the absorbent material into the box;
slowly mix the paint into the absorbent. Once completely dry, dispose of
the bag with your regular trash
Once the paint is completely solidified and dry, it can
be thrown away with your regular, household trash. Be sure and leave the
lids off so your waste hauler knows the can is dried-out. If the lids are
left on, your waste hauler will not take it.
The HHW program spends thousands of taxpayer dollars
each year on disposing latex paint. In an effort to reduce program
costs, we ask you to consider another option before bringing latex paint to
the HHW Day. The HHW program will continue to accept latex paint if you are
unable to dry it out.
What should I do with my Household Batteries?
Here are some helpful hints in gathering your batteries for the upcoming
Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Collection Day October 15!
Don’t forget to call for your appointment at 303-438-6336!
Alkaline Batteries come in many sizes and are
commonly referred to as disposable or single-use batteries. Since the early
1990’s, manufacturers stopped adding mercury and cadmium to alkaline
batteries, making them safe for landfill disposal. The majority of alkaline
batteries are non-hazardous and can be safely disposed with household
garbage. Alkaline batteries that are more than 15 years old should be
brought to the HHW Day.
Button batteries often contain metals and other
hazardous ingredients and should be returned to the manufacturer when
purchasing a new battery. Many shops that replace watch and hearing aid
batteries accept your batteries for recycling at no charge. You may also
bring your button batteries to the HHW Day.
Lithium batteries contain lithium metal
compounds and should be recycled. Again, exchange lithium batteries at the
time of replacement purchase or deliver them on HHW Day.
Rechargeable batteries are environmentally
preferable because they last longer and can be easily recycled. However,
they contain metals and other hazardous ingredients and should NOT be
disposed of with household trash. Exchange them at the time of replacement
purchase or deliver them on HHW Day. Some rechargeable batteries look like
alkaline batteries. However, they contain Nickel and Cadmium and should be
recycled. If in doubt, bring them to the HHW Day.
Car/Motorcycle batteries contain lead and acid
and must be recycled. Most businesses require a trade-in when you purchase
a new battery, or you will be assessed a fee (core charge). Trade in your
old lead-acid battery at the time of purchase (or return your old battery to
the retailer for a refund of the core charge). Lead-acid batteries can pose
serious dangers if disposed of with the household trash and should not enter
the landfill. They may also be delivered to the HHW Day.
Tips to help reduce the amount of HHW generated:
READ LABELS: Read and follow directions carefully!
THINK SMALL: Use the correct amount of product recommended. For
example with pesticide use, twice as much is not twice as effective and
may be twice as toxic!
NON-TOXIC ALTERNATIVES: Purchase the least toxic product
available. Danger, Caution, Warning, Harmful, Poison, Toxic, Corrosive,
Volatile, Flammable, Inflammable, Combustible or Explosive—these words
should alert you to the hazardous nature of the product. Choose
water-based products over solvent-based ones. Avoid aerosols if you can.
Avoid products containing chlorinated compounds, petroleum distillates,
phenols and formaldehyde.
STORE PROPERLY: Always store products in their original
containers with labels. Store unsafe products away from small children and
pets.
DON’T MIX: Some household products, when mixed, can form
dangerous fumes or may become explosive. Never mix anything with products
containing chlorine or ammonia.
PLAN AHEAD: Buy only what you need to avoid or minimize waste.
Don’t be tempted to buy a gallon if you only need a cup. Think about how
you are going to dispose of any materials you have left over. Give leftover products to a responsible neighbor or friend who can use it up rather
than throwing it out.
