Household Chemicals: Don’t Dump ‘Em!
By Mike Brandolino
January 9, 2012
There is a very good chance that you have a stockpile of household chemicals including old home and garden cleaners, pesticides, paints, motor oil, grease, and other potentially hazardous materials stored in your home, garage, or outdoor shed.
During the winter months, you may want to take an inventory of the chemicals in your home and determine what is needed and what can be discarded. It’s a great way to get a head start on spring cleaning.
Remember, never assume that it is safe or legal to dispose of household chemicals down the drain, in a storm sewer, or with general household trash. The local waste systems may drain in waterways or treatment facilities, which cannot process chemical waste. Your household chemical waste can create much bigger environmental problems for your community and local ecosystems and wildlife habitats.
It is best to check with your local municipality to follow all the proper chemical disposal guidelines and regulations. Some areas have chemical drop-off sites or specific collection dates. Contact your local waste collection facility or municipal office for safe household chemical disposal procedures.
You can try searching the Web for “household chemicals [your county],” or you can use Earth 911’s recycling center search. This search works by putting in the name of the material you want to recycle (ex: oil) and your city or zip code.
Keep chemicals out of your local soil and water by disposing of them properly. Spread the word!
© 2012 SCGH, LLC.
