Household Hazardous Waste

Household Hazardous Waste: The used leftovers of consumer products such as paints, cleaners, stains and varnishes, car batteries and motor oil, and pesticides are known as “household hazardous waste (HHW).” Click here for a list of common products that contain potentially hazardous ingredients.

HHW Facts and Figures (Source: EPA):

• Americans generate 1.6 million tons of HHW per year.

• The average home can accumulate as much as 100 pounds of HHW in the basement and garage and in storage closets.

• During the 1980s, many communities started special collection days or permanent collection sites for handling HHW. In 1997, there were more than 3,000 HHW permanent programs and collection events throughout the United States. Athens-Clarke County had their first HHW event in 2002.

Tip: Try and reduce the use of hazardous household products by finding a safer alternative. If there is no alternative for the material, try and use the entire amount purchased and remember to follow any instructions for use and disposal provided on product labels. If you do not have a need for the product anymore, then try to find someone who does (e.g. friend, church, school, etc.). In the future, try not to buy more than you need.

Alternative Products Recipe:

All-purpose, non-chemical, insect repellent for plants
1 garlic bulb
1 small onion
1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
1 qt water
1 tablespoon liquid hand soap
Chop or grind garlic and onion, add cayenne and mix with water. Let steep about an hour, then add liquid soap. Put into a spray bottle and spray only affected areas. This mixture will keep in the fridge for about a week. (It is recommended to first test your mixture on a small part of the plant.)
Source: EarthEasy - www.eartheasy.com

EPA - Source Reduction Alternatives Around the Home

Go 4 Green

Eartheasy – Non-toxic home cleaning

 

Automotive Products Motor Oil Can be recycled at Pep Boys and Autozone (both locations) in Athens. Check with other local auto centers to see if they accept used motor oil. Antifreeze Check with a local auto center to see if accepted for recycling before disposing. Disposal method - dilute with water and pour down drain OR solidify and dispose in local landfill. Do not pour into storm drain or septic tank. Auto Batteries Many stores that sell auto batteries, such as Batteries Plus, may accept your old battery for recycling and may offer you a discount on a new battery with the exchange. In addition, the ACC Landfill will recycle auto batteries for $ 1.00 each. Gasoline Handle with extreme caution! Keep flames away from gasoline! If the gasoline is unusable: Follow these steps: Mix with clay-based kitty litter or sawdust to solidify liquid. Wrap solidified substance in newspaper and double bag. Dispose of mixture in trash. Mercury Mercury Thermometers or Thermostats Mercury containing thermometers and thermostats may be taken to the Athens-Clarke County Recycling Division. In exchange, a resident will receive a digital thermometer (while supplies last). Please call first (613-3512) to make arrangements to drop-off your mercury item. Household and Hobby Materials Household Cleaners, Pesticides & Herbicides Use the item up before choosing disposal or check the label for the proper disposal methods. Paints and Solvents Try to use it up or donate it before disposing Handle with extreme caution! Keep flames away from gasoline! If the gasoline is unusable: Oil-based or latex-based paint Follow these steps: Mix with clay-based kitty litter or sawdust. Allow mixture to solidify. Wrap mixture in newspaper and double bag it OR leave solidified substance in original container and seal tightly. Dispose of dried mixture with your trash. Dispose of empty, dry and resealed paint can with your trash. Paint Thinners Steps: Same as for paint disposal. Turpentine Follow these steps: Let it sit in a closed jar until particles settle to bottom. Strain off particles. Wrap particles in newspaper. Discard with your garbage. Note: The remaining turpentine is still usable or follow the steps for paint disposal.