This is a FAST ACCESS VERSION of a RUTGERS COOPERATIVE
\nEXTENSION FACT SHEET. Because of the mode of transmission it
\nis possible that certain graphics intended to be included with
\nthe original FACT SHEET have been deleted. You can obtain the
\ncomplete FACT SHEET from any county office of RUTGERS
\nCOOPERATIVE EXTENSION.<\/p>\n
HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS IN YOUR HOME:
\n PROPER USE AND DISPOSAL<\/p>\n
Theodore B. Shelton, Ph.D.
\n Specialist in Water Resources Management<\/p>\n
Michael T. Olohan
\n Public Information Coordinator
\n Navesink River Watershed Project<\/p>\n
WHAT IS A HAZARDOUS HOUSEHOLD PRODUCT?<\/p>\n
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
\nconsiders a substance hazardous if it can catch fire, if it
\ncan react or explode when mixed with other substances, if it
\nis corrosive, or if it is toxic. Each of these categories is
\nexplained in its regulations. EPA has designated 400 specific
\nsubstances to be hazardous.<\/p>\n
EPA estimates that the average household contains between
\n3 and 10 gallons of hazardous chemicals. Even improper
\ndisposal of such small amounts of hazardous wastes can make an
\nunderground water source unusable for decades if the
\ncontamination is not prevented.<\/p>\n
HOW SHOULD YOU HANDLE HOUSEHOLD CHEMICALS?<\/p>\n
Generally, most household products should never be
\ndisposed of by dumping into a sink, toilet, street drain, or
\nroadway. Your household plumbing system usually leads to a
\nmunicipal wastewater treatment plant or a septic tank
\nwastewater disposal system. However, neither is designed to
\nremove hazardous chemicals completely from wastewater. You
\nshould also be aware that storm sewers (street drains) usually
\nflow directly into nearby streams or rivers without treatment,
\nleading to direct pollution of the waterways. Homeowners
\nshould reduce the purchase of products containing hazardous
\nchemicals and consider nontoxic alternatives to prevent
\npotential disposal, poisoning, and water pollution problems.<\/p>\n
WHAT DISPOSAL OPTIONS DO YOU HAVE?<\/p>\n
The following list offers advice for using and disposing
\nof most hazardous products in your home and, where possible,
\nit proposes alternatives. The recommendations listed apply to
\nquantities less than 1 quart. Your local health department,
\ncounty health department, or State Department of Environmental
\nProtection (NJDEP) Hazardous Waste Advisement Program should
\nbe consulted for larger quantities. In all cases, proper
\ndisposal at a local hazardous waste collection center or
\nprogram or recycling, is preferred. <\/p>\n
(T)=TRASH – This symbol identifies products that should never
\nbe poured down a drain, but can be safely disposed of by
\nplacing in the garbage. Make sure products are sealed or
\ncapped to prevent leakage.<\/p>\n
(H)=HOLD – This symbol identifies hazardous products that must
\nbe held for disposal at a local collection center or program
\nor given to a hazardous waste disposal contractor. (Even
\nempty containers of these products should be handled in these
\nways.) For more information, contact NJDEP Hazardous Waste
\nAdvisement Program at 609-292-8341.<\/p>\n
(R)=RECYCLE – This symbol identifies products that can or
\nshould be recycled. Take these products to the recycling
\nprogram in your area. If no recycling program exists,
\nencourage local officials to start one. For more information,
\ncontact the NJDEP Office of Recycling at 609-292-0331.<\/p>\n
HAZARDOUS HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS<\/p>\n
(H) OVEN, DRAIN, AND TOILET CLEANERS – Most of these
\nproducts are corrosive and poisonous. Follow directions
\ncarefully, exchange unused portions to neighbors and friends
\nto use instead of discarding. An alternative to oven cleaners
\nis baking soda and water. Instead of chemical drain cleaners,
\nyou might use a metal snake to clear pipes. Instead of toilet
\ncleaners, use a toilet brush and baking soda or a mild
\ndetergent.<\/p>\n
(H) FURNITURE POLISH, FLOOR POLISH – Certain brands are
\nflammable. Offer unused quantities to friends and neighbors.
\nDo not pour down drains. Do not dispose of these substances
\nin normal trash.<\/p>\n
(T) OLD MEDICINES – Many products are hazardous. Some
\nmedicines can be disposed of with regular trash. Contact your
\nlocal health department or New Jersey Department of
\nEnvironmental Protection Hazardous Waste Advisement Program at
\n609-292-8341 for more information.<\/p>\n
(T) DISINFECTANTS – These products are usually corrosive
\nand toxic. Do not dispose of down drains. Fully use these
\nproducts or recycle unused portions by exchanging them with
\nfriends or neighbors.<\/p>\n
(H) RUG AND UPHOLSTERY CLEANERS – These products are
\nirritants, and are corrosive and toxic. Do not dispose of
\nthese substances with regular garbage. These products might
\nbe exchanged with a neighbor.<\/p>\n
(H) BLEACH CLEANERS – Products containing bleach are
\nstrong oxidizers and are corrosive. Fully use these products
\nor exchange them with neighbors or friends. Do not dispose of
\nwith regular trash.<\/p>\n
GARAGE AND WORKSHOP CHEMICALS<\/p>\n
(H)(R) USED MOTOR OIL, BATTERY ACID, DIESEL FUEL, FUEL
\nOIL, GASOLINE, KEROSENE, PAINT BRUSH CLEANER WITH SOLVENT,
\nPAINT THINNER, TURPENTINE – These products are toxic,
\nflammable, and corrosive. Do not dispose of these substances
\nin the sink, toilet, street drain, or roadway. In New Jersey,
\nservice stations, retail outlets, and reinspection stations
\nthat sell motor oil must accept up to 5 gallons of used motor
\noil for recycling. Other products should be saved for
\ndisposal at local collection centers.<\/p>\n
(S) ANTIFREEZE, AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID, BRAKE
\nFLUID, CAR WAX WITH SOLVENT, OTHER OILS, GLUE, OIL-BASED
\nPAINT, PAINT STRIPPER, PRIMER, RUST REMOVER, VARNISH, WOOD
\nPRESERVATIVE – These products are toxic, corrosive, and\/or
\nflammable. Do not dispose of these substances in the sink,
\ntoilet, street drain, or roadway. If possible, exchange or
\nsave for local collection centers.<\/p>\n
(T)(R) METAL POLISH WITH SOLVENT, PAINT BRUSH CLEANER
\nWITH TSP (TRISODIUM PHOSPHATE), WATER-BASED GLUE, LATEX PAINT,
\nPAINT STRIPPER (lye base) – These products are toxic.
\nExchange with neighbors. Recycle is possible or seal tightly
\nand discard with regular trash.<\/p>\n
CHEMICALS USED OUTDOORS<\/p>\n
(H) PESTICIDES, HERBICIDES, INSECTICIDES, FUNGICIDES –
\nToxic. Pesticide is usually a catch-all term for all types of
\nlawn, garden, and agricultural chemicals. Use only according
\nto label or recommendations of an agricultural agent in the
\nRutgers Cooperative Extension office in your county.
\nTriple-rinse containers and reuse rinse water as a
\nfull-strength pesticide. Garden pesticide alternatives
\ninclude keeping your garden weed-free by handpulling,
\nimporting predators, or using insecticidal soap. Consult the
\nRutgers Cooperative Extension office in your county for
\nspecific agricultural and garden pesticide recommendations.<\/p>\n
(H) POOL CHEMICALS – In addition to being corrosive and
\ntoxic, these products are strong oxidizers and pose a fire and
\nexplosive hazard. NEVER DISPOSE of pool chemicals with
\nhousehold trash. Store safely until they can be fully used or
\nexchanged with neighbors.<\/p>\n
OTHER HAZARDOUS HOME PRODUCTS<\/p>\n
(H)(R) HOBBY CHEMICALS (CRAFTS, PHOTOGRAPHY, LABS) –
\nThese can be irritants, and are often corrosive, toxic, and
\nflammable. Do not dispose of these substances. These
\nchemicals should be safely stored in original containers.
\nNEVER pour down drains.<\/p>\n
(H) ARTISTS’ PAINTS, MEDIUMS, ADHESIVES – These can be
\nirritants, and are often toxic and flammable. Work area
\nshould be well ventilated. Store these containers until they
\ncan be safely disposed of.<\/p>\n
For more information on hazardous household chemicals:<\/p>\n
1) Household Hazardous Waste: Solving the Disposal Dilemma.
\nGina Purin, Golden Health Empire Health Planning Center, 2100
\n21st Street, Sacramento, CA 95818.<\/p>\n
2) Nontoxic and Natural: How to Avoid Dangerous Everyday
\nProducts and Buy or Make Safe Ones. Debra Lynn Dadd.
\nNontoxic Lifestyles Inc., Box 210019, San Francisco, CA 94121.<\/p>\n
* Information in this reference appears with the understanding
\nthat no discrimination is intended and no endorsement by
\nRUTGERS COOPERATIVE EXTENSION is implied.
\n\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd<\/p>\n
