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Household Hazardous Waste and Non-Toxic Cleaners

Household Hazardous Waste and Non-Toxic Cleaners. November 30th, 2011 Tara Roffler, Ramsey County and Rebecca Kulas, Dakota County. Hazardous Waste in the Home. Americans generate 1.6 million tons of harmful household chemicals per year

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Household Hazardous Waste and Non-Toxic Cleaners

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  1. Household Hazardous Waste and Non-Toxic Cleaners November 30th, 2011 Tara Roffler, Ramsey County and Rebecca Kulas, Dakota County

  2. Hazardous Waste in the Home • Americans generate 1.6 million tons of harmful household chemicals per year • The average home accumulates 100 pounds of hazardous waste over time

  3. Overview • Identifying hazardous products • Proper storage • Proper disposal • Alternative cleaners • Resources to share

  4. hazardous waste: waste with characteristics that make it harmful to human health and the environment • CORROSIVE • IGNITABLE • REACTIVE • TOXIC

  5. Household Hazardous Waste

  6. Exposure Pathways for Chemicals • Inhaling • Swallowing • Absorption through skin/eyes • Contact from eating,drinking or smoking

  7. Why Are Labels Important? • Gives product description • Lists warnings • Gives directions for proper use

  8. Signal Words for Toxicity

  9. 10 Safety Precautions • Do not use when children are present • Keep your house well ventilated • Wear protective clothing • Purchase only what you need • Don’t use hot water

  10. 10 Safety Precautions (continued) • Never mix cleaners • Rinse cleaned surfaces thoroughly • Avoid waxes and polishes, as well as toilet bowl and oven cleaners • Don’t use aerosol cleaners • Take extra precaution in the kitchen

  11. Where to Store Hazardous Products • Keep in original container • Store in closet or garage, not kitchen • Store flammables away from heat sources • Keep out of reach of young children

  12. What to Do with Leftover Chemicals • Use it up or share with a neighbor • Bring it to a county Household Hazardous Waste collection site

  13. Using Safer Cleaners in the Home Identifying risks and choosing alternatives

  14. Habits for Safer Purchases • Read the labels • Choose the least harmfulproduct • Choose low or no VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) options • Buy only what you need • Check the product for Health and Safety Data

  15. Look for Safer Cleaners • Biodegradable • Non-toxic • Most Plant-based ingredients (note: some plant based ingredients can be harmful)

  16. Product Certifications • Third Party Certification Programs • Green Seal • Eco Logo • Greenguard • US EPA Design for the Environment

  17. Current Products in the Marketplace

  18. Habits for a Cleaner Home • Leave dirt outside • Think of safer alternatives • Follow product directions • Clean up spills as soon as possible • Clean frequently

  19. Resources • www.rethinkrecycling.com • www.pca.state.mn.us/waste/hhw/index.html • http://householdproducts.nlm.nih.gov/index.htm • County staff and web sites • A Guide to Healthy Household Products • Ramsey County A to Z Disposal Guide: www.co.ramsey.mn.us/ph • www.turi.org

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