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

15. 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

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

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

18. Current Products in the Marketplace

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

22. 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