9 Harmful Household Materials & How To Dispose of

Hazardous wastes can have a dreadful effect on humans and animals at any time. We can find them in our homes, and there are many different ways to dispose of them. Some can be recycled, some can’t. Over the last two decades, the practices for the management of hazardous wastes have increased. This article highlights types of household hazardous waste and how to dispose of them.

Hazardous wastes

Types Of Household Hazardous Waste

  • Petrol and kerosene
  • Swimming pool or spa bath chemicals
  • Computer equipment
  • Motor oils
  • Solvent-based paints
  • Thermometers, artificial lights, thermostats, fluorescent tubes, and bulbs
  • Polishing and Cleaning chemicals
  • Medicines
  • Pesticides and other garden chemicals (Rat poison)
  • Pool chemicals
  • Glues
  • Batteries (for example car, mobile phone, or regular household batteries)
  • Mobile phones
  • Transmission fluid
  • Nail polish and its remover
  • Brake fluid
  • Fire extinguishers

How Should We Handle Hazardous Household Waste?

  • Store the goods in original containers
  • Never use a leaked container for the storage of hazardous material
  • Never mix the chemicals
  • Make sure that all hazardous products remain packed and properly labeled
  • Keep hazardous and dangerous things out of the reach of young children
  • Maintain the ignition source away from the storage area
  • Keep the storage area dry and cool
  • Don’t dispose of hazardous products openly
Household Hazardous Waste

How To Dispose Of Harmful Household Materials?

The first step that should be taken for the disposal of household hazardous waste is to use community waste disposal sites. A special sealed container is the best option to transport this waste. Ideally, label the products properly before disposal.

However, if there are no options for disposal at community sites, then the following methods should be used for disposal of hazardous waste:

how to dispose of automotive Products?

Recycle old oil at a local distributor or at auto-repair stations. Dump antifreeze materials at waste disposal points or your local automotive repair shop.

Recycle batteries at the stores that sell them.

Place fluids in a well-ventilated place so that they can evaporate within a few days.

How To Dispose Of Batteries?

Batteries in the house include batteries of electronics like remote control devices, car batteries, invertors’ batteries, etc. Alkaline batteries should be recycled by the community shops. Never dispose of batteries in high temperatures or on fire as they could explode.

If there are waste batteries in large amounts at home, then contact the trash disposal company for disposal. The best thing is to use rechargeable batteries at home.

How To Dispose Of Electronics?

Electronics at home includes computers, laptops, mp3 players, printers, televisions, etc. These should be recycled instead of disposing them of.

For the recycling of these products, consumers should contact recycling companies in the local area.

How To Dispose Of Fluorescent Bulbs?

Fluorescent products like bulbs contain a small amount of mercury. This mercury can be hazardous. So these products should also be disposed of or recycled carefully. The best way to remove these products is to recycle them at local supply store sites.

How To Dispose Of Household Cleaners?

Household cleaners include ammonia, shower cleaner, drain cleaner, floor cleaner, and many others. Don’t store these materials and use them before the expiry date.

Liquid and powder products can be disposed of with running water down the drain. Solid products should be disposed of at your local waste disposal facility.

How To Dispose Of Paint Products?

Paint products include all paint product stains and wood preservatives. To get rid of these products consider donating them to a relative, local school, or another group. Some companies accept leftover paints. If that is the case, transport them to these companies for recycling.

How To Dispose Of Garden Chemicals?

Garden chemicals consist of pesticides, fertilizers, herbicides, and insecticides. Don’t store these chemicals! Also, do not dispose of these materials in the drain or stream. Rather, Drop them at community sites.

How To Dispose Of Sharp Items?

 Sharp items like needles and lancets can also be hazardous and dangerous. Make sure to keep them properly at home. In the case of the breakage of these materials, dispose of them at appropriate locations.

Some manufacturers also sell destruction devices for these devices, so use those in case you have a high amount of materials.

How To Dispose Of Pharmaceuticals?

Don’t flush medicines for disposal as they can contaminate groundwater. Many communities have “take-back” programs, so extra medicines can be returned to them.

In case these options are not available, then consumers should mix these herbal or medicinal items with compost, kitty litter, or used coffee grounds. Put them in a bin like a sealed plastic bag and throw them in the garbage.

FDA suggests that patients and caregivers get rid of expired drugs as soon as possible. To minimize the risk that anyone can involuntarily take them or abuse them.

What Happens When We Don’t Dispose Of Harmful Materials Properly?

  • Dangerous chemicals and arsenic may leach into soil or surface water. It will have long-term impacts on the earth, plants, and water.
  • Wastes can corrode pipes or obstruct stormwater drains and create water treatment plant problems.
  • These wastes could jeopardize the health and welfare of waste management staff.
  • This improper waste disposal can create an unpleasant litter issue. Plastic bags can move towards the water stream and harm biodiversity. Read more about Effects of Plastic Pollution in the Ocean

Final thoughts

A lot of products are dangerous and hazardous in our homes. These harmful materials can have a very dangerous impacts if not disposed of properly. Additionally, illegal dumping of these wastes can translate into harm to the society and serious offences by governmental agencies.

About Post Author