Essential Tips for Safe Household Hazardous Waste Disposal

Disposing of waste properly is the most essential part of maintaining a safe and secure household. A lot of us believe that household items are safe and that they would not make a lot of difference if not disposed of properly.

However, that is far from the truth. Household hazardous waste disposal in Reno is extremely important for the preservation of groundwater and other natural resources.

So, let us dive into the basics of household hazardous waste management and disposal.

What Is Household Hazardous Waste?

When we think of household waste, we think of food scrapes and dirty clothes. But did you know your household wastes are also toxic and hazardous?

Household hazardous wastes are waste items generated from our homes and can cause massive damage to our environment if not handled properly.

Examples Of Household Hazardous Waste

Flammable and corrosive household wastes are termed household hazardous waste. Here are some examples

Batteries- Alkaline, rechargeable, or car batteries make up this category
Paints and solvents- This can include oil-based paint, paint thinners, varnishes, and others.
Backyard supplies- You will be shocked to hear that pesticides, germicides, and fertilizers can be extremely toxic to the environment.
Household cleaners- Products like drain cleaners, bleach, ammonia, and oven cleaners are also a part of household hazardous waste.
Automobile products- Antifreeze, motor oil, and brake fluid can have serious harmful effects on the environment if not disposed of properly.
Electronic goods- Televisions, computers, and phones are some of the appliances that require proper handling.
Other products- This list includes mercury thermometers, lithium batteries, and fluorescent bulbs.

Why Is Keeping Household Hazardous Waste At Home Dangerous?

For most of us, disposing of the heavy black garbage bag is the most annoying and tiresome routine. No wonder delaying it after a long work day or on the weekend seems a much better option.

But is it really a much better option?

Delaying getting rid of toxic waste can endanger your health and the environment of your home. It can lead to

Poisoning due to ingestion, skin contact, or inhalation.
Breathing and other respiratory issues from chemical fumes
Skin and eye irritation
Other long-term effects such as increased risk of cancer.
Risk of explosion or fire from aerosols
Chemical spills.

How To Safely Handle Household Hazardous Waste?

Safe handling of household hazardous wastes is the best way to protect yourself and your home from any danger.

Storage

Don’t shift- It is best to keep your hazardous material in its original package since they are designed to hold the product safely.
Make it leak-proof- If the original container starts leaking, shift the item immediately to a different leak-proof container to avoid spilling and subsequent poisoning.
Label it- Keeping the now-transferred item in a labeled container can reduce the risk of using or opening it mistakenly.
Store safely- When storing the item, make sure to keep it out of reach from children and pets and in a well-ventilated, cool, and dry place.

Usage

Stick to directions- Read the label carefully and use it only as mentioned in the directions.
Don’t mix- Mixing or experimenting with different household hazardous wastes is a terrible idea since it can lead to toxic reactions, chemical fumes, and health hazards.
Use only as needed- Strictly buy only as much is needed and ensure that you use up the item before disposing of it.
Use safely- Do not forget to wear safety gear like gloves and eyeshield before using these items.

Disposal

Don’t bin it- Never use your regular trash bin or drain to dispose of any household hazardous waste. This can contaminate your sewer line and the environment.
Contact local authorities- Rules for disposing of household hazardous wastes vary according to different states. Hence, check with your local authorities and collections programs to dispose of them safely.

Essential Tips for ManagingHousehold Hazardous Waste

Beyond disposal, proper management also plays a very important role in ensuring a more eco-friendly and sustainable future.

Reduce the source- Do not buy more than what you need. Cutting it off at the start can push you to work without using these toxic items.
Opt for safer alternatives- Instead of chemical cleaners, which are extremely damaging to your plumbing system and the environment, use DIY mixtures or more eco-friendly cleaners.
Reuse and share- Instead of throwing away half-used items like varnish and paint, reach out to others for sharing. This significantly cuts the excessive consumption and reduces the risk of mismanagement.
Reach out to communities- Several regions have designated communities and groups that offer pick-up services for household hazardous wastes. Reach out to them to make sure your wastes do not end up in landfills and are properly disposed of.

Are You Looking For Professional Assistance To Dispose Of Your Household Hazardous Wastes? Hero Environmental Is Your One-Stop Solution.

For the past four years, Hero Environmental has been working tirelessly to ensure the proper disposal of household hazardous wastes. We make sure all waste, including fluorescent light bulbs, fuels, mercury, and chemical cleaners, is properly handled. Our highly skilled and experienced service providers ensure the safety of the community and the environment.

With affordability being our main focus, we are committed to making sustainability a widespread reality. Contact us today!