In today's world, household chemicals can be a major source of pollution. Household chemicals are often toxic and could be considered hazardous if disposed of improperly. Hazardous waste is waste material, often found in chemical forms that can cause death or injury to living creatures.
Does this sound like something you want in your environment? The answer is no.
Believe it or not, these hazardous materials that pollute the environment can be found right in your very own home! Many household items are not associated with being harmful because we frequently use them in our homes, garages, gardens and yards. Leftover household products that contain corrosive, toxic, ignitable or reactive ingredients are considered to be household hazardous waste. These products are harmful to the environment and can be identified by the words DANGER, WARNING or CAUTION printed on the label. Other words that are indicators are: toxic, corrosive, flammable, reactive, combustible and poison. Some common household hazardous wastes include: mothballs, mercury, gasoline, oil, insect and rodent killers, weed killers and pool chemicals.
Americans generate 1.6 million tons of household hazardous waste per year! If disposed of improperly, hazardous wastes can pollute the environment by contaminating landfills, septic tanks, wastewater treatment plants, groundwater, water bodies and other natural surroundings.
Improper disposal of hazardous wastes can include pouring them down the drain, on the ground, into storm sewers, or thrown in the trash. The dangers of such disposal methods might not be immediately obvious, but improper disposal of these wastes can not only pollute the environment, but also pose a threat to human health. If left around the house, hazardous wastes present dangers to children, pets and firefighters in the event of a house or garage fire.
You may ask, “What can I do to reduce potential risks in my neighborhood?” It's simple, register to come to Cayuga County's sixth annual Household Hazardous Waste Day. All county and city of Auburn residents are welcome to participate in the event, which will be held on Oct. 14.
In addition to hazardous materials, propane tanks and home electronics will be collected. There is a limit of two televisions per household and a $5 fee per television and monitor.
Disposal of all other household electronics and propane tanks are free. Household hazardous waste is also free.
All participants need to reserve a time slot for the household hazardous waste, propane and electronics collection day by calling Cornell Cooperative Extension of Cayuga County at 255-1183 or e-mailing solidwaste@cornell.edu (before Oct. 11).
Cooperative Extension has several fact sheets about various hazardous wastes, how to dispose of them properly and cleaning alternatives.
To obtain a fact sheet or, call our center or visit cayuganet.org/hazwaste/hhwinfo.
Tom Babiarz is an AmeriCorps at Cayuga County Department of Planning and Economic
Development
Believe it or not, these hazardous materials that pollute the environment can be found right in your very own home! Many household items are not associated with being harmful because we frequently use them in our homes, garages, gardens and yards. Leftover household products that contain corrosive, toxic, ignitable or reactive ingredients are considered to be household hazardous waste. These products are harmful to the environment and can be identified by the words DANGER, WARNING or CAUTION printed on the label. Other words that are indicators are: toxic, corrosive, flammable, reactive, combustible and poison. Some common household hazardous wastes include: mothballs, mercury, gasoline, oil, insect and rodent killers, weed killers and pool chemicals.
Americans generate 1.6 million tons of household hazardous waste per year! If disposed of improperly, hazardous wastes can pollute the environment by contaminating landfills, septic tanks, wastewater treatment plants, groundwater, water bodies and other natural surroundings.
Improper disposal of hazardous wastes can include pouring them down the drain, on the ground, into storm sewers, or thrown in the trash. The dangers of such disposal methods might not be immediately obvious, but improper disposal of these wastes can not only pollute the environment, but also pose a threat to human health. If left around the house, hazardous wastes present dangers to children, pets and firefighters in the event of a house or garage fire.
You may ask, “What can I do to reduce potential risks in my neighborhood?” It's simple, register to come to Cayuga County's sixth annual Household Hazardous Waste Day. All county and city of Auburn residents are welcome to participate in the event, which will be held on Oct. 14.
In addition to hazardous materials, propane tanks and home electronics will be collected. There is a limit of two televisions per household and a $5 fee per television and monitor.
Disposal of all other household electronics and propane tanks are free. Household hazardous waste is also free.
All participants need to reserve a time slot for the household hazardous waste, propane and electronics collection day by calling Cornell Cooperative Extension of Cayuga County at 255-1183 or e-mailing solidwaste@cornell.edu (before Oct. 11).
Cooperative Extension has several fact sheets about various hazardous wastes, how to dispose of them properly and cleaning alternatives.
To obtain a fact sheet or, call our center or visit cayuganet.org/hazwaste/hhwinfo.
Tom Babiarz is an AmeriCorps at Cayuga County Department of Planning and Economic
Development
