The way we treat the world around us seems to have jumped atop the list of concerns for most Americans. Many of us consider pollution on a global scale; a major cause of our weather woes.

We can blame smokestacks or gas guzzling vehicles all we want, but we also must look at what we do as individuals on a smaller scale. What can each of us do, around our homes for example, to help a larger cause?

Often times we buy products based on price or quality. What goes unnoticed is what exactly are we buying? When we mention the word “lead,” we think of the recent slew of toy recalls. If we think about “mercury poison,” we conjure ideas of poisoned fish in our lakes. The fact is you can find these items in your garage or your basement.

Household Hazardous Wastes (HHW) are all around you, and they present major human and environmental health issues. Household items we use day to day often contain toxic ingredients and anything labeled DANGER, CAUTION or WARNING are prime examples.

Everything from the liquid mercury in glass thermometers to the combustible old propane tank in your garage have the potential to be dangerous. The threat these items present to our environment is just as great as the dangers to human health.

When these products are not disposed of properly they can contaminate our lakes and streams, pollute our groundwater and storm sewers and threaten wildlife.

The upside to this problem is that it is one that can be easily remedied. On Oct. 13 Cayuga County is hosting its Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off Day. This event is a great opportunity to rid your home of potentially hazardous materials and to ensure these items are safely disposed of or recycled.

Products such as pesticides, pool chemicals, gasoline mixtures, adhesives, solvents and oil-based paints are all examples of items you may have that can be dangerous to your family.

Along with household chemicals, home electronics and propane tanks will also be collected this year. The computer monitor you use or the fluorescent bulbs lighting your home can contain extremely harmful elements such as lead or mercury.

All Household Hazardous Wastes, home electronics, fluorescent bulbs and propane tanks up to 20 pounds are collected for free.

There will be a five-dollar fee per computer monitor and TV (limit two TV's per household).

Everyone wishing to participate must first register with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Cayuga County by calling 255-1183 or by e-mailing solidwaste@cornell.edu. The registration deadline is Oct. 11, so hurry!

For more detailed information on what Household Hazardous Wastes or home electronics are accepted and of any fees associated with their disposal, please visit the Household Hazardous Waste Web site at http://www.cayuganet

.org/hazwaste.

October is the 10th anniversary of our kick-off event, which was originally held Oct. 25, 1997.

Visit the Web site for statistics from our past 15 events.

Covert is an AmeriCorps volunteer at the Cayuga County Department of Planning and Economic Development.