Hazardous Waste: Being Smarter

Too often, Americans use (and misuse) toxic products and don't even realize they are doing so.  Raising awareness about these products will help us handle them in a safer manner and reduce how much of them we use.  While Rachel Carson's legendary book, Silent Spring initially raised concerns about pesticides in the sixties, several notable disasters brought toxic chemicals into the headlines in the seventies and eighties.

One of the most notable Incidents was the poisoning of the Niagara Falls neighborhood, Love Canal.  Even here in Blair County, chemical dumps left by the railroad were uncovered at Altoona's Easterly Sewage Treatment Plant and at the Sam Rea Shops in Hollidaysburg.  These and other chemical exposures and related health problems prompted the passage of both federal and state laws regulating them.  Their manufacturing, use and disposal became stringently regulated and the most toxic were outlawed all together. 

Much good has come from these regulations and industry has handled these materials more carefully, while decreasing production of many of them.  Less toxic alternatives have been developed in further response to these restrictions and concerns from the public.  The move toward VOC-free paint is a perfect example.  Despite many positive developments, we should still pay attention to what we do in our own homes, gardens and workplaces.  Here is a list of some things to keep in mind when dealing with hazardous materials.

• Use it up.  A number of hazardous products, including paint, are actually less harmful when they are used as directed.  Though they are toxic and should be handled carefully, some things are more challenging to dispose and are better off being used up.  These things include many cleaners and disinfectants, all kinds of oils and lubricants, drain cleaners, and medications.  (It should be noted that medications are not accepted at most household hazardous waste events but are accepted at the police departments in Altoona, Tyrone and Hollidaysburg here in Blair County, Pennsylvania.  In other locations, check with your local recycling office.)
• Only buy what you need.  Many folks find themselves with too much of some things, especially paint.  When you must buy products with toxic components, try your best to buy only what you need.  About 90% of participants brought paint, indicating we buy much more paint than we can use.
• Look for less toxic alternatives.  Many less or non-toxic alternatives are now available instead of the traditionally poisonous products we have used for half a century.  Citrus based solvents, VOC-free paints, water-based wood stains and insect controls that are not toxic to people are all available.  Unfortunately, many stores only stock the poisons and are likely to continue that trend until consumers demand the less hazardous options.
• Change your habits.  Look for ways that you can eliminate the need for poisons.  Design your landscape so that you don't need all that weed killer.  Cut your grass a bit higher to naturally discourage broadleaf weeds like dandelion and plantain.  Be more meticulous in the kitchen so insects are less likely to find the place attractive.  Be careful what you put down the drain so you don't need caustic drain cleaners.
  
• Just say no!  We'd be better off if we just avoided some things all together.  There are some things we simply should not buy or use.  When I looked for HHW for our television advertisement for the July collection, I had a hard time finding anything in my house.  Contrary to what the manufacturers tell you, a comfortable life is possible without a garage full of toxic chemicals.
• Recognize what isn't dangerous.  We are always amazed how much non-toxic stuff ends up at our hazardous waste collection.  Though we now take latex paint at our collection, it is toxic only if the liquid paint ends up in water supplies.  Dry or hardened, it is inert and harmless.  Residents also often include mild household cleaners, fertilizers, detergents, shampoo and empty paint cans.  (Those empty aerosol cans and steel paint containers can actually be recycled with your other cans.)
• Recycle what's left.  Many local HHW collections gives you a chance to recycle or properly dispose of whatever you can't or don't want to use anymore.