Household Hazardous Waste…Moving Toward a Safer Home

  • Published
  • By Penny Huston
  • 377th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico --  Many of the products we use every day contain chemicals that are potentially hazardous to our health and the environment. Household wastes are considered hazardous if they can burn easily; corrode or irritate the skin; have the potential to generate heat or explode, or are poisonous to humans and animals. These wastes include paints, insecticides, automotive products, solvents, and some cleaners. It is our responsibility, therefore, to properly use, store, and dispose of hazardous products. While most are used up and the packaging is disposed of in the trash or recycled, if possible, sometimes excessive products are left over and not needed. Unused products containing hazardous ingredients may leave the consumer with difficult disposal and storage decisions. In addition to the threat to health, some household hazardous waste can contribute to the contamination of natural resources.

Even though hazardous waste generated by individual households is not regulated under law, there are suggested methods for storage of household hazardous chemical.

· Keep substances in the original container

· Keep a list of stored hazardous products that you maintain at home, include the name and date of purchase

· Be sure the label is securely affixed to the container

· Keep in a cool, dry place

· Keep substances our of the reach of children and pets

· If the original container is leaking, enclose it in a larger container that is labeled properly

· Periodically check containers for deterioration

Proper use of products containing hazardous chemical is also recommended.

· Buy only what you need. Although it may be more enticing to buy the super sized container, ask yourself, how long will it take me to use this super size quantity and how often do I use it. Chemicals can deteriorate over a period of time and you may not get the results you are looking for.

· Carefully read and follow the label directions even if you have used the product before

· Use the product in the manner directed by the product manufacturer, for example, misapplication of oven and drain cleaners may cause irreparable eye damage

· Do not mix chemical substances. If you have a small amount of various cleaners, do not combine them into one bottle, chemical can react to each other causing harmful fumes and reactions

· Use at recommended strengths

· Use in areas well ventilated and avoid splashing on skin and in eyes

There are many safer alternatives to hazardous household products. Using these homemade substitutes will not only save money, but makes your home a safer place for you, your children and pets. Some examples are:

· All-Purpose Cleaners. Mix 3 tablespoons of washing soda in one quart of warm water or use baking soda and a small amount of water

· Glass and Window Cleaner. Use cornstarch and water or mix ½ cup vinegar with one quart of warm water

· Copper Cleaner. Pour vinegar and salt over copper, rub and rinse

· Lemon Furniture Polish. Dissolve 1 part lemon juice into 2 parts vegetable or mineral oil

· Spot Remover. Soak in cold water, lemon juice, club soda or corn meal and water

· Tub and Tile Cleaner. Rub area with one-half lemon dipped in borax or baking soda. Rinse and let dry.

"Kirtland Family Housing (KFH) has a hazardous waste disposal program," said Paul Tourne, of HBC Properties Managers, "however, no petroleum based items are accepted."

Items accepted include all types of paint and varnishes, computer items, and light bulbs. These items can be taken to KFH Maintenance, located at 1004 Golden Smoke Drive, SE. Hours of operation are, Monday thru Friday, 7:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. More information can be obtained by calling (505) 266-0079.

All Albuquerque/Bernalillo County residents can bring their household hazardous waste to the Hazardous Waste Collection Center, 6133 Edith Blvd., NE. Hours of operation are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., and Saturday from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. The facility is closed Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday and on holidays. For more information on types of household hazardous waste accepted at this location, you can call the Household Hazardous Waste Collection Hotline at (505) 345-1650. There is no charge for this service to residential customers.

Be sure to keep all household hazardous waste and cleaning products in a safe storage area away from children and pets. If you suspect your child or pet has ingested or come into contact with any hazardous substance immediately call the Poison Control Hotline at (505) 272-2222 or 1-800-432-6866. Many products also have label instructions on what to do if you suspect your child or pet has come into contact or ingested a toxic substance.
Proper use and disposal of household hazardous wastes is an on-going problem. Pouring used lubricants, paints and other hazardous substances on the ground or throwing them into the trash is no longer an option. Keeping our families safe and protecting the environment concerns everyone. Take a few minutes to read instructions and properly dispose used or unneeded products. The more we learn about household hazardous wastes the better stewards of the environment we become.