Tip 2: Adopt Practices That Reduce Waste Toxicity
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addition to reducing the amount of materials in the solid waste stream,
reducing waste toxicity is another important component of source reduction.
Some jobs around the home may require the use of products containing hazardous
components. Nevertheless, toxicity reduction can be achieved by following
some simple guidelines.
Take
actions that use nonhazardous or less hazardous components to accomplish
the task at hand. Instead of using pesticides, for example, plant marigolds
in your garden to ward off certain pests. In some cases, you may be using
less toxic chemicals to do a job, and in others, you may use some physical
method, such as sandpaper, scouring pads, or just a little more elbow
grease, to achieve the same results.
Learn
about alternatives to household items containing hazardous substances.
In some cases, products that you have around the house can be used to
do the same job as products with hazardous components. (See Source
Reduction Alternatives Around the Home, or check with local libraries
or bookstores for guidebooks on nonhazardous household practices).
If
you do need to use products with hazardous components, use only the amounts
needed. Leftover materials can be shared with neighbors or donated to
a business, charity, or government agency, or, in the case of used motor
oil, recycled at a participating service station. Never put leftover products
with hazardous components in food or beverage containers.
For
products containing hazardous components, read and follow all directions
on product labels. Make sure the containers are always labeled properly
and stored safely away from children and pets. When you are finished with
containers that are partially full, follow local community policy on household
hazardous waste disposal (See Household Hazardous Waste Collection). If at
any time you have any questions about potentially hazardous ingredients
in products and their impacts on human health, do not hesitate to call
your local poison control center.
