GO GREEN ST. TAMMANY

GO GREEN ST. TAMMANY

A GREEN LIVING GUIDE FOR ST. TAMMANY

PRODUCED BY

ST. TAMMANY PARISH GOVERNMENT

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES Green-Living

DOS AND DON'TS OF HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE

To make sure you are recycling and disposing of Household Hazardous Waste correctly, take a minute to read over these topics. You may discover that you have been doing something wrong all along.

DO

Look carefully for a natural, non-hazardous substitute before buying.

DO

Read the label and follow use, storage and disposal directions carefully.

DO

Keep all chemicals out of the reach of children and pets.

DON'T

Mix chemical products or wastes. Dangerous, toxic reactions can occur.

DO

Completely finish products in containers before disposal.

DON'T

Re-purpose pesticide or other chemical containers.

DO

Select water-based products over solvent-based products when available.

DON'T

Store corrosives, flammables and poisons together.

DO

Choose the pump spray or other alternatives rather than aerosol sprays.

FLAMMABLE SOLIDS ARE DANGEROUS!

These are solid wastes that pose a fire threat. Flammable solids are materials that have the potential to ignite by friction or heat sources, or by contact with other chemicals. The danger associated with flammable solids is that they have the potential to combust. Flammability is one of the more common dangers of hazardous wastes and must be watched carefully. Examples of flammable solids are charcoal, matches, candles and silicon based caulking products.

DID YOU KNOW...

USED MOTOR OIL IS A HAZARDOUS WASTE?

Used motor oil is a hazardous waste and cannot go into your curbside garbage or trash for pickup. Do not pour used motor oil into storm drains or water systems. One gallon of motor oil can contaminate 1 million gallons of water, so it is important to dispose of oil properly. When changing your car's motor oil and filter, take it to one of the local household hazardous waste recyclers or to your local mechanic. They will be able to assist with the proper disposal of used motor oil.

Of all petroleum pollution in

62% the United States comes from used lubrication oil.

Of do-it-yourself auto me-

10% chanics recycle their waste oil properly.

Of the pollution in America`s

40% waterways is from used engine oil.

FLUORESCENT LIGHT BULBS

The bulbs are perfectly safe as long as the glass is not broken and for that reason it is important to be especially careful when disposing of spent fluorescent bulbs. Since they contain mercury, fluorescent bulbs should be recycled in order to ensure that they stay out of landfills where they could contaminate the air, soil and/or groundwater. Recycling prevents the release of mercury

into the environment.

MANAGING HHW

01 WHAT MAKES A PRODUCT HAZARDOUS? Household Hazardous Waste (HHW)

Hazardous waste is waste that is dangerous or potentially harmful to our health or the environment. Hazardous waste can be liquids, solids, gases, or sludges. They can be discarded commercial products, like cleaning fluids or pesticides, or the by-products of manufacturing processes.

02 NON-TOXIC CLEANING PRODUCTS How are these any better for the environment?

Using non-toxic commercial cleaning products and products like vinegar and baking soda minimizes exposure to toxins and provides a healthier indoor environment. Buying concentrated cleaners saves money and creates fewer large plastic containers to dispose of. Eco labels help guide consumers in purchasing products with reduced environmental impact.

03 WHY BRING TO A COLLECTION DAY? What's the point? Can't I throw them in the trash?

When handled or disposed of improperly, HHW materials can harm the environment and pose health and safety threats to you, your family, your pets and sanitation workers. Never throw HHW products in the garbage, sink or toilet, into a storm drain, or on the ground.

04 I MISSED THE COLLECTION DAY Do I have to hold onto them until next year?

Many household hazardous materials can be recycled locally year-round. (For a list of businesses and materials accepted, see the index in the back of this guide.) Items that can be donated for recycling include batteries, building materials and paint, clothes and household goods, and several

other miscellaneous items.

ACCORDING TO THE U.S. EPA, AMERICAN HOMES GENERATE 1.6 TONS OF HHW PER YEAR. THE AVERAGE HOME CAN ACCUMULATE AS MUCH AS 100 POUNDS OF HHW IN BASEMENTS, GARAGES AND STORAGE CLOSETS.

HHW IS SOMETIMES DISPOSED OF IMPROPERLY

When people dispose of hazardous materials by pouring them pouring wastes down the drain, on the ground, into storm sewers, or putting them out with the trash, they are exposing themselves and others to dangers that have the potential to: 1. Present hazards to children if left around the house 2. Contaminate septic tanks or wastewater treatment systems if poured down

drains or toilets 3. Pollute bodies of water if poured into storm sewers 4. Cause physical injury to sanitation workers 5. Contaminate ground water and surface water that is used as

a source of drinking water if sent to the unprotected landfills.

WHAT IS HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE?

Household hazardous waste is any product labeled toxic, poisonous, corrosive, flammable, combustible or any irritant that requires proper disposal. You'd be surprised at the amount of toxic chemicals that are hiding in your closet, garage or shed! These items present a danger to both your health and your environment.

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