Household Hazardous Waste and Non-Toxic

Cleaners

November 30th, 2011Tara Roffler, Ramsey County and

Rebecca Kulas, Dakota County

Hazardous Waste in the Home Americans generate 1.6 million tons of

harmful household chemicals per year The average home accumulates 100 pounds

of hazardous waste over time

Overview Identifying hazardous products Proper storage Proper disposal Alternative cleaners Resources to share

hazardous waste: waste with characteristics that make it harmful to human health and the environment

CORROSIVE

IGNITABLE

REACTIVE

TOXIC

Household Hazardous Waste Aerosols Fluorescent Lamps

Appliances Mercury Products Batteries Oil & Oil Filters Corrosives Paints

Electronics Pesticides & Poisons Flammable Liquids Tires

Exposure Pathways for Chemicals

Inhaling Swallowing Absorption through

skin/eyes Contact from eating,

drinking or smoking

Why Are Labels Important? Gives product description Lists warnings Gives directions for proper use

Signal Words for Toxicity

Less Toxic Caution Mild hazard

Warning moderate hazard

More Toxic Danger: Poison

extremely flammable, corrosive or highly toxic

10 Safety Precautions

1. Do not use when children are present

2. Keep your house well ventilated

3. Wear protective clothing

4. Purchase only what you need

5. Don’t use hot water

10 Safety Precautions (continued)

6. Never mix cleaners

7. Rinse cleaned surfaces thoroughly

8. Avoid waxes and polishes, as well as toilet bowl and oven cleaners

9. Don’t use aerosol cleaners

10. Take extra precaution in the kitchen

Where to Store Hazardous Products Keep in original container Store in closet or garage, not kitchen Store flammables away from heat sources Keep out of reach of young children

What to Do with Leftover Chemicals

1. Use it up or share with a neighbor

2. Bring it to a county Household Hazardous

Waste collection site

Using Safer Cleaners in the Home

Identifying risks

and choosing alternatives

Chemical Chemical Health EffectHealth Effect ProductProduct

Alkyl phenoxy ethanolsHormone disruptors – can cause cancer and birth defects

Laundry detergents

All-purpose cleaners

Amyl acetate Neurotoxin Furniture polish

DioxaneImmunosuppressant

Carcinogen

Window cleaners

Laundry and dish soap

Phosphoric acid Corrosive skin toxicantTub and tile cleaners

Toilet cleaners

Habits for Safer Purchases Read the labels Choose the least harmful

product Choose low or no VOC

(Volatile Organic Compound) options

Buy only what you need Check the product for

Health and Safety Data

Look for Safer Cleaners

Biodegradable Non-toxic Most Plant-based

ingredients (note: some plant based ingredients can be harmful)

Product Certifications Third Party Certification Programs

Green Seal Eco Logo Greenguard

US EPA Design for the Environment

Current Products in the Marketplace

Natural IngredientNatural Ingredient PurposePurpose

Baking SodaDeodorizer, non-abrasive scouring powder

BoraxDeodorizer, disinfectant, non-abrasive scouring powder, all-purpose cleaner, mold inhibitor, rust stain remover

Citrus fruit (orange, lemon, lime)Grease cutter, deodorizer, flea repellent

Eucalyptus oil Insect repellent

Hydrogen Peroxide Bleaching agent and antibacterial

Natural IngredientNatural Ingredient PurposePurpose

Olive oil Wood polisher

Toothpaste Silver cleaner

Vegetable-based liquid soap General detergent product substitute

Washing SodaGrease cutter, stain remover, disinfectant, wax remover, deodorizer, removes hard water marks

White Distilled VinegarGrease cutter, cleaning wood and glass, removing tarnish

Habits for a Cleaner Home

Leave dirt outside Think of safer alternatives Follow product directions Clean up spills as soon as

possible Clean frequently

Resources www.rethinkrecycling.com www.pca.state.mn.us/waste/hhw/index.html http://householdproducts.nlm.nih.gov/index.htm County staff and web sites A Guide to Healthy Household Products Ramsey County A to Z Disposal Guide:

www.co.ramsey.mn.us/ph www.turi.org