CEMA

What Is Household Hazardous Waste?
Many products found in your home can pose a health or environmental hazard if you don't dispose of them properly. Anything labeled as toxic, flammable, corrosive, reactive, infectious or radioactive can threaten family health and safety. According to national estimates, each home contains 3 - 8 gallons of hazardous materials in kitchens, bathrooms, garages and basements. Throwing these materials into the garbage can result in sanitation workers who may be injured by fires or explosions or poisoned by acids. Hazardous wastes that reach our landfills can leach into the soil, polluting water and threatening all living things. Substances poured into household drains and toilets enter into the sewage treatment process, eventually impacting fish and wildlife. Substances poured on soil or streets or into storm drains are carried to our streams. As little as one pint of solvent can cause measurable fish kills.

Household Hazardous Waste Basics
Common household products containing hazardous materials pose a threat to people and the environment, especially when handled and managed improperly. This brochure is intended to serve as a guide for safe handling and management of many household hazardous products and wastes. When managing household hazardous products, there are two basic principles to keep in mind: Whenever possible, use up a product or donate it to someone who can. In many cases, even products that have been stored for a few years can still be safely used according to label directions. In addition, some wastes can be regenerated or recycled, such as motor oils, solvents, and car batteries.

Safety Measures and Best Management Practices
Make sure you do the following:

Buy and use less hazardous substitutes whenever possible.
Buy only what you need.
Wear gloves and protective clothing to prevent skin contact.
Handle the substance gently, especially if you don’t know what it is.
Follow directions carefully when using any hazardous product.
Keep hazardous substances out of the reach of children and pets and away from heat sources or open flame.
Always read labels before you buy a product to be sure it will meet your needs.
Use non-aerosol products in reusable containers.

Make sure you DON'T do the following:

Mix materials or wastes together.
Dispose of large quantities of any toxic substance in a septic system.
Bury or burn containers of leftover substances.
Dispose of materials into the storm sewer.
Breathe fumes from toxic materials.
Buy aerosols: use pump sprays instead.

Acids/Alkalies
Acids (hydrochloric, muriatic, sulfuric) and alkalies or caustics (ammonia, lye) are typically the main ingredients in cleaning compounds and drain openers. Use these materials according to label directions whenever possible. These products are usually usable even when a few years old. However, be sure not to mix products together or dangerous fumes could result.

Aerosols
Be sure to empty aerosol containers completely before disposing with other trash to prevent an explosion hazard. Better yet, purchase pump sprays instead of aerosols.

Antifreeze/Coolant
Used antifreeze can be diluted thoroughly with water and poured down the sanitary sewer drain. DO NOT pour antifreeze into an outdoor into an outdoor storm sewer, where it may do directly into a waterway without treatment. Animals and children are attracted to the sweet taste of antifreeze, so store or dispose of it where they won’t be tempted to drink it.

Bleach
Even old bleach can be used according to label directions as a cleaning agent and disinfectant. If you can’t use it, dilute with large amount of water and pour down drain. Never mix bleach with ammonia or with acidic products such as some drain, toilet bowel, and metal cleaners. Toxic fumes (strong enough to be fatal) will result.

Car Batteries
Under State law* you must take old car batteries to a retailer for recycling. Check your yellow pages under “batteries” for stores that sell new batteries and take used batteries to be recycled. *O.C.G.A. 12-8-28

Gas Cylinders
Butane, propane, or other pressurized gas cylinders should not be disposed of with other refused because of the serious explosion hazard. Contact a retailer to have the cylinder refilled or disposed of properly. If you are sure a cylinder id completely empty, is no longer under pressure, and can’t be reused, thin it can be disposed of in the trash.

Gasoline
Avoid buying more than you can use in six months and store in a cool dry place. Gasoline less than one year old can be safely used as fuel in you car, lawnmower, etc. when first strained through a paint filter and then “regenerated” by mixing it with fresh gasoline.

Mercury
Mercury is highly toxic and can be absorbed through the skin. You should remember two important things: DON’T TOUCH MERCURY and DON’T THROW MERCURY IN THE GARBAGE. Your local high school or university laboratory may be interested in taking it. Otherwise you can send mercury to a recycler. Contact Georgia Environmental Protection Division for assistance in locating recyclers.

Paint
Small amounts of paint can be hardened by taking the lid off the can or pouring it over old newspaper or absorbent material to dry. Once paint is solid, you can place it in the trash. Paint that is still usable should be donated to a neighbor, school, theater group, or community organization in your area.

Pesticides/Herbicides
Use pesticides and herbicides according to label directions. Avoid disposal whenever possible. If you can’t use the material see if a neighbor or local garden club can. Never reuse containers. Empty containers should be rinsed three times and then spray the rinse water on your lawn or garden. Contact the local extension agent or State department of Agriculture for handling of large amounts that can’t be used.

Solvents
You can clean used solvents (paint thinner, turpentine, varnish, stripper) by allowing the paint or dirt particles to settle out in a glass container, gently pour the clear solvent into another container and reuse. Discard the sludge in the trash. DO NOT dump onto the soil, or down sewers, drains or the toilet. Solvents may also be solidified (See paint). Large amounts (over 10 gallons) should be taken to a recycler. Contact Georgia EPD for additional assistance.

Used Motor Oil
Motor oil should be recycled. Check with local service stations for assistance.