Guidelines - Hazardous Waste and Alternative Products

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Hazardous Waste Disposal & Alternatives

Don't put hazardous or medical waste (electronics, syringes, flourescents, pesticides, solvents, etc.) in your trash, recycling or drain.

Avoid using hazardous products. (Alternatives to Hazardous Products)

The average home contains more than 60 hazardous products, which pose serious safety issues:

Hazardous waste can endanger the health and safety of people and pets.

Putting hazardous waste in the garbage or recycling puts collectors and sorters at risk.
Pouring them down the drain overloads sewage facilities and endangers fish and other animals.

Safe Hazardous Waste Disposal Options in Your Area, including free drop sites:

Benton County / Kennewick - 509-736-3804
Chelan County - 509-667-6415
Douglas County - 509-886-0899
Island County - (360) 679 7386, (360) 321 5111 ext. 7386
King County - 206-296-4692
Kitsap County - 360-337-5777
Kittitas County - 509-962-7542
Kootenai County - 208-446-1430
Skagit County - 360-424-9532
Snohomish County - 425-388-6050
Spokane County - 509-625-6800

What Is Household Hazardous Waste?:

Material in containers labeled "Warning", "Caution", "Danger", or "Poison", such as:

Medical
Syringes
Pharmaceuticals
Mercury-containing thermometers

Cleaners
Aerosol sprays
Disinfectants
Drain cleaners
Flea and roach killers
Spot removers
Toilet bowl cleaners
Metal polish
Oven cleaner
Solvents

Electronics
Computers
TVs
Cell phones

Mercury-containing Items
Fluorescent bulbs & tubes
Mercury thermostats
Nicad batteries

Lawn & Garden
Insecticides
Herbicides
Fertilizer

Paint-related Products
Paint, stain, varnish
Paint thinners
Paint strippers

Automotive
Used motor oil
Used antifreeze
Gasoline
Vehicle batteries Brake fluid
Carburetor cleaner
Diesel fuel
Transmission fluid
Car polish or wax

Hobby & Recreation
Photographic chemicals
Chemistry set chemicals
Pool and spa chemicals

Safe Alternative to Hazardous Household Products

Find and use the safest products

Read Labels:

Least toxic are products with that don't have warnings. Avoid products marked "Danger" or "Poison".The same warning words don't always mean the same kind of hazard.

Safest label: Does not have "Caution, Warning, Danger, or Poison"
Moderate Hazard: "Caution, Warning"
Highest Hazard: "Danger, Poison"

Check Scent: (No scent or only mild scent)

Scented products pollute the air with chemicals--especially challenging for children and people with respiratory ailments or sensitive skin, but not healthy for anyone.

Check ingredients. Manufacturers are not required to list all ingredients. Many products don't list ingredients in the 'Inert' category, even though they may have potential toxic effects. Even when ingredients are listed, the information can be confusing. Use the warning words as a guide. Learn more about potential health risks of products by name (National Institutes of Health).

Follow product instructions for safest use. The fine print will tell you about products not to mix (like ammonia and bleach), safe clean up and storage, and how to avoid water pollution or environmental harm.

Use or make safer alternatives

Vinegar and baking soda are inexpensive, effective and safe for most cleaning needs. Use them first with a bit of elbow grease! Vinegar tips.

Use natural yard care techniques to keep your yard and household healthier.

Support green businesses: Shop at businesses that offer less toxic alternatives and contribute to keeping the environment cleaner (EnviroStars).

More information:

Washington Toxics Coalition: details on hazardous products & alternatives.
Washington Poison Center: Mr. Yuk stickers, etc.; 1 800 222-1222
American Lung Association

Safer Alternative References:

Clean it Fast, Clean it Right - Edited by Jeff Brendenberg, Rodale Press. Household tips from A to W (even a remedy for shrunken sweaters!) using common generic products.

Clean House, Clean Planet - Karen Logan, Pocket Books. Wealth of cleaning information and rates the effectiveness and cost estimates of alternatives.

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