Seven Hazardous Household Products: What You Need to Know
(Page 2 of 3)
Dec. 16, 2008
By Ramsey Cox
3. Medications
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Both prescriptions and over-the-counter medication can expire, but it is bad to throw them in your trash or flush them. They can contaminate water supplies and harm wildlife. In March 2008 an Associated Press investigation found low levels of over-the-counter drugs such as ibuprofen and pharmaceuticals — including mood stabilizers, antibiotics, sex hormones and anti-convulsants — in drinking water supplies of several major cities causing concern of what the long-term effects could be from this exposure. The investigation concluded that most of the drugs came from residual medication in urine, but acknowledged that many Americans flush unused medicine down the toilet adding to the problem. Some pharmacies will take back unused or expired drugs; otherwise take them to the HHW site.
4. Compact florescent lamps (CFLs)
CFL bulbs are significantly more energy efficient than incandescent light bulbs, but they contain a small amount of mercury, which only harms the environment when the bulbs break. An older CFL bulb contains about 4 milligrams of mercury. Newer bulbs contain about 1.4 milligrams, which it still too much to throw away in some states. Home Depot has a CFL recycling program where you can bring your unbroken bulbs into any of its stores for free recycling. If a bulb breaks and your state allows you to throw CFLs away, put the broken bulb in two plastic bags or a glass jar to prevent further contamination. Follow these safe steps when cleaning up a broken CFL.
5. Paint and paint thinner
In many states it is illegal to throw away paint or paint thinner. When the cans leak at the dump, they can contaminate drinking water and the ocean. You can dispose of your old paint and thinner at a HHW site. Paint can be reused if you take it to a paint store and have it remixed or you can donate it to Habitat for Humanity if it’s still good. Another solution is just buying the amount of paint you’ll actually need for your project. Smaller can sizes are available.
6. Electronics
Electronic waste, also known as e-waste, is also illegal to throw away in some states. To find out the rules in your state the Environmental Protection Agency has started a program called eCycling. E-waste can be TVs, MP3 players, video game consoles, computers or computer monitors. All of these contain lead; some can contain as much as 8 pounds of lead. According to Earth911, 315 million computers, which equals 1.2 billion pounds of lead, were in U.S. landfills in 2004. Lead is bad for our nervous systems and kidneys. Several electronics stores and companies recycle old products when you replace them with new ones. If you just need to get rid of the device and aren’t replacing it, some have an e-waste disposal fee or if it still works, take it to Goodwill or list the item on Freecycle or Craigslist.
