Disposal Methods of Hazardous Waste

When kept in your home or garage, hazardous wastes such as old paint, fuels, used fluorescent light bulbs and car batteries can take up space, leak and present a health hazard to your family and pets. To dispose of hazardous wastes, several options are available: throwing them away, recycling them or donating them to someone else. Some of these options are more environmentally friendly than others.

Throwing Them Away

• Many dispose of excess chemicals and other hazardous wastes by throwing them away or pouring them down the sink, down storm drains and in the street. Though this method may reduce clutter in your home and prevent your family and pets from being harmed by the chemicals, the consequences of these disposal methods are harmful to others. When hazardous wastes are thrown away, they get into septic tanks, wastewater treatment systems, waterways and soil where they harm plants, animals and other humans, particularly sanitation workers.

Hazardous Wastes Exchanges

• If you have old paint, fuel, antifreeze or other materials you don't use, you can give or sell them to someone who needs them. There are several national listings for people looking for hazardous wastes, including Recycler's World, Naroil and the Global Recycling Network. Browse listings in your area for people looking for your excess materials, or create your own listing to advertise the products you have available to donate or sell. Many people are willing to come to your home to pick up materials, and you can even earn some money by selling your unneeded wastes.

Recycling

• Recycling is another environmentally friendly way to dispose of any hazardous wastes you might have in your home. Most areas have hazardous waste recycling centers where you can bring your items after making an appointment, and some items may be placed at the curb with your can and bottle recycling. Many auto parts stores and office supply stores also accept various hazardous wastes, particularly batteries and motor oil.