Your home is the last place you would think of when you are asked about places that contain hazardous wastes. Think again! A large number of things you use in and around your home are in reality hazardous in nature. Since we don’t view these materials as hazardous, we do not even dispose of them correctly. Some of these materials need to be disposed of in particular ways, or they can harm the environment. If you aren’t sure what to do, it’s best to call a rubbish removal professional that will help you dispose of any hazardous waste safely and legally. Given below is a list of substances that you have in your house which are hazardous in nature –
1. Sanitation And Cleaning Products
The Environment Protective Agency states that products that you keep in your house for sanitation and cleaning are often hazardous in nature. These products are toxic and corrosive in nature and are often highly flammable. If you keep them for a long time they can often become hazardous wastes. You should always check the proper ways to dispose these products and if unsure check with your community waste management authority.
2. Cosmetics
Even your range of cosmetic products can become hazardous wastes if you do not dispose them off properly. From your nail paint, nail paint remover, hair spray, body spray to your hair coloring product, they are all potential hazardous waste material. You will be able to find out how to discard them properly at the back of the product.
3. Batteries
You would have never thought that the batteries that you use in your music system or your children’s toys can ever be hazardous waste. These batteries have heavy metal content which makes them hazardous. These heavy metals can badly affect the environment if you do not dispose them off properly. Mercury, lead and nickel are some of the metals used in these batteries and these are highly dangerous. Even your old car batteries can become hazardous waste. However, if you recycle them properly you can reduce this harmful impact on the environment.
4. Energy Efficient CFL Bulbs
Yes! You did read that correctly. The “green” energy efficient bulbs that you use in your house can also become hazardous waste when they are broken and have to be disposed. These bulbs contain mercury, which is a highly toxic metal. When you use these bulbs, carefully follow the proper procedure when you are cleaning them and also use certified DATS rubbish removal bins for disposing them.
5. Pesticides And Insecticides
Pesticides and insecticides that you use in your home to get rid of pests like mice and rats and insects like cockroaches and bugs are highly hazardous. They are poisonous and contain toxic chemicals apart from being highly flammable. They can also cause poisoning if you are subject to the fumes directly.
6. Medical Wastes
Medical wastes like used syringes and bandages are highly hazardous in nature and you should dispose them off carefully. Do not keep expired medicines at home.
The EPA has ordered manufacturers of such products to clearly state the ingredients used and the proper ways to dispose them. Always be sure to read the instructions carefully before using and disposing them.
Very well written post, I must say. Waste disposal is really important these days owing to the growing population every where. There is a lot of waste that I see around me each day and this disturbs me to the core. When I read your article, I felt motivated to do something. This weekend, me and my friends have planned to collect all the waste lying in our society and disposing it off at a safe place. Everyone should do the same!