Recycling part 2...Hazardous waste

Ok, so yesterday we covered things that you recycle or throw in the trash, but what about those that you can't do either with.  What about hazardous waste?  Hazardous waste is stuff like:

Bug spray
Fertilizer
Pesticide/insecticide
Fungicide
Herbicide
Weed killer
Paint and Paint-Related Products
Latex/water-based paint
Oil-based paint
Turpentine paint stripper
Rust remover
Paint thinner
Varnish
Automotive Fluids and Batteries
Used motor oil and filters
Gasoline and diesel fuel
Kerosene
Auto body repair products
Windshield washer solution
Antifreeze
Brake and transmission fluid
Lead acid batteries
Metal polish with solvent
Beauty Products and Medicines
Alcohol-based lotions
Isopropyl alcohol
Medicine
Nail polish and nail polish remover
Hair relaxers, dyes and permanents
Products in aerosol cans
Sharps
Household Cleaners
Ammonia-based cleaners
Oven and drain cleaners
Floor care products
Aerosol cleaners
Window cleaners
Furniture polish
Metal polishes and cleaners
Tub, tile and toilet bowl cleaners
Fluorescent lights
Mercury thermometers
Photographic chemicals
Lighter fluid
Shoe polish
Fiberglass epoxy
Swimming pool chemicals
Moth balls
Glue
Mercury batteries

The first step is to stop using many of these products so you don't have to find a way to dispose of them.  And that's what this blog is for!  Check back in to see great ways to cut many of the HAZARDOUS products out of your life all together.  

But there are some things we just haven't found a way around yet.  So if you need to dispose of them, do it properly.  The handiest way to do this is to use Earth 911.  They have made it super easy to just type in what you have to dispose of and where you live, and they will give you a list of possible recycling locations.   

There are a couple of other things you might not find on Earth 911.   If you have E-waste (and who doesn't now a days?) make sure you find a responsible place to recycle it so that it doesn't end up in a pile in India or China with small children raking through the toxic parts for scrap metal (this is what happens people).  If you have a computer, or computer components, find a Staples near you.  I had to do this a few years ago and there is a small fee ($20 I think for the biggest dinosaur of a computer you can imagine) , but it is well worth it for the peace of mind.  Visit eiae.org to find out where to recycle all your other old e-stuff.  

 

That's as easy as it's going to get people! I know it requires a little bit of effort, but for the health of the planet and the people who are going to live here after you (AKA your children) it's worth it!

For more information on items in this blog check out:

Gorgeously Green: 8 Simple Steps to an Earth-Friendly Life