HHW: Don't just throw it away

  • Published
  • By Dan Mayette
  • 4th Civil Engineer Squadron
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  Leftover household products that contain corrosive, toxic, ignitable or reactive ingredients are "household hazardous wastes" or "HHW." They come in the form of paints, cleaners, oils, and pesticides that contain potentially hazardous ingredients.

Special care must be taken when disposing of these items. Improper disposal of HHW includes pouring them down the drain, on the ground, into storm sewers and in some cases putting them in the trash. The dangers of such disposal methods might not be immediately obvious, but improper disposal of these wastes can pollute the environment and pose a threat to human health.

Americans generate 1.6 million tons of HHW per year with the average home accumulating as much as 100 pounds of HHW in their basements, garages or storage areas. To reduce HHW, purchase products without hazardous ingredients or use homemade cleaning solutions such as:
· Glass cleaner - Mix a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice with a quart of water. Spray on surface and use newspaper to wipe dry.
· Toilet bowl cleaner - Use a toilet brush and baking soda or vinegar, note this cleans but does not disinfect.
· Plant sprays - Wipe leaves with mild soap and water, then rinse-off.
· Furniture polish - Mix a teaspoon of lemon juice with a pint of mineral or vegetable oil and wipe-off furniture.
Certain types of HHW have the potential to cause physical injury to sanitation workers or contaminate septic tanks or wastewater treatment systems if poured down drains or toilets. They also present hazards to children and pets if left around the house.

Federal law allows disposal of HHW in the trash; however, many communities have collection programs for HHW to reduce the potential harm posed by these chemicals. The Wayne County Landfill operates a collection facility that accepts most HHW. For more information about the landfill, call (919) 689-2994. For questions regarding HHW on base, call 722-5168.