How to Protect Lake George from Hazardous Household Waste

What are hazardous household products?
Hazardous household products have material that poses a threat to you or the environment. As a consumer, you might assume that a product is safe if it is for sale. However, thousands of common household products contain at least one hazardous substance. These products include cleaners, pool chemicals, lawn and garden care products, paint products, automotive fluids, medicine and some beauty products. Hazardous products have at least one of the following characteristics:

• Flammable – can easily be set on fire.
• Corrosive or caustic – can burn you.
• Explosive or reactive – can explode if exposed to heat, sudden shock or pressure
• Toxic or poisonous – can cause injury or death through ingestion, inhalation or absorption through the skin.

What is hazardous household waste?
Hazardous household waste (HHW) is generated by residential consumers, not manufacturers and businesses. The average home can accumulate as much as 100 pounds of HHW according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

The dangers may not be immediately obvious, but the improper disposal of HHW can pollute the environment and pose a threat to human health. Flammable or reactive HHW mixed in your garbage can release toxic fumes, explode, or catch fire, injuring your family or sanitation workers. If poured down drains and toilets, it can contaminate septic tanks or wastewater treatment plants. If poured on the ground or down storm drains, it can contaminate rivers, lakes and streams. It may seem that what you throw away is insignificant, but it is not when multiplied by millions of homes nationwide that throw away HHW.

What can you do? Buy products wisely.

• Read the label carefully. Make sure the product will do the job you want it to do.
• Buy only what you need to avoid leftover product.
• Consider buying non-toxic or less toxic alternatives. To learn more about alternatives around the home, visit the Environmental Protection Agency website.

Store products safely.

• Close lids tightly so products will not dry out, leak or evaporate.
• Store products in a cool, dry place away from heat or flame. Store away from children and pets.
• Store products in original containers with the label intact.
• Separate flammables, corrosives and poisons. Store them on separate shelves.

Use products safely.

• Read the label carefully before use and follow directions.
• Use only the recommended amount.
• Never mix products.
• Use the product in well-ventilated rooms and avoid breathing fumes.
• Use any eye or ear protection, gloves and protective clothing recommended.