Being Safe with Hazardous Waste!
Hi, it’s me Freshwater Freddie! Did you know that grease isn’t the only harmful thing people put into our water? There are other types of waste, called hazardous waste, which can damage the Upstate’s water! Many products you use in your home and yard have hazardous chemicals in them like cleaning products, paints and pesticides. There are lots of things around your house that may not look hazardous but can be if they aren’t disposed of in the right way such as:
· Batteries
· Fluorescent lights
· Aerosol cans
· Used cooking oils
· Thermometers
· Prescription medications
The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) estimates that the average household disposes one pound of hazardous waste every year. That adds up to about 1,150,000 pounds from households in South Carolina! Most of these hazardous waste products aren’t harmful unless they are used, stored or disposed of in the wrong way. Unfortunately most people improperly dispose of hazardous waste by:
· Pouring it down the drain
· Throwing it in the trash
· Burning it
· Pouring it in a ditch
· Burying it in a field
· Dumping it in a vacant lot
By not disposing of them correctly, hazardous waste products can contaminate our lakes, rivers, streams and groundwater. It only takes a small amount of hazardous waste contamination to cause big problems with the water that we use in our homes. That is why disposing of hazardous waste properly is so important. You can play a big role in protecting our water and our environment by helping us teach people the proper way to dispose of hazardous wastes! Here are just a few ways you can help when disposing of hazardous wastes:
· Follow the instructions on product’s label.
· Use all of the product – if you use all of it, there will be no hazardous waste to get rid of!
· Recycle the product by contacting your local recycling center and ask what wastes they accept.
· Donate any unused products to local service organizations.
Another way you can help is by using different products. When you and your family are shopping, try buying products that are nontoxic or less harmful to the environment. Also, remember to only buy as much as you need so you won’t have any waste to get rid of! By looking for alternatives and getting rid of waste in the right way, you can help keep our water safe!
Check back next month when I’ll have more exciting and fun ways for you to help keep your community clean and healthy!
