Contact: Pamela McCurdy, 651-757-2559
Pamela.McCurdy@state.mn.us
Saint Paul, Minn. -- As spring turns into summer, many people are motivated to spruce up their lawn, home and clean out the clutter.
Americans generate 1.6 million tons of waste each year from common household products. These products can include paint, grease and rust removers, mold and mildew removers, oven cleaners and many more. Leftovers of these products, often referred to as household hazardous waste (HHW), may contain corrosive, toxic, flammable or reactive ingredients.
Improper disposal of household hazardous waste can include pouring them down the drain, on the ground, into storm sewers, or in some cases putting them in the trash. Improper disposal of these materials can pollute the environment.
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) provides the following tips:
-- Before you buy, always check the product labels -- Look for labeling that reads “DANGER,” “WARNING,” “CAUTION,” “TOXIC” or “POISON.” These warnings tell you if the product is harmful and how to use, store, and dispose of it safely.
-- Dispose of household products safely -- Never pour corrosive, toxic, flammable, or reactive household products down the sink, toilet or bathtub drain unless the products are made for that purpose.
-- Try alternative products when available -- Reach into the cupboard for common household materials such as baking soda and vinegar that can often do the job of a heavy-duty cleaner.
-- Keep leaves and other debris out of the street -- Leaves and grass can go in a backyard composter or compostable bag for transport to a local waste composting site. Just make sure to only bring the leaves and twigs, not the sand and grit. The sand and dirt mixed with the leaves belongs on your lawn, where it is good for the soil and vegetation.
-- Consider using phosphorus-free fertilizers if you fertilize your lawn -- Maintain a healthy lawn without contributing excess phosphorus to stormwater runoff. This helps to keep our lakes and wetlands free of excessive algae growth.
-- Be sure not to sweep debris into the street -- Oil-soaked dirt and grime can get washed into storm sewers and eventually end up in nearby streams, rivers or lakes. This material should go in the trash.
Many communities in Minnesota offer a variety of options for safely managing your HHW. Check with your local solid waste authority and or county for collections in your area. You can also check out the MPCA Web site for locations of household hazardous waste collections at www.pca.state.mn.us/hhw.
