The average Kansas household generates 15 pounds of HHW annually. Does yours? Would you know it if it did?
Household hazardous waste (HHW) is more than you think it is. Sure, you know you shouldn't pour used motor oil in the storm drain. Why? Because it's a health and environmental hazard. But take that thought a step further. What else might you be doing to unknowingly hurt the environment?
Let's say your family is moving. You clean things up. Maybe have a garage sale. Throw a lot of things out, right? Stop right there.
Because what's been hiding in your garage or basement or under your kitchen sink can do serious damage to the environment. It can get into the water system. It can hurt plants, animals - and you.
Leftover household products that contain corrosive, toxic, ignitable or reactive ingredients are considered hazardous. And you've got more of them than you might expect.
Remember the leftover flea repellent you tossed out? Toxic. How about the mostly-empty jug of carpet cleaner or the aerosol hairspray container? Flammable. Think about the oven cleaner you found in the back of the cupboard. You didn't like how it smelled. There's a reason for that - it's corrosive. Ditto for the fingernail polish remover.
The list goes on and on. Surprised? We're all part of the problem. Let's get involved in the solution.
