Managing Hazardous Household Products

Haste makes waste, no less in life than in housekeeping.

Henry David Thoreau

Thousandsof common household products contain toxic ingredients that should be kept out of our waters. If we bring hazardous products into our homes, it is our responsibility to use, store, and dispose of them safely. Never pour toxic materials down your drain. They will flow into our sewer system where they can destroy essential bacteria. If poured onto the ground or into storm drains, toxins may flow straight into our Bay. If you are unsure of how to dispose of any material found around your home, call your township or the Ocean County Solid Waste Management Hotline at 1-800-55-RECYCLE.

Household Cleaners: Many soaps and detergents are biodegradable and can be safely washed down the drain. If a product doesn’t say “biodegradable” on the label, however, it’s unlikely that it is. Other types of household cleaners cannot be washed down the drain without harmful effects. Oven cleaners and bleach are poisonous. Furniture polish and spot removers are flammable, and ammonia-based cleansers and disinfectants contain strong chemicals, which can be harmful. Read the labels of the products in your cleaning closet. Do they contain such toxic components as lye, phenols, petroleum distillates, chloride, or dichlorobenzene? Note also the words danger, warning, toxic, corrosive, flammable, or poison. These identify products that may contain hazardous materials. Use them sparingly and dispose of them properly. Alternatively, try one of the Bay-Friendly alternatives listed at the end of this chapter.

Aerosols: Some aerosol cans contain hazardous chemicals. Look for a warning label on the product. Empty aerosol cans, including paint and pesticides, can be placed with the regular bottle/ can (CMR) recycle materials. Those with remaining contents can be taken to the Southern Ocean County Recycling Center, Recovery Rd., Manahawkin. To empty a can of its nonhazardous contents, discharge it outdoors into a deep cardboard box or paper bag; allow the box or bag to dry before placing it in the trash.

Please don’t put pesticides in the trash or down the drain.

Pesticides: Pesticides are designed to be toxic to pests, but they can harm birds, fish, pets, and humans, if misused. Store pesticides in their closed and labeled original containers, in a secure area, out of the reach of children and pets. Avoid storing pesticides in damp areas where containers may become moist or rusty. Pesticides should NOT be stored near food. Follow the label instructions strictly about where and how much to apply. Be stingy with them. Do NOT put pesticides in the trash or down the drain. For more information about safe pesticide use, call the National Pesticide Telecommunication Network at (800) 858-7378.

Cleaning and personal products: Most drain openers and toilet bowl cleaners are poisonous. Try some of the Bay-Friendly alternatives listed at the end of this chapter. Purchase soaps and shampoos that are phosphate-free and biodegradable.

Medicines: Unwanted or expired medicines or pharmaceuticals can be harmful to children or adults. By law, when a prescription has been filled, the pharmacy cannot take it back. Unused pharmaceuticals and medicines, except cancer treatment drugs and radioactives, should be kept in their original plastic containers, inside a separate, sealed plastic bag, and placed in the trash.

Paints and Stains: Old oil-based paints and marine paints may contain lead, PCBs, mercury, chromium, or cadmium, all of which are toxic to humans, animals, and the environment. Oil-based paint may be labeled “alkyd,” “contains solvents,” “clean up with mineral spirits,” “combustible,” or “enamel.” Liquid paint may be used, unless it contains lead. Latex paint can be disposed of as trash, if it is dry. To dry small amounts, remove the lid and let the paint dry in the can. For larger amounts, mix it in kitty litter or newspaper, or pour one-inch layers of paint in a cardboard box lined with a plastic bag. Stir the paint occasionally to speed the drying. Take old or unneeded paint to the Recycling Center on Recovery Road in Manahawkin.

Thinners and Solvents: Keep thinners and solvents in closed and labeled glass or metal containers. Some plastic containers may deteriorate in contact with solvents. Do NOT put leftover product in the trash or down the drain. If unneeded products cannot be given away for someone else to use, the municipal paint collection program at the Recycling Center accepts it.

Solvents mixed with paint may be reused. First, let the solids settle out and pour off the liquid for future use. Label the containers clearly. Dispose of the solids at an HHW collection. Alternatively, the solids may be dried out by adding absorbents such as kitty litter or vermiculite. Do this in a well ventilated area, away from ignition sources such as appliances with a motor or pilot light. Keep them away from children and pets.

Pool Chemicals: Many chemicals are used to clean, sanitize, or balance the water in swimming pools and hot tubs. Do not dispose of them in the trash or down the drain. Take them on an HHW collection day. See the Resources chapter. Seek out environmentally friendly chemicals.

Gasoline: Store gasoline in a container that is approved for gasoline storage. Do not fill the container up to the top; leave some air space for expansion. Store gasoline in a cool, dry place, away from any motor driven machine that could cause sparks, for example, washers and dryers.

Keep out of direct sunlight. Do NOT dispose of gasoline down a drain, into surface water, or in the trash. Take it to a gas station.

Antifreeze: Antifreeze is toxic to small children and may be deadly to animals, which are attracted by its sweet taste. Spent antifreeze may contain metals from the engine (lead, zinc, copper). Collect and store spent antifreeze in sealed, labeled,

The Southern Ocean County Recycling Center accepts the following Mon-Sat, 7:30 am - 3:00 pm.

• Antifreeze

• • Boat shrink-wrap

Florescent bulbs

• Lead acid batteries

• Household batteries

• Motor oil & oil filters

• Tires

• • Empty steel paint cans

Paint

• Phone books

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•

Computers Cell phones

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Household batteries are collected at the:

• Barnegat Light Post Office

• LBI Foundation of the Arts & Sciences

• Acme

Leaves & light brush plastic or metal containers, away from heat sources, children, and pets. Clean up spills with absorbent material, for example, kitty litter, shredded newspaper, vermiculite, or rags. Bag the waste materials and discard them in the trash. Flush the soiled area with water. Antifreeze does not go bad. Donate it to a friend who can use it, a mechanic, or a school auto shop. Take it to a service station or repair garage that accepts spent antifreeze.

• Brant Beach Post Office

• LB Twp. Municipal Building & Public Works Garage

Motor Oils: Motor oil is toxic to fish and other animals and plants. Do not mix oil with any other liquids. Cap oil containers to keep out dirt and water. Do NOT dispose of used oil in the trash, on the ground, or down a household drain or a storm drain. Clean up spills with kitty litter, vermiculite, or rags. Place it in a bag, and dispose of it at a HHW disposal event. Return used oil to a service station for recycling.

Like all gulls, the laughing gull (Larusatricilla) is a wonderful flier and good swimmer. It lives in coastal areas including salt marshes, bays, and estuaries. It is a medium-sized, long-winged gull with a long bill that droops toward the tip. The laughing gull is diurnal, that is, active mostly during the day.

Laughing gulls are the most common of the seaside gulls. Although their flat forehead and bill give them a “mean” look, they are not aggressive birds. They are named for their distinctive call, which sounds like ha-ha-ha-ha-haah.