Household Hazardous Waste

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While most household waste can be safely stored and disposed of by simply taking out the garbage, hazardous waste must be treated differently. Certain products cannot simply be poured down the drain, into sewer systems, or on the ground. Proper disposal not only protects the environment, but it also protects you, your family, and anyone coming into contact with this waste. 

How to Handle Household Hazardous Waste Properly

The first essential tip starts with following the instructions on the product label. By meeting the requirements listed, you can help prevent any accidents from occurring. This includes reading the instructions as to the disposal of the product itself. 

Many chemicals that are improperly handled may become dangerous when mixed with other chemicals, exposed to the skin, or inhaled into the lungs. Chemicals that are flammable not only may catch on fire but explode and cause considerable damage and injury. The product label should inform you what to do with hazardous materials once you no longer have need of them. 

It is recommended that you store chemicals in their original containers whenever possible. If the container is corroding, then you may want to call the local fire department or hazardous materials official in your area. You also never want to mix hazardous waste with other chemicals. If you have leftover chemicals, it may be tempting to mix them with other unwanted chemicals or products so they can be disposed of together. However, the mixture may cause additional issues such as explosions, fire, or other serious problems. 

Most communities have designated sites for the proper disposal of household hazardous waste. Check to see where your local designated site is located and what materials they accept. 

Reducing Household Hazardous Waste in Your Home

Instead of purchasing potentially dangerous products, you can instead use alternatives where available. Here’s a short list of alternatives that are safe to use, store, and dispose of when no longer needed: 

  • Drain Cleaner: Plumber’s snake or plunger 
  • Furniture Polish: Mix one teaspoon of lemon juice with one pint of vegetable oil 
  • Glass Cleaner: Mix one tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice with one quart of water
  • Mothballs: Cedar chips, rosemary, or white peppercorns
  • Rug Deodorizer: Sprinkle baking soda and vacuum after 15 minutes

Why Choose Brickley Environmental? 

If you have questions about the proper use, storage, and disposal of household hazardous waste, call the experts at Brickley Environmental. Your call will be answered by friendly, courteous staff who will listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and provide the proper guidance so you can make the best-informed decision.

At Brickley Environmental, we work with people who have the same issues that you are facing with hazardous household waste including its proper disposal. We also provide expert services in asbestos abatement, lead-based paint removal, mold remediation, demolition, and more. Call today and find out more about how Brickley Environmental can help you. 

For more information about properly disposing of hazardous waste, click here to visit the EPA website.

Identifying Greener Cleaning Products

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Cleaning products are an absolute necessity for keeping spaces free from contaminants. The same products that clean may also use toxic or harmful chemicals that cause their own issues. 

The chemicals used may linger in the air and cause physical irritation. Those with health issues such as asthma or other respiratory illnesses may suffer a reaction to the presence of chemicals in the air.

Green Products

Cleaning products that only use non-toxic, natural properties have been on the rise for years. They are normally identified by a green label which indicates that they are green, eco-safe, or environmentally friendly. The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has a Safer Choice program that provides official labels to identify products that meet green standards. 

Such labels from the FDA make it easier to identify green products. Keep in mind that not all green labels are from the FDA nor do they meet the same requirements. This means that if you are concerned about the cleaning products you use, it pays to know how to identify what is officially a “green” product.

Issues with Chemical Cleaning Products

The risk of being exposed to cleaning products that use chemicals as opposed to natural ingredients will depend in large part on the sensitivity of the person and the type of environment where it is being used. A low concentration of cleaning products used in a well-ventilated area reduces the risk of being exposed and causing an unwanted reaction. 

A poorly ventilated area that uses a high concentration of cleaning chemicals raises the risk of exposure. Such hazards must include the following considerations. 

Housekeeping Staff: Those employed in janitorial services are directly exposed daily. Proper handling using gloves and protective gear is recommended. 

Waste Water: Chemicals may be exposed to populations outside the building in which they were used when washed down the drain. They are still present despite the dilution. 

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): VOCs present a real danger when exposed on a regular basis. This is especially true for older cleaning products that have been stored for quite some time. 

Why Choose Brickley Environmental? 

The experts at Brickley Environmental have considerable familiarity with cleaning products of all types when it comes to their ingredients.

Brickley Environmental is here for you when you are not sure about the substances you have stored on your property.

For more information on safe cleaning products visit the EPA’s website here.

Home Chemical Safety Tips

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You may be surprised to learn just how many hazardous chemicals are in your home. This is because many chemicals are used for cleaning, providing anti-freeze or brake fluid for your vehicles, and even nail polish remover or contact cement. There are four basic types of substances that are harmful to you, your family, and pets that may be in your home.

  • Acidic: They destroy materials on contact
  • Explosive: Under the right conditions, they can explode
  • Flammable: Easy to set aflame
  • Poisons: These are toxic if consumed

For the most part, harmful chemicals are marked as such for easy identification. You will need to treat such chemicals differently in terms of use and storage compared to harmless materials.

Storage

Proper storage of harmful chemicals will go a long way to prevent accidents from occurring. What follows are a few tips if you have such chemicals in the home.

Follow Instructions: Proper use of harmful chemicals will minimize exposure to you and everyone else in the household. With insecticides, be sure to clear the area and let the product fully dry before letting children and pets back in.

Keep All Harmful Chemicals Out of Reach of Children and Pets: In other words, store such chemicals high on a shelf and not in a cabinet. Remember that locked cabinets are still not 100% and you may forget to shut the door. But keeping them out of reach will prevent almost all accidents from occurring.

Store in a Cool, Dry Place: Keeping them stored at room temperature and normal humidity conditions will not keep potentially explosive chemicals from becoming unstable. It will also preserve their effectiveness for longer periods.

Toss Out Old, Unused Chemicals: Every so often, you will want to remove old chemicals that are no longer used. While some may not have an expiration date, in many cases they will break down over time.

What to Do in an Emergency

Even the best plans may not prevent the accidental consumption of a toxic chemical or medication. You should have the emergency number handy and a bottle of ipecac. Ipecac is a chemical which causes a person to throw up the contents of their stomach. However, you should only use ipecac when instructed by a poison control center.

If you believe that your home may have harmful chemicals that you want safely disposed, calling the professionals at Brickley Environmental can help.

Call Brickley Environmental Today

The knowledgeable, experienced professionals at Brickley Environmental can provide you with proper guidance when it comes to chemical exposure in the home. Our trained staff will listen to you, ask questions to fully understand the situation, and set an appointment to inspect the issue in your home. We also offer sound advice on how to properly store and dispose of household chemicals to minimize your concerns. Call today and let our professionals provide the guidance you need to identify and remove unwanted chemicals from your residence.

Hidden Health Hazards in the Home

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There are many hazards in your home that can be seen. However, many hazards in the home are not visible to the naked eye. It is this type of unseen hazard that is the most dangerous. They can be present in the home for years and can cause damage to you and your family. You can increase awareness of these potential dangers by understanding what to look for.

Most Common Health Hazards

Cleaning Products: Traditional cleaning products made from ammonia or bleach have been linked to respiratory issues. Absorbing such products through the skin may lead to nerve damage. It is imperative to use caution with these products. Only use chemical-based products in a well-ventilated area while wearing gloves and a ventilation mask. Alternative products such as baking soda, white vinegar, and hydrogen peroxide do not pose a threat to health.

Solvents & Paints: Inhaling the fumes from paint and solvents may cause many respiratory conditions and can contribute to cardiovascular issues. This is because many solvents and paints contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that leak into the indoor air. This can occur for years even after the paint has dried.

Pesticides: The danger of using pesticides is considerable as exposure may lead to short-term health issues. At first, the symptoms may include headaches or nausea. Long-term exposure has been linked to damage to the central nervous system, reproductive system, and even the development of cancer.

Clothing: It may seem odd, but older clothing contains chemicals that may cause harm to the respiratory system. These chemicals are usually fire-retardants or water-repellents which are no longer being used. It is wiser to purchase clothing made from all-natural materials such as cotton. Do not use mothballs because they contain a toxin that damages the lungs.

It is best to call a professional service that can identify these hazards if you are concerned about the safety of your home.

Why Call Brickley Environmental?

Getting in touch with the professionals at Brickley Environmental can bring peace of mind. We can explain our services, answer your questions, and inspect your home at your convenience. Do not take chances with potential hazards that threaten you and your family.  Get in touch with Brickley Environmental today.

What to Do With Electronic Waste in Your Home

Posted by Cleo Spencer on

Of the many different types of waste that people have in their homes, one of the most overlooked is electronic devices. From chargers to old cellphones to other electronic gear, these types of devices carry both valuable metals and hazardous waste that needs proper recycling and disposal. The average household has more than 24 electronic devices of some type, and around the holiday season some of these devices get upgraded and replaced. At some point or another, every homeowner will need to deal with this issue.

Here are a few tips for getting rid of the electronic waste in your home the proper way, which will avoid potential health issues and perhaps even make you a little money.

Recycle

First, you’ll want to locate the nearest recycling center that takes electronic devices. There is a big market for used electronic parts of all types and the metals inside may be valuable as well. You can look for recycling centers that pay for certain types of metals and materials to see if they might be valuable. However, in most cases you will probably only get a small amount back.

Donate

If you have devices that still work, but are no longer useful to you such as an older computer, consider donating them instead. There are many non-profit organizations that provide used electronics to adults and children around the world who need them. They will take your device if it is still in good working condition, refurbish it, and ship it to those who need it.

Sell

If you have devices that still work that you think might be valuable enough to sell, it’s easy to find out. You can go to auction sites such as eBay and check out similar items that are up for sale. This will give you an idea of the market price for what you own. Be sure to add shipping costs and all the details about your device, including photos which show any marks, scrapes, or damage which may affect its value.

It really helps if you look for green products when buying new electronic devices to minimize the hazardous waste associated with these products. Gadgets that have an Energy Star label or have been certified by Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool or EPEAT are good places to start. That way, you can reduce the amount of needless electronic waste while getting the most out of the products that you own.

For more information about electronic waste disposal, contact the experts at Brickley Environmental. They can help you properly dispose of such devices to create a safe environment in your home, office, or facility.