SWRC - HHW Guide

A Guide to Household Hazardous Products, Safe Disposal and Less Toxic Alternatives

Chemical products in your home such as cleaners, paint thinners, sprays and pesticides can be a potential danger to you, your family, the community and the environment. Most of us have a variety of such products stored in our cupboards, closets or garages.

Products that are washed down the drain, or put in storm sewers can cause water contamination. Items put in the garbage end up in the landfill. Although hazardous products typically make up less than one percent of the waste stream, their presence in landfills has the potential to do greater harm than the other 99+ percent.

Hazardous Waste Properties

A product is hazardous if it has one or more of these properties:

Toxic — substances that even in small quantities may poison, cause injury or death when swallowed, absorbed through the skin or inhaled into the lungs.

poison symbol

Flammable — substances, usually liquids, that can readily ignite (burn in air) in a wide range of temperature conditions.

flammable symbol

Corrosive — substances or vapors that can deteriorate or eat away the surface of another material.

Reactive/Explosive — substances that can react with air, water or another substance to produce toxic vapors or explode.

explosive symbol

Irritant — substances or vapors that can cause deterioration or irreversible damage to body tissues at the point of contact.

irritant

Radioactive — substances that can damage and destroy cells and chromosomal material. Radioactive substances are known to cause cancer, mutations and fetal harm.

radioactive symbol

Degree of Danger — Combined with the 3 symbols below, the classification images above show the type and extent to which a substance can be harmful.

Danger

Warning

Caution

Guidelines for Buying and Using Hazardous Products

Use up what you currently have for the product's intended use and/or properly dispose of what you have left. Choose a less toxic alternative next time. If one is not available, follow these guidelines to protect your health and the environment.

Purchasing

Carefully read the directions and/or health warnings on the label before you buy the product.

Avoid buying a different product for every kind of dirt or cleaning problem. One or a few general household cleaners can effectively clean a multitude of surfaces.

Buy only the amount you need for a specific project. Prevent disposal problems by buying products in smaller quantities.

As a consumer, you can write and request that the manufacturers produce products what work and are less toxic.

Choose products with child-resistant packages.

Storage

Keep all hazardous products in their original containers. Periodically check containers for deterioration. If an original container is leaking, enclose it in a larger container that is clearly marked. Never put hazardous products in food or beverage containers. Children may mistake them for food.

Store hazardous materials in a cool, dry place that is away from all food and inaccessible to children or pets.

Do not store incompatible products together. Dangerous fires, explosions or toxic chemical reactions could occur. Flammables should never be stored with corrosives. Toxics or poisons should always be kept away from other hazardous products.

Use

Always read and follow label directions carefully. Use only the proper and indicated amount. Twice as much does not mean twice as good.

Never mix chemical products or cleaners. Explosivie or toxic chemical reactions may occur. For example, products containing ammonia and those with chlorine will produce deadly chloramine gas when mixed together.

Avoid splashing, wear protective clothing, use safety glasses if possible, and always wear gloves. Use in well-ventilated areas and take frequent air breaks.

Children and expectant mothers should restrict or eliminate exposure to hazardous products. Children and developing fetuses are much more sensitive to chemicals than adults.

Keep the number of the Poison Control Centre, 1-866-454-1212, visible and posted near the phone in case of emergencies. For more serious situations, you can reach the Poison Control Centre by dialing 911.

Disposal

While Saskatoon has had frequent (at least monthly) collection events for the last several years, residents from most other communities have had little or no option for handling hazardous wastes. Check with your municipal office to see if an event is planned for your area.

Reuse by donating unused or partially used products in their original containers to local community groups, schools, businesses, or to others who may use them.

Do not throw a container from a hazardous product into the garbage unless it is completely empty.

Read and follow label directions and/or the table above for the safe and proper disposal methods of products.

Alternatives and handling procedures for specific products: