What is Hazardous Waste?
It is amazing what ends up in the garbage or in landfill. Could it be because of thinking it’s of little use, we are less concerned about what it is? Sometimes there are things we use and throw away that have potential to harm the environment, and people who encounter it. We call that “hazardous waste”, and it has many forms. At Acorn Waste, we care about our community, the environment, and the people in it. We also have deep concern for the people we work with, the collection specialists who could be the ones most at risk. This is why “hazardous waste” is a subject we take very seriously.
What NOT to Put in Regular Garbage?
We have learned that there are many things that people are not sure about. Is it hazardous waste, or isn’t it? Sometimes it’s very difficult to tell. Therefore, what is considered hazardous waste that should not be placed with regular garbage for collection? Put Simply, household hazardous waste Includes:
- 3D printer resin
- Automotive fluids and products including motor oil, antifreeze, oil filters
- Batteries
- Fluorescent lamps, including the curly compact light bulbs
- Fuel (Note: Fuel is non-transferable. Your container will not be returned to you.)
- Household cleaners, lawn and garden chemicals
- Items with Drug Identification Numbers (DIN), including prescription and over-the-counter products, expired medicines, cosmetics (such as make-up, nail polish, perfume, shaving cream, deodorant)
- Mercury thermostats
- Paints and solvents
- Propane tanks (barbeque size or smaller)
- Syringes
Or anything that has one or more of these symbols on it.
Batteries and Propane Tanks
Of special concern is batteries and propane tanks. There is a good reason commercial airlines take extreme caution when transporting anything with a battery. Batteries are fire hazards; they can spontaneously combust under the right circumstances. (For example, extreme temperatures or if battery cells are damaged) When they do start burning it’s often at extremely high temperatures. You can imagine the potential for explosion in a garbage truck full of combustible material.
Propane is a dangerous gas! With a relative density of 1.6, propane is heavier than air and can accumulate in an enclosed area like a garbage truck or bin. Propane burns at 11′ per second and expands 244 times its volume from liquid to gas. Its explosive nature is well documented. Did you know? Just 2 camping cylinders of propane can level a 3000 square foot house. Please don’t put our drivers at risk! Never put propane cylinders in with regular garbage.
What if the things you must dispose of are considered “hazardous”. How should or could you safely dispose of them? Our next post will give you options. You will be surprised to see the many options available at no cost to you.