HE-582
Hazardous Waste in Your Home
What is a Hazard?
When you care for yourself, your home, your gardens, and your machines, you use many chemical products. Research sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency shows that some of these products contain hazardous chemicals. The E.P.A. defines a hazardous substance as a “dangerous” substance which may harm human health or the environment. To be included in the E.P.A.’s hazardous category, the substance must meet certain standards during accepted scientific tests which show that it is TOXIC, IGNITABLE, CORROSIVE (likely to eat through its container or your pipes), or REACTIVE (may explode during routine handling).
When is it Hazardous?
If used according to label directions, most household products are not hazardous. They may become hazardous if you use them improperly, store them improperly, or dispose of unused products improperly.
IMPROPER USE may cause toxic health effects. IMPROPER STORAGE may allow chemicals to leak into the environment causing dangerous chemical reactions, toxic health effects, or environmental pollution. IMPROPER DISPOSAL allows these dangerous chemicals to enter directly into the environment through waterways or groundwater. These chemicals can pollute drinking water, kill wildlife, and accumulate in foods such as fish and ducks.
Do’s
•	Read the product label. Follow use directions carefully.
•	Watch out for SIGNAL WORDS, such as
CAUTION, WARNING, OR DANGER.
U.S. Product Safety Commission requires the use of these words on products which are toxic in small amounts. Keep all of these products away from children!
•	Buy just enough product to do the job.
•	Look for a non-hazardous or less hazardous product to perform each job.
•	Return used motor oil to the waste oil collection site in your county.
•	Properly dispose of leftover products.
SEE CHART ON REVERSE SIDE FOR DISPOSAL RECOMMENDATIONS
•	Keep leftover products in original containers.
•	Share unused products.
Don’ts
•	Do not DUMP leftover products in the backyard or down the storm sewer.
•	Do not BURN leftover products.
•	Do not BURY leftover products.
•	Do not REUSE pesticide or other chemical containers for other purposes.
•	Do not MIX chemical wastes.
Who to Call
Poison Information Center
1-800-382-9097
Department of Environmental Management
External Affairs (317) 232-8560
U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission:
1-800-638-2772. This number will provide information on product labeling.
Chemical Referral Center:
1-800 CMA-8200.
This number is sponsored by The Chemical Manufacturer’s Association. This number will refer you to a specific manufacturer for answers about product questions.
Originally prepared by University of Wisconsin/Madison.
Revised and reprinted by Adel C. Pfeil, Housing and Equipment Specialist, Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service, West Lafayette, Indiana
DISPOSAL TIPS ON OTHER SIDE
Cooperative Extension work in Agriculture and Home Economics, state of Indiana. Purdue University, and U S. Department of Agriculture cooperating; H. A. Wadsworth. Director, West Lafayette, IN. Issued in furtherance of the acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914. The Cooperative Extension Service of Purdue University is an affirmative action, equal opportunity institution.