Spring cleaning is good for your health

Submitted by DNRP

Spring is here – maybe - and with it, spring cleaning.

Among the items that might be thrown out during spring cleaning are potentially dangerous household hazardous wastes, like bug killers, lawn and garden chemicals, automotive chemicals, burned-out fluorescent lights, paint strippers, and most cleaners including drain and oven cleaners. These can harm the environment and public health if thrown out improperly.

Look up safer product alternatives at the Household Hazardous Products List website. There is information on potential hazards, disposal options, and safer alternatives for a variety of common household products. Here are the basics.

Toxic household products – how to identify them

Get rid of old and unwanted hazardous products. Products are hazardous if the labels say CAUTION, WARNING, DANGER and POISON. Products labeled with these words cannot go in the garbage. They can burn, poison, or react dangerously.

Take them to the traveling Wastemobile, now with regular stops at the Auburn SuperMall, or (add space): the hazardous waste disposal site near you.  Find out what you can and cannot bring online.   The hazardous waste disposal sites accept oil and alkyd paint, but not latex or acrylic. For safe disposal of latex and acrylic paint see this website.

Buy safer stuff

Read the label before you buy. Whenever possible, avoid products marked DANGER and POISON. These are the most hazardous. Instead, buy products marked CAUTION or WARNING. Products that don't have any of these words on the label are least hazardous.

Don't let this be your garage! (notice the fire fighter in the back)

Old TVs and computers

Computer screens and televisions contain lead and are considered hazardous waste. Manufacturers offer a program called E-Cycle Washington and residents can recycle their computers, monitors, laptops and TVs for free. Drop off these items at authorized E-Cycle Washington collection sites.

Unwanted medicines

Clean out unwanted or expired prescription and over-the-counter drugs from your medicine cabinets and drawers. Group Health and Bartell Drugs are partners in a state-wide project that takes back unwanted household medicines for free. Collection locations and other information are at www.TakeBackYourMeds.org.

For your friends or family members with small businesses

Qualifying small businesses can take advantage of free hazardous waste disposal and other services. Call the Business Waste Line at 206-263-8899 (1-800-325-6165, ext. 3-8899) or read more online.

Need more information?