FLAMMABLE POISON DANGER CORROSIVE WARNING CAUTION
Read the label.
The best way to find out if a product poses a threat is to read the label before purchasing or using a product. Hazardous products should have "signal words" such as:
FLAMMABLE POISON DANGER CORROSIVE WARNING CAUTION
- Purchase the least hazardous product. Water-based paints (latex) perform almost identically to oil-based paints but have fewer flammable and toxic solvents and are therefore better for the environment.
- Buy only the amount needed.
- ReUse. Got some to spare? Think to Share.
Proper use is the easiest way to avoid harming yourself from household toxics. Be sue to adhere to these general warnings, but check the product's label before beginning a new project.
- Use in well ventilated room.
- Do not mix incompatible ingredients; they may react when mixed.
- Do not wear contact lenses during use; wear protetive equipment when necessary.
- Clean up after use; properly seal and store the remainder of the product.
Home toxics need to be treated carefully in order to minimize human health risks and contamination to the environment.
- The Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that the average US home has as many as 63 different types of chemicals in the cupboard, generating as much as 15 pounds of hazardous waste every year.
- Information compiled by the National SAFE KIDS Campaign states that each year, 45 children ages 4 and under die from unintentional exposure to medicines and household products.
The Lenawee County Solid Waste Department accepts Household Hazardous Waste from Lenawee County residents:
- the first Saturday morning of each month BY APPOINTMENT ONLY
- the second Tuesday afternoon of each month BY APPOINTMENT ONLY
Please call 517-264-4546 to schedule an appointment
or e-mail Sue at solid.waste@lenawee.mi.us
MATERIALS ACCEPTED:
KITCHEN / BATHROOM
* Bug Sprays
* Floor Care Products
* Furniture Polish
* Metal Polish
* Nail Polish
* Oven Cleaner
GARAGE
* Brake Fluid
* Car Wax
* Diesel Fuel
* Kerosene
* Misc. Oils
WORKSHOP
* Flourescent Light Bulbs
* Paint Brush Cleaners
* Cutting Oil
* Glue
* Oil Based Paints (No LATEX paint will be accepted, See below)
* Paint Thinner
* Turpentine
* Varnish
* Wood Preservatives
GARDEN
* Fungicides
* Herbicides
* Insecticides
* Pesticides
* Rat Poison
MISCELLANEOUS:
* Artist Paints
* Dry Cleaning Solvents
* Fiberglass Epoxy
* Gun Cleaning Solvents
* Lighter Fluid
* Moth Balls
* Pool Chemicals
* Aerosols
NOTHING LARGER THAN FIVE (5) GALLON CONTAINERS WILL BE ACCEPTED
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NO LATEX PAINT WILL BE ACCEPTED !!!
Paint can be divided into two basic types. If water can be used for cleanup, the paint is latex or water-based. If a solvent such as paint thinner, mineral spirits, or brush cleaner must be used, the paint is oil-based.
WHY IS DISPOSAL OF LATEX PAINT A CONCERN?
Although latex paint is less toxic than an oil-based paint, it still contains potentially harmful substances. Since latex paint contains 20 to 60 percent water, it is very mobile in the environment. If disposed of improperly, it can be transported to surface and ground waters and pollute them.
HOW CAN I HELP PREVENT THE PROBLEM?
The best way to avoid waste is to purchase only the amount of paint you need. Most paints list the appropriate coverage on the label. Measure the area you wish to paint and ask the clerk for assistance in purchasing the correct amount. To reduce deterioration of partially used paints, replace the lid carefully (pounding it until it is completely seated in the groove) and store the paint can upside down in an area that remains above freezing.
HOW CAN I DISPOSE OF LEFTOVER PAINT?
The easiest way to dispose of leftover paint is to use it up for its intended purpose. If you do not have any use for the paint, give it to someone who does - neighbor, friend, relative, community service organization, theater group or recreation department. Tecumseh Civic Auditorium accepts FLAT LATEX paint ONLY. Habitat for Humanity, Associated Charities and the Croswell accepts MOSTLY FULL cans of paint.
HOW DO I KNOW IF MY PAINT IS USABLE?
If the paint appears thin and watery and resists mixing, it may have been subjected to freezing and is not usable. If it is very thick and lumpy, it may need to be thinned and strained before using.
WHAT IF I CANNOT FIND AN OUTLET FOR MY LATEX PAINT?
It is not necessary to take your leftover paint to a Hazardous Waste Collection facility. Instead you can:
* Find an area that is protected form children, pets and rain but has adequate air flow. A stable shelf in a well-ventilated garage of shed may be suitable.
* Remove the lid and allow liquids to evaporate. Depending on the type and quantity of paint, the drying process can take several weeks. This works well for small quantities (an inch or two in the bottom of the can) but larger quantities of paint take longer to dry and may require a different method.
In order to speed up the drying process:
* Apply another coat of paint to the surface you bought the paint for.
* When drying paint in the can, stir it occasionally to break the surface film, allowing evaporation to proceed.
* Partial contents can be solidified in the original containers by mixing an equal amount of an absorbent material such as cat box filler, plaster of paris, oil dry, vermiculite or charcoal; allow to dry.
* Pour thin layers (about 1 inch of paint) into a cardboard box filled with plastic. Allow the paint to dry one layer at a time until all the paint has hardened.
* For paint that has separated and cannot be mixed, pour off the liquids on top, leaving the semisolid paint sludge in the can to dry. The liquid can be poured into a cardboard box lined with plastic and mixed with an equal amount of absorbent material and allowed to dry.
HOW DO I DISPOSE OF THE DRIED PAINT?
When thoroughly dry, the remaining hardened material can be discarded with your regular trash. Leave the lid off the can so your garbage hauler can see the paint has hardened. In this form, the material is stable and can't seep through the landfill to the groundwater below.
WHAT IF I HAVE LATEX STAIN?
Most latex stains can be disposed of just like paint. However, some contain preservatives or pesticides that make them hazardous and require special disposal. Always read labels and watch for the following words:
WARNING! Preservative, EPA (followed by a number)
This means the product has been registered as a pesticide with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Products labeled with these words contain hazardous substances. Any leftovers should be taken to a Household Hazardous Waste Collection location.
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DO NOT:
* DUMP paint on the ground or down storm drains, where it will travel to surface and / or ground-water.
* POUR paint down the sewer drain. While small amounts of latex paint can safely be washed down the drain to a septic system or wastewater treatment plant, this practice should be kept to a minimum. Limit this to brush cleaning and cleanup.
* THROW liquid paint in the regular trash. It may be released from the can when trash is compacted and may leach out of a landfill, contaminating groundwater.
"I left this Earth three times and
found no other place to go.
Please take care of Spaceship Earth!"
Wally Schirra
Mercury Astronaut