Take care when disposing household items

Many of you may be thinking about clearing and cleaning out your garage and home of old paints or other household products. It is important to take care when disposing of certain household items. Many products found in your home may be a potential hazard. Some substances, because of their chemical makeup, can poison, corrode, explode or ignite easily when handled improperly. If discarded, they are considered a household hazardous waste and are not exempt from California hazardous waste laws. When disposed of improperly, they may threaten our health and our environment. Therefore, it is illegal to dispose of household hazardous waste in the trash, down storm drains, toilets or on the ground. The very first step in handling chemicals properly is to read the manufacturer's label. As an example, the following materials are considered a hazard if they fit into one or more of the following categories: Poisonous or lethal when ingested, touched or inhaled (even in small quantities). Flammable: Ignites easily. Corrosive: Eats away materials and living tissue by a chemical reaction. Reactive: Creates an explasion or produces deadly vapors (example: bleach mixed with an ammonia-based cleanser). Adhesives, latex and oil-based paints, household polishes and cleaners, drain openers, lighter fluids and paint thinners are a few common items considered hazardous when discarded. Improper handling or disposal of products containing hazardous ingredients can result in serious injuries or contamination to our community. These hazardous waste products can injure firefighters when responding to a fire or injure landfill workers due to poisonous fumes caused by mixed or concentrated chemicals and also seriously damage the environment by contaminating groundwater used for drinking water. Safety Tips for Household Hazardous Waste Read manufacturers' label. Store chemicals properly. Handle chemicals with care. Dispose of chemicals properly. Household hazardous wastes need to be professionally handled during disposal. For more information on locations for disposing of household hazardous waste or used motor oil call 1-800-CLEANUP or the Anaheim Fire Department Used Oil Program at 765-4048.