How Do I Dispose of Hazardous Chemicals?

The handling and disposal of Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) has become quite a problem over the past couple decades. Items that used to be thrown into the trash, poured down the drain, or dumped in the grass have been proven to pose a health threat when disposed of improperly.

Products that are considered HHW are safe when used according to the manufacturer’s instructions, but become hazardous when they are thrown away in a manner that may leach chemicals into the soil or groundwater. Some examples of common HHW include oil-based paints, cleaners, used oils, batteries, household cleaners, fuel, pesticides or other items that contain potentially hazardous ingredients.

Freon and the Environment, part 2

“Also known as, Chlorofluorocarbons, CFCs, Halons., with other names including: Fluorotrichloromethane, Dichlorodifluoromethane, Trichlorotrifluoroethane, Bromochlorodifluoromethane, Dibromotetrafluoroethane, Chlorodifluoromethane,” it is commonly referred to as Freon.

As referenced in Freon and the Environment, part 1, Freon is the genericized name for a number of stable, nonflammable gasses or liquids that have been typically used as refrigerants or aerosol propellants in such things as refrigerators, freezers, dehumidifiers, and canned products like hair sprays.