Many chemical products found in the home, garage, workshop and garden contain hazardous ingredients. These products – typically liquids or powders – need to be used and stored safely. When they are disposed of, they need to be handled differently than ordinary trash because even small amounts can cause environmental damage.. What’s hazardous? As a general rule, if it’s something you would put a ‘Mr. Yuck’ sticker on, consider it hazardous. Lots of products qualify: Paint Varnish Wood Stain Ammonia Cleaner Oven Cleaner Drain Cleaner Wood Polish Motor oil Gasoline Antifreeze Paint Thinner Rat poison Turpentine Weed Killer Insecticide Fertilizer Once you buy a hazardous product, you are responsible for handling and disposing of it properly The best way to avoid having to dispose of these products is to buy only what you need. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper use and handling. Or recycle the product. Some products, such as old motor oil and antifreeze, can be recycled through local service stations. If possible, use it up so there won’t be anything leftover. Or, if the product is still good, give it away to someone who will use it. Old paint can be mixed with cat litter or sawdust and left to dry. Once it’s dry, it can be put in the garbage. Make sure there’s no free liquid left because liquid is not allowed in a landfill. SOME products can be diluted with water and put down the drain, like ammonia cleaners and drain cleaners. Make sure you read the labels to see the proper disposal method on any products you have. If you are unsure about what to do with a product, DON’T put it down the drain. Hazardous wastes can be a danger in the sewer lines, to the workers who service the sewer system, to your neighbors, and to the waste water treatment plant. How to identify household hazardous waste. Generally, household hazardous wastes belong to one of the following categories: Toxic. Poisonous. May cause illness or even death if inhaled or swallowed. Old pesticides are toxic. Labels may have the skull and crossbones symbol and usually state, “Danger/poison” or “Warning keep out of reach of children.” Corrosive. Drain cleaners, rust removers, and oven cleaners are among these highly irritating household items which can burn a person’s skin and lungs. Labels usually state, “Corrosive: avoid contact with skin and eyes.” Flammable. Examples include gasoline, fuel, and oil-based paint. Labels usually say, “Extremely Flammable: Keep away from any source of ignition” or “Highly flammable: keep away from flames.” Reactive. Reacts strongly with other chemicals and may cause fires or explosions. Chlorinated pool chemicals are reactive. Warning labels usually read: “Warning – strong oxidizer.” For more information, check the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection’s excellent Web site at http://www.depweb.state.pa.us/landrecwaste/cwp/view.asp?a=1242&Q=464341&landrecwasteNav=|30782|. Or call the state’s Household Hazardous Waste Hot Line at 1-800-346-4242. In Cranberry, call the Township’s recycling coordinator, Lorin F. Meeder, at 724-776-4806 ext, 1176.

Throw them in the trash and be done with them.

use that new product