At NEDT, we have a saying: “Buy only what you need; use up what you have; and recycle any leftovers.” While our Collection Centers stand by to help you dispose of household hazardous products, we believe that the best options for reducing household hazardous waste at home are always preventing products from being thrown away in the first place by making better buying decisions and better use of those products. Learn what we mean and how we can help!
Making Informed Buying Decisions (Buy Only What You Need)
We’ve all purchased items that, upon closer inspection, couldn’t be thrown away or poured down the drain, doomed to gather dust after their one-time use. So, the first way to reduce household hazardous waste is by making better-informed buying decisions. The biggest piece of advice here is to read the labels. Many will list out contents and disposal instructions, making it easier for you to keep hazardous waste out of your home. It’s also worth looking at greener alternatives, or even if a family member, friend, or neighbor has some you can borrow (more on that below).
Using, Giving Away, and Donating Products (Use Up What You Have)
If you already have hazardous waste, what should you do with it? Before you look at recycling or disposal options, first see if you can use up what you have. Here are some options:
- Use Up Your Products: Of course, the best option is to use up hazardous products. Will you use this product again? Can you use it, or is it truly waste at this point? Can anyone else in your household use it?
- Give Away to Those in Need: Check with family, friends, and neighbors to see if anyone else might need the product. From paint to cleaning products, many people could give these household products a second lease on life.
- Make Donations to Organizations: Certain products, such as CRT Monitors and other electronics, might be donatable. Check with your local city and state programs to see if there are any causes you can give your products to.
Recycling and Disposing of Household Hazardous Waste (Recycle Any Leftovers)
If both the above options aren’t suitable, then it’s time to think about recycling or disposing of household hazardous waste. While many of these products can’t be disposed of at home or even sent to landfill, many townships and Boards of Health have facilities that can help. Note that these facilities will often have limited times during the year they accept waste, and not all cities will have drop-off programs available.
Thankfully, you’ve got another option. Our NEDT Collection Centers are open five days a week to better help you recycle and dispose of household hazardous waste. We even have a pick-up service! We can help you deal with hazardous waste at home, including figuring out if you have too much at home. Find the location nearest to you, learn more about the experience, and contact us today!
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