PHASE II HOME

Measure 1 home

1a: Establish a program

1b: Informational web site

1c: Develop materials

1d: Disseminate materials

Education Partnerships

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NC-CES

 Household Hazardous Waste

Almost every home in your jurisdiction contains products that could become household hazardous waste (HHW) if they were improperly disposed. Some of these products include:

  • Cleaning: oven cleaner, floor wax, furniture polish, drain cleaner, and spot remover.
  • Car care and maintenance: motor oil, battery acid, gasoline, car wax, engine cleaner, antifreeze, degreaser, radiator flush, and rust preventative.
  • Home improvement: paints, preservatives, strippers, brush cleaners, and solvents.
  • Other products labeled toxic, flammable or corrosive.

You may decide to select HHW as one of your jurisdiction’s Action Issues if:

  • There is not a HHW collection facility nearby.
  • There is a HHW collection facility nearby, but it is not widely used.
  • You have observed instances of improper disposal of HHW.
  • Monitoring data has shown streams in your jurisdiction to have a problem with toxicity.hazard1.gif

If you choose HHW as an Action Issue, your main goal will be to make residents aware of the potential impacts of hazardous household materials on water quality and inform residents of ways to properly store, handle, and dispose of the chemicals. Often, citizens don't realize the chemicals are dangerous to the environment. Once they are informed, they can properly dispose of HHW to protect water quality. You can also inform your residents about less-toxic alternatives to household hazardous wastes.

Target Audiences

All citizens, but particularly homeowners and renters. Make sure that any materials you prepare are also appropriate for minority populations.

Approaches

Elements of a good community HHW collection program include providing the public with information on how to dispose of hazardous items in their household, the hours and location of collection facilities, and items that are acceptable or unacceptable. This information can be provided through pamphlets left on garbage cans during trash collection, magnets or other giveaways. Local organizations could be recruited to help distribute door hangings or flyers.

If there is no HHW collection facility in your county, strongly consider setting up a hazardous waste collection day. You can hire a hazardous waste contractor to handle this for you. A list of contractors is available on the NC Division of Waste Management web site (Contractors Used in North Carolina). The event should be well-publicized through radio and newspaper features, advertising and PSAs.

The use of alternative products can be promoted through pamphlets distributed at collection facilities or on collection days. These nontoxic products can offer the same effectiveness as hazardous products with less impact on the environment.

Existing Educational Materials

Do not use any materials on this website without first contacting the sponsoring organization and obtaining their permission.

Slogans

  • Make Your Home a Solution to Pollution (EPA)

Public Outreach

Mass Media: News Releases

Print Materials: Brochures

Websites