The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates waste disposal for many businesses, industries, and organizations. Failure to comply with the regulations can result in substantial fines. Conversely, household waste is generally regulated by the EPA. However, many municipalities have hazardous waste disposal guidelines and collection centers.
However, residential waste accounts for up to 65 percent of all municipal waste generated. In addition, individuals represent a serious environmental threat if hazardous waste enters the environment. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that two hundred million gallons of oil are not disposed of properly each year. Compare this figure to the 11 million gallons of oil spilled in the 1989 Exxon Valdez crisis.
The lack regulations should not prevent you from making the earth-friendly choice. It is a matter of being conscious of the impact of your decisions and seeking the right answers for disposal.
CFLs
The implementation of CFLs represents a new challenge for the consumer. Unlike incandescent bulbs, CFLs require a different procedure to minimize environmental and human health impacts. The EPA recommends airing the room where the breakage occurred.
You should clean up the broken bulb using sticky tape to pick up the pieces. You should not vacuum the area. All the pieces you collect should be placed in a sealable plastic bag before disposal. For spent bulbs, you can contact your local home improvement center for information about recycling.
E-Waste
As electronic use grows, the problem of e-waste is likely to soar. Consider the current trends for electronic use. The HubSpot Blog estimates that tablet use will increase by over 60 percent in 2012. Smartphone usage will rise nearly 20 percent.
The threat lies in the dismal recycling figures. The EPA estimates that only 38 percent of computers were recovered for recycling in 2009. The recycling rate for mobile phones only reached 8 percent. Electronic devices contain a host of toxic materials, including lead, cadmium and other contaminants.
Most cellphone carriers will accept your old phone when you upgrade. Office supply stores often offer recycling programs for a small fee. You can contact computer manufacturers who may offer free shipping for your returns. Most local waste management centers restrict electronic recycling.
Batteries
Lead-acid automobile batteries stand out from other types of household hazardous waste. Unlike e-waste, these batteries have a 96 percent recycling rate. State regulations have fueled this effort by requiring sellers to accept used batteries. The lesson is clear. This model suggests one way to lessen the amount of hazardous waste that ends up in landfills.
Your automotive store may also take your used engine oil and other waste products. Your local hardware store may accept other types of batteries. The opportunities for proper disposal exist to minimize the impact of hazardous household waste.
A simple set you can take toward managing your household hazardous waste is to seek out alternative products. Rather than harsh household cleaners, opt for eco-friendly ones instead. You will also find dozens of uses for vinegar, including tarnish remover, window cleaner and a boost for laundry detergent.
Being aware of the impact of your purchases and household practices is the first step. It is up to you to take care of proper waste management in your home for a safer planet.
Sources:
- Iowa Department of Natural Resources. (n.d.) E-Waste: Environmental and Health Hazards. Retrieved January 11, 2012, from http://www.iowadnr.gov
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (2011). Batteries. Retrieved January 11, 2012, from http://www.epa.gov
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (2011). Cleaning Up a Broken CFL. Retrieved January 11, 2012, from http://www.epa.gov
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (2005). Fact Sheet: Management of Electronic Waste in the United States. Retrieved January 11, 2012, from http://www.epa.gov
- Vaughan, P. (2012, January 5). 25 Eye-Popping Internet Marketing Statistics for 2012. HubSpot Blog. Retrieved January 11, 2012, from http://blog.hubspot.com
- VinegarTips.com. (2012). 1001 Uses for White Distilled Vinegar. Retrieved January 11, 2012, from http://vinegartips.com
