The Household Hazardous Waste Challenge

 

Hazardous waste is waste which is toxic, corrosive, flammable, or can explode or react when mixed with other substances. Many commonly used household products such as motor oil, household cleaners, paints, and lawn and garden chemicals are potentially hazardous if used, stored or disposed of improperly. Each American household produces more than one pound of hazardous waste per year. Most household garbage, both hazardous and non-hazardous,	ends up in local dumps and landfills. Such garbage can take many years to decompose or break down. Because many landfills leak, hazardous substances may eventually contaminate the groundwater. You can make a difference! Buy only enough of the product for the job at hand, give leftovers to neighbors, businesses or organizations, and recycle if possible(i.e. some gas stations recycle used motor oil). The most effective solution, however, is to use more environmentally sound alternatives. Test your knowledge of safer alternatives by matching the commercial household product in the left column with the safer alternative on the right. Contact your local Michigan State University Extension Service office for more information.
Matching Game Product Moth balls Bathtub, sink and toilet cleaner Upholstery cleaner Furniture Polish Ant control Linoleum floor cleaner Roach spray Window and glass cleaner Safer Alternative A paste of baking soda and water One tablespoon vinegar and one quart water A dish of equal parts baking soda or borax and powered sugar One cup white vinegar and two galloins of water Cedar chips and newspapers A cloth moistened with club soda Red chili pepper, paprika, and/or dried peppermint Three parts olive oil and one part vinegar
Answers to Household Waste Matching Game A-5, B-1, C-6, D-8, E-7, F-4, G-3, H-2

Institute of Water Research - MSU
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