HOUSEHOLD TOXICS

Many products used around the home--including household cleaners, pesticides, flea powders, paints and varnishes, motor oil and antifreeze--are toxic and can be hazardous to human health and the environment. When it comes time to dispose of these products they become toxic wastes, and they should not be put out with the regular household trash or poured down the drain.

Paints, oils or pesticides that are rinsed down storm drains go directly into bays, streams and the ocean without treatment, and can harm water quality and wildlife. Toxics that are thrown in the trash end up at sanitary landfills that are not designed to contain them, and may injure sanitation workers or seep into ground water. Toxic chemicals poured down the drain can disrupt the biological processes used to treat sewage, and may contaminate ocean water.

WHAT TO DO WITH HAZARDOUS HOUSEHOLD WASTES

In late March, the county Board of Supervisors unanimously agreed to create a series of six special collection stations where the public will be able to dispose of household toxics free of charge. The stations, now in the permitting process, are proposed for existing landfills in Brea and San Juan Capistrano and for private facilities in Anaheim, Stanton, Huntington Beach and Irvine.

A fall start is planned for the program. Periodic regional roundups of household hazardous materials have been suspended in anticipation of the new program, and the county Hazardous Materials Program office asks that homeowners hold on to their household toxics until the opening of the stations. If that isn’t possible, there are several options for specific materials.

Motor Oil: Used motor oil and brake and transmission fluids can and should be recycled. The California Waste Management Board (800-553-2962) can direct callers to the nearest gas station that accepts waste oil. Nonprofit recycling centers at the following schools also accept waste oil: Orange Coast College, (714) 432-5131; Golden West College, (714) 895-8167; UC Irvine, (714) 856-7144.

Pesticides: The county agricultural commissioner’s office can give information on safe disposal of pesticides, (714) 774-0284.

Other Materials: Paints, household cleaners that are usable and safely packaged can often be donated to a local charity or service organization.

Household toxics: The county Hazardous Materials Program office offers recorded information on proper disposal of household toxics, (714) 744-0516.

TIPS ON TOXICS

PURCHASE

Always read the label carefully before buying.

Choose products with child-resistant packages.

Use the least toxic products available. Many nontoxic products are very effective, safe to use and safe for disposal (see accompanying chart). Look for “nontoxic” on the label.

Buy only what you need. Keep in mind how to dispose of any excess when you purchase a product.

STORAGE

Keep all toxic products in the original containers, well-sealed and in a safe storage place that is inaccessible to children or pets.

Don’t store incompatible products together; dangerous fires, explosions or chemical reactions could occur (for example, products containing ammonia or chlorine will produce deadly chloramine gas if mixed).

USE

Always follow directions. Especially, do not overuse a product--twice as much does not mean twice as good.

Never mix different products.

Practice care: Wear gloves and use in well-ventilated areas. Many toxic products have dangerous fumes and can burn skin or irritate eyes, nose and throat.

Keep the number of the UCI Medical Center Poison Control Center handy in case of emergency: (800) 544-4404.

Source: Orange County Hazardous Materials Program office

DISPOSAL AND ALTERNATIVES

HOUSEHOLD CLEANERS Product: Drain openers Toxic Effects: Corrosive Disposal: Hazardous waste facility Alternative: Pour boiling water down drain twice a week; unclog drains with metal snake or plunger Product: Oven cleaners Toxic Effects: Corrosive Disposal: Hazardous waste facility Alternative: Clean with baking soda Product: Toilet bowl cleaners Toxic Effects: Corrosive Disposal: Hazardous waste facility Alternative: Clean often with general cleaner or baking soda Product: Floor, furniture polish Toxic Effects: Flammable Disposal: Hazardous waste facility Alternative: Light, soapy water to clean; cloth to shine Product: Ammonia-based cleaners Toxic Effects: Corrosive Disposal: Hazardous waste facility Alternative: Vinegar with salt and water cleans surfaces Product: Glass cleaner Toxic Effects: Irritant Disposal: Dilute small amounts Alternative: Warm water and vinegar in 8-1 solution Product: Chlorine bleach Toxic Effects: Corrosive Disposal: Dilute small amounts Alternative: Baking soda and water is safer Product: Spot removers Toxic Effects: Flammable Disposal: Hazardous waste facility Alternative: Don’t use unless absolutely needed Product: Disinfectants Toxic Effects: Flammable Disposal: Hazardous waste facility Alternative: None Product: Rug, upholstery cleaner Toxic Effects: Flammable/corrosive Disposal: Hazardous waste facility Alternative: Soap-based, non-aerosol rug shampoos Product: Air fresheners Toxic Effects: Irritants/flammable Disposal: Hazardous waste facility Alternative: Open windows and air out home often Product: Aerosols Toxic Effects: Flammable Disposal: Hazardous waste facility Alternative: Use non-aerosol products when possible AUTOMOTIVE PRODUCTS Product: Waste oil Toxic Effects: Flammable Disposal: Recycle Alternative: None Product: Antifreeze Toxic Effects: Poison Disposal: Use or donate Alternative: None Product: Brake fluid Toxic Effects: Flammable Disposal: Recycle with waste oil Alternative: None Product: Transmission fluid Toxic Effects: Flammable Disposal: Recycle with waste oil Alternative: None Product: Gasoline Toxic Effects: Flammable Disposal: Hazardous waste facility Alternative: None Product: Diesel fuel Toxic Effects: Flammable Disposal: Recycle Alternative: None Product: Car batteries Toxic Effects: Corrosive Disposal: Recycle Alternative: None PAINT PRODUCTS Product: Enamel or oil-based Toxic Effects: Flammable Disposal: Use or donate Alternative: Use latex or water-based when possible Product: Latex or water-based Toxic Effects: Flammable Disposal: Refuse (let dry first) Alternative: None Product: Solvent, thinners Toxic Effects: Flammable Disposal: Hazardous waste facility Alternative: Latex, water-based paints don’t require thinners PESTICIDES, HERBICIDES Product: All Toxic Effects: Poison/flammable Disposal: Hazardous waste facility Alternative: Organic gardening techniques, herbal pet baths, good housekeeping practices MISCELLANEOUS Product: Pool acids Toxic Effects: Corrosive Disposal: Hazardous waste facility Alternative: None Product: Photographic chemicals Toxic Effects: Corrosive/poison Disposal: Hazardous waste facility Alternative: None (donate extra to photo shop)