Hazardous materials disposal is no joke. Perhaps, you’ve bought a foreclosure. You plan to use it as an investment rental property. Or, have inherited an estate home and to you chagrin, the garage is chock-full of all kinds of junk. Years worth of all kinds of items are piled deep and high and among them are dozens of paint cans, thinner, and other hazardous materials. You have no idea how long all this junk has been in the space but do know it’s long enough to collect a whole lot of dust and rust the metal containers. Read on to learn more about hazardous materials disposal.
Identifying Dangerous Materials
The reason you’re local trash collection didn’t collect those cans is because that stuff isn’t considered household waste. Those things are hazardous materials and won’t be thrown into the garbage truck because they are toxic. You’ve just learned that not all trash is equal and there it will stay until you properly dispose of it.Some items that we have in our homes are hazardous and can impact the health of our families, pets, wildlife, and the environment if not used, stored and disposed of properly. These items include some cleaners, batteries, light bulbs, and paint. The average home can accumulate as much as 100 pounds of household hazardous waste according to the U.S. EPA. To keep your home safe and protect the environment, identify hazardous items and be sure to store, handle and dispose of them safely. —Rethink Recycling.comBasically, anything that will get left behind by the local waste collection agency is anything containing warnings on their labels such as “poison,” “danger,” “caution,” or “warning.” That means you’re stuck with that stuff until you dispose of it properly. If you try to bury those cans under household garbage or bulk trash, if noticed by the pickup crew, you’ll likely be receiving a note, maybe even a fine, for doing so.
Hazardous Materials Disposal in Port Charlotte
When it’s time for hazardous materials waste disposal, being thoughtful and careful about the process is everything. Here are some helpful tips for how to deal with hazardous materials waste disposal:- Remove safe items first. If there are things such as furniture, tools, or equipment in the space, take those out first. These can be donated or sold, depending on their condition. If it’s beyond saving, have a junk removal service haul it off. Should you be able to repurpose some of the stuff, do so and give it new life.
- Store hazardous materials properly. Always properly store hazardous materials. These should not only be clearly and conspicuously labeled, but stored in an appropriate environment. In addition, a wash station and first aid kit should always be nearby within easy reach.
- Recycle hazardous waste, when possible. You’re probably wondering who would recycle hazardous materials and why? Well, local charities, schools, and animal shelters will be happy to accept unused paint, paint thinner, and other such supplies.
- Have a plan for emergency situations. There needs to be defined, well-rehearsed plan for emergency situations. An accident or some other type of mishap can occur at any moment in time and you and your team members need to be fully prepared.
