Have you ever replaced the batteries in your TV remote and wondered what to do with the dead ones? More often than not, you toss them in the trash, but did you know that batteries, among many other common household items, are classified as household hazardous waste?
That means that if these items or substances end up in recycling facilities or landfills, they can pose a serious threat to plants, animals, and human health. It’s estimated that Canadians dispose of 27, 000 tonnes of household hazardous waste incorrectly each year, so let’s look at how to safely dispose of everyday household items that you might not have realized are hazardous waste.
Batteries
Rechargeable and primary lithium (non-rechargeable) should not go in the trash. To dispose of batteries, whether they are damaged or not, you should apply masking tape to the negative and positive terminals, place them in a plastic bag, and take them to the facility nearest you that accepts household hazardous waste (HHW).
Other municipal buildings, including community centres and libraries, often accept household batteries for recycling, too. Recycleyourbatteries.ca is a great resource for finding a drop-off location near you.
Batteries can become dangerous if tossed in the trash: lithium batteries, for example, hold a large amount of energy in a small space. Even if the battery is dead, it can hold up to 80% of its thermal capacity after it stops working.
The act of tossing and compacting these batteries in a collection truck can damage the insulation layer of the battery and cause the temperature of the fluid within to rise to a scorching 500°C, potentially resulting in a fire or explosion. Not only can this cause serious injury, but the fire could quickly spread to surrounding garbage and get out of control.
Car Oil, Oil Filters, and Antifreeze
These items are also classified as HHW and should not be disposed of at the curb along with your other garbage and recycling. It’s essential to recycle your car oil and containers properly to protect the health of people and the environment. You can take motor oil to your local HHW facility – some offer the option of emptying the fluid into their bulk storage tanks. Be sure to research your local facility to ensure you’re within the daily disposal limits.
Antifreeze is also accepted at hazardous waste disposal sites, typically with a maximum limit of 25 litres to 35 litres a day.
If you don’t live close to an HHW facility, the Resource Productivity & Recovery Authority has partnered with many businesses nationwide to provide collection areas for these materials. Again, always ensure you are within the daily disposal limit for all drop-off locations.
Aerosol Cans
Did you know that if your aerosol can is completely empty, you can dispose of it in your curbside blue bin with the lid removed? However, if the aerosol can is not empty, it is considered hazardous waste and must be taken to your local waste facility for proper disposal.
Nail Polish and Remover
Nail polish is classified as hazardous waste and should be disposed of in its clearly marked container at your local HHW drop-off facility.
Perfume and Cologne
Like aerosol cans, perfume and cologne bottles can be disposed of in your household waste, provided they are completely emptied and dried. Despite usually being made of glass, these bottles cannot be recycled like glass pickle containers and should be placed in your garbage bin. If the bottle still contains perfume or cologne, it must be taken to your local household hazardous waste depot for proper disposal.
Hair Dye
Hair dye and its containers should not be placed in your bins for curbside pickup, as they are classified as household hazardous waste. Instead, they must be taken to your local waste management facility for proper disposal.
What Happens When Hazardous Waste is Not Properly Disposed Of?
The repercussions of improper disposal of hazardous waste extend far beyond inconvenience. When hazardous waste is not properly disposed of, it poses significant risks to human health, wildlife, and the environment.
Toxic chemicals can leach into soil and water sources, contaminating ecosystems and endangering plant and animal life. Air pollution from burning hazardous materials can lead to respiratory problems and other serious health issues for nearby communities.
Improper disposal can result in costly environmental cleanup efforts, placing a burden on taxpayers and local governments. Ultimately, the failure to adhere to proper disposal protocols not only jeopardizes our immediate surroundings but also compromises the well-being of future generations.
It’s crucial to recognize that many common household items, such as batteries, car oil, aerosol cans, and beauty products, are classified as hazardous waste and require special disposal methods. Properly disposing of these items can minimize environmental impact and protect our communities from potential harm. Always check local regulations and resources for the correct disposal procedures in your area.