A few important steps can be taken to reduce the pollution that your household contributes. Tips include using fewer hazardous chemicals, disposing of chemicals properly, and taking care when you are remodeling your home.

Household Products

Reduce your chemical use and choose cleaners and household products that are less hazardous in the environment. Safer chemicals are much healthier for your family. For example, baking soda and vinegar can be used as an alternative to hazardous drain cleaners.

Resources:

» National Institute of Health Household Products Database
» Checklist for a Hazard-Free Home
» Guide to Less Toxic Products

Household Hazardous Waste Disposal The best way to dispose of household hazardous waste is at Hazardous Waste Collection Days, sponsored by towns, or at recycling and transfer stations. Do not dump chemicals down storm drains or throw them in the trash.

Resources

» Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection’s Household Hazardous Waste Hotline (1-800-343-3420)
» Find your closest recycling/waste center or 1-800-CLEANUP
» Massachusetts Hazardous Waste Collection


Paint Brushes and Paint Waste (Also Thinners and Solvents) Never wash paint brushes in the street. Collect all paint waste and dispose of it properly. You can donate partial containers to a local community center. Completely dry latex paint can be disposed of in the trash. If paint contains lead, mercury, chromium, or cadmium, it is hazardous and must be taken to a collection center.

Resources

» Paint
» Thinners and Solvents
» Call Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (617-292-5704) for a list of organizations that accept paint.

Construction and Remodeling Waste Contain construction waste while remodeling and make sure debris does not wash down storm drains. Instead of cleaning up your driveway, sidewalk, or street using water, sweep up or vacuum debris or use kitty litter for fluids. Construction waste includes paint scrapings and roof shingles. You can take your construction waste to a transfer station.