 |
|
 |
 |
  |
|
|
Household Chemicals  Back
to Recycling Opportunities Contact
InformationWhat to do with common household chemicals is one of the most important daily decisions we, as citizens, make. If we would just take the time to realize what an impact our lives have on our environment, we would be amazed at what a difference we could make if we properly manage our common household materials. We're offering the following information on reducing, recycling/reusing, and properly disposing of our every day chemicals to help protect our water supply and environment. Guide to Best Management Practices for Household Hazardous Waste & Radon
 Antifreeze Reducing To minimize the amount of antifreeze that must be managed or the hazards associated with its use:
Antifreeze can be recycled; however, there are no sites in Hall County for recycling of antifreeze. Used antifreeze still protects against freezing and boilovers; however, the corrosion inhibitors may be depleted during use and should be replaced in the recycling process. To close the recycling loop, purchase recycled antifreeze, when possible. Disposal If the antifreeze cannot be reused, given away, or recycled, then read and follow the product's label for the manufacturer's instructions on proper disposal. If recycling is not feasible, then antifreeze may be disposed of in one of two ways. If the local wastewater treatment plant permits it, antifreeze may be poured down an inside drain, flushing with plenty of water. Contact the local wastewater treatment plant for information. In addition, under state law, solidified antifreeze can be legally disposed of in a permitted, Subtitle D landfill. Hall County has such a landfill. To solidify the antifreeze, mix the antifreeze with enough absorbent material, such as cat-box filler, to absorb all free liquids. Place the solidified antifreeze in a bag or wrap in newspaper before disposing in a landfill. The empty container should be recycled, if possible. If it cannot be recycled, the empty container can be disposed of in a landfill. Antifreeze should not be poured down septic tanks, outside drains, in the storm sewer, or on the ground. This may cause groundwater contamination and/or operational problems with the septic system or wastewater treatment plant. Antifreeze can also harm pets if ingested. Batteries Source Reduction There are no less toxic alternatives to lead-acid automobile batteries at this time. Recycling/Reuse Options In Georgia, automobile batteries must be returned to retailers for recycling. Battery retailers are required by law to accept old lead-acid batteries. They may also be taken to the County's Candler Road Landfill for recycling. Disposal Automobile batteries, under state law, may not be legally disposed of in landfills. They must be recycled. Gasoline Reducing Before storing a gas-powered vehicle for extended periods of time, add stabilizers to the gasoline. This will decrease the need to drain and replace the gasoline in the engine before restarting. Recycling/Reuse Options If the gasoline is stale or has a small amount of water in it, consider purchasing a gas rejuvenator product which can be added to the gasoline. Small amounts of the gasoline can then be used in an automobile with caution. Disposal If the gasoline cannot be reused or given away (try mechanics and repair shops) or if the gas has a large amount of water in it, then let the gasoline evaporate in a well ventilated area away from pets, children and heat sources. For large quantities of gasoline, contact the Pollution Prevention Assistance Division at (404) 651-5120 for more information. Gasoline should not be poured down drains (inside or outside), into a storm sewer, or on the ground. This may cause sewer explosions and/or can contaminate groundwater. Gasoline should not be used for cleaning. Keep gasoline away from an open flame and other heat sources. Store flammable liquids in a tightly closed, non-glass, clearly labeled container. Store out of reach of children. Gasoline may produce invisible explosive vapors that may ignite by a small spark. Do not store flammable materials inside the home. Motor Oil Reducing There are no known less toxic alternatives. Synthetic oils are available that do not have to be changed as often as ordinary oils. To minimize the amount of motor oil that must be managed or the hazards associated with its use, keep the vehicle properly maintained; watch for and repair any oil leaks; buy only as much oil as needed; avoid spills while pouring or draining; and store any unused motor oil in tightly closed containers to prevent it from being spilled or contaminated with other materials. Recycling/Reuse Options Used motor oil can be recycled or re-refined, a process where it is made into clean lubricant oil or motor oil. To recycle motor oil, place it in a clean, leak-proof container and recycle at any Hall County compactor site or at the Hall County Recycling Center. In addition, Exxon Corporation maintains a list of Exxon service stations which will accept used oil. For the nearest station, contact 1-800-732-1100. To close the recycling loop, purchase recycled/re-refined motor oil. Disposal Recycle used motor oil. Motor Oil should not be poured down drains (inside or outside), into a storm sewer, or on the ground. This may cause groundwater contamination and/or operational problems with the septic system or wastewater treatment plant. Transmission Fluid Reducing There are no known less toxic alternatives. There are ways, however, to minimize the use of and the hazards associated with transmission fluid. These include: keeping the vehicle properly maintained; watching for and repairing any leaks; avoiding spills while pouring or draining; buying only as much transmission fluid as needed; storing any unused transmission fluid in tightly capped containers so as to prevent it from being spilled or contaminated with other materials; and purchasing, if possible,recycled transmission fluid. Recycling/Reuse Options Transmission fluid is recyclable. To recycle transmission fluid, place it in a clean, leak-proof container and recycle at any Hall County compactor site or at the Hall County Recycling Center. It is recycled with used oil. Disposal Recycle transmission fluid if possible. Transmission fluid should not be poured down drains (inside or outside), in the storm sewer, or on the ground. This may cause groundwater contamination and/or operational problems with the septic system or wastewater treatment plant. Paint Reducing To minimize the quantity of paint that must be managed, buy only as much paint as needed and store paint cans with tightly secured lids upside down to prevent the paint from drying out. Recycling/Reuse Options If the paint cannot be used, then contact a local high school drama department, charity, or church to see if they accept paint. However, some restrictions apply, e.g., certain sites may only accept full cans of paint. Latex paint can be recycled or reblended. Disposal If the paint cannot be used up, given away, or recycled, then read and follow the product's label for the manufacturer's instructions on proper disposal.
Dry and harden paint and paint cans in a well ventilated area, away from children and pets.
|
|
|
|
||||||||||
County Homepage
770.535.8284
770.531.3966
| © 2013 Hall County Government | |||
|
|
||