If you own a home, you no doubt have projects, both completed and ongoing, that result in a collection of hazardous substances in the basement, garage, or storage area. Cleaning, gardening, and home improvements yield all sorts of dangerous chemicals and containers.
Disposing of paint cans, herbicide containers, solvents, and other unhealthy materials is a concern. Many municipalities and counties, including Sarasota, have programs for getting rid of hazardous waste, but these programs are often seasonal. Some cities, for example, pick up construction materials, yard waste, and hazardous waste once in the spring and again in the fall to coincide with the beginning and winding down of the fix-up / clean-up season. The local sanitation department that picks up trash once or twice a week usually refuses to pick up this kind of refuse.
In the meantime, you're stuck with old or spent chemicals and cleaners, and their containers.
Products that should concern you are things like paint stripper, muriatic acid, insect sprays, drain cleaners, weed killers, paint, solvents, and any kind of household cleaner that can cause harm if inhaled, ingested, or comes into contact with bare skin. Good examples are household bleach and toilet cleaners.
Some of these substances are flammable, too, which causes further concern. Things like kerosene, gasoline, car batteries, aerosol cans, ammonia, and paint thinner will burn or explode if exposed to sufficient heat or fire. Some of these chemicals can combust simply with exposure to certain other chemicals.
If you aren't able to dispose of hazardous waste right away, it's important to keep these items away from any heat source, and out of reach of children and animals. It's a good idea to lock dangerous chemicals in a well-ventilated cabinet, away from heat or sparks. Always store leftover or used chemicals in their original containers so that anyone can tell what it is. Remember that many chemicals are sold in containers specifically intended for the product, and should not be transferred to other containers.
Mark the calendar with the next pick-up date, and then post the reminder where you're sure to see it. In Sarasota call (941) 861-1530 for information on days and locations for the proper disposal of these home chemicals.
With today's concern for the safety of consumers and the environment, many manufacturers are offering non-hazardous alternatives. Shop around for non-toxic cleaners and environmentally friendly weed killers, bug sprays, and fertilizers.
