Photograph by Paul Myers

Some common household items can pose a hazard to the environment if they are poured down the drain.




Not everything can go down the drain

Whether somebody is moving into a new home or moving out, dealing with old paint cans, cleaning products, pesticides and other types of hazardous waste can pose a problem. For folks in Santa Clara County, there is a solution. The county's Household Hazardous Waste Disposal Program offers permanent drop-off locations and temporary drop-off events for most Santa Clara County residents.

On Oct. 6, West Valley residents can get rid of household hazardous waste by scheduling an appointment to drop off materials at a special collection event at West Valley College.

Household hazardous waste includes unwanted household products, labeled "flammable," "toxic," "corrosive" or "reactive." The most common products include:

* Cleaning products such as drain openers, oven cleaners, metal or furniture polish and spot removers.

* Automotive products such as motor oil, gasoline and solvents, brake or transmission fluids, antifreeze, auto batteries, polishes and wax.

* Pesticides such as weed killers, insecticides, fertilizers with weed killer, wood preservatives, rat or insect poisons, and pool chemicals.

* Paint and paint products such as paints and thinners, paint removers, stains and varnishes, aerosol cans, epoxies and adhesives.

* Miscellaneous items such as driveway sealer, roofing tar, household batteries, hobby or photo chemicals, and fluorescent lamps.

It is illegal to dispose of such household hazardous waste in the landfill, therefore it should not be thrown out in the garbage. None of these materials should be poured down a drain. While some items may be recycled, such as motor oil and oil filters, others must be taken to a sanctioned household hazardous waste drop-off location or event if they cannot be used.

Taking an inventory of hazardous waste in the home is an essential first step, especially when getting ready to move. Disposing of the material properly is the next step.

Realtor Kathy Stakey of Coldwell Banker in Saratoga helps her clients by doing a "walk through" of the property and grounds when she is about to put the property on the market.

"If I see anything that appears to be of a hazardous material nature, I give my clients information on how to dispose of it properly," Stakey says. "It is wise to remind the sellers of a property that the purchase contract states that all personal belongings and debris will be removed prior to the close of escrow."

When scheduling a move, be sure to schedule an appointment for household hazardous waste drop-off. Here are some basic guidelines for proper disposal of household hazardous waste, by appointment only, at the collection event at West Valley College on Oct. 6.

* Residents must make an appointment by calling the Santa Clara County Household Hazardous Waste Program at 408.299.7300.

* A maximum of 5 gallons or 50 pounds of hazardous waste can be transported in one trip as permitted by state transportation laws and the Santa Clara County Household Hazardous Waste Program.

* Bring household hazardous waste materials in their original, labeled and sealed containers. Do not mix chemicals together.

* Sort chemicals into the following categories: aerosols; paints, flammables and auto fluids; and cleaners and yard and garden products.

* For safety, transport waste in the car trunk or the back of the vehicle's passenger area.

* The program does not accept ammunition, explosives or radioactive material.

For more information about the event, contact 408.299.7300 or check out www.hhw.org on the web for complete details.

According to West Valley Clean Water Program Manager Sheila Tucker, West Valley residents who take advantage of this collection event will be "on the road to less toxic cleaning."

The Monte Sereno-based pollution prevention organization says that one of the major sources of water pollution in the Bay Area is the residential population, not the industry sector. Commonly used household products with toxic pollutants, such as paint, motor oil, pesticides and cleaning products, when poured down the drain, can end up in local waters, including neighborhood creeks and the bay and ocean, endangering fish and wildlife. In addition to encouraging the use of less toxic cleaning products, the West Valley Clean Water Program cautions consumers to never pour unwanted or leftover materials down indoor drains or in a street, gutter or storm drain.

Tucker said residents may be surprised to learn that household cleaning products can cause water pollution. "The good news is that West Valley residents can also be the solution by making some simple changes in behavior," says Tucker who advocates using less toxic products and safer cleaning methods. "A cabinet full of toxic chemicals isn't needed to have a clean home."

There are certain precautions consumers can take to guard against water pollution. Generally, products with "caution," "warning," "danger" or "poison" on the label should be disposed of through a household hazardous waste collection program. Consumers can avoid buying hazardous products by using safer cleaning alternatives, such as baking soda, lemon juice and vinegar.

The Household Hazardous Waste Program serves residents in Santa Clara County with the exception of residents in Palo Alto and the city of Santa Clara. For a complete list of household hazardous waste items, drop-off locations and dates, or for more information, check out www.hhw.org or call 408.299.7300.

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Next week: Solutions for safer house cleaning.

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