Residential Recycling
Reuse & Exchange
Centers & Services
Special Disposal
|
Household Hazardous Waste Alternatives
Eliminating household hazardous wastes is a prime concern of the Ecology Action Center. Proper disposal can be difficult and confusing, which is why we need to reduce the amounts we purchase and use them in the first place. The good news, however, is that there are simple alternatives to keep your house clean that are much safer than the hazardous chemicals we are purchasing now. The following are some helpful tips and substitutes we can use in our homes that will greatly reduce the amount of hazardous materials we use.
Here are some tips when purchasing household cleaners and other products:
- Always thoroughly read the labels of products you are purchasing. The least toxic substances will not have warnings, but products with potentially harmful chemicals will have warnings posted somewhere on the label.
- Buy products that do not have a scent. Odorless sprays and washers have less chemicals in them and are safer for indoor use.
- Buy only what you need.
- If you have leftover product that you wish to get rid of, see if a neighbor or friend needs some before throwing it away.
Here are some safe alternatives to household chemicals.
Household Materials |
Safer Alternatives
|
All-Purpose Cleaner |
Vinegar or lemon juice diluted with water; or three tablespoons baking soda in 1 quart water
|
Glass Cleaner |
Mix one tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice in one quart of water. Spray on glass and use newspaper to wipe dry.
|
Drain Cleaner |
Pour 1/4 cup of baking soda and 1/2 cup of vinegar into the drain. Cover the drain until fizzing stops, and then flush with boiling water.
|
Furniture Polish |
For unvarnished surfaces, mix lemon juice and vegetable oil.
|
Oven Cleaner |
Clean spills as soon as the oven cools using steel wool and baking soda; for tough stains, add salt (do not use this method in self-cleaning or continuous cleaning ovens).
|
Mothballs |
Use cedar chips, lavender flowers, rosemary, mint or white peppercorns.
|
Insecticides |
Mix 2 to 4 tablespoons liquid soap in 1 gallon of water. Spray on foliage. Test first as soap may damage some plant foliage. Also, caulk and seal doorways to prevent insect infestation.
|
Insect Repellant |
Use repellants made from distillates of cedar wood, orange, eucalyptus, and bay leaves for house sprays and flea collars.
|
|
