Many of us take it for granted that when we purchase our home cleaning products they are safe. We assume that the government has determined that they are harmless and when we’re done with them, we can toss them in the garbage like any other piece of trash.
This is definitely not true.
Rather than determining these products are safe, the Australian Government has actually classified them as Home Hazardous Waste. These products must be taken seriously because they're harmful not only the humans but to our environment as well. Were you aware that there are actual standards for their use, and also for their disposal? Below we've listed some important facts everyone should know, particularly people who regularly use these products.
Off to the Landfill
If these dangerous products are not correctly disposed of, they'll ultimately end up as landfill. They'll sit with the other garbage and get pushed down by the elements and the weight of other garbage, ultimately breaking down and leaking into the ground. The result? The groundwater and surrounding soil become poisoned as these dangerous chemicals work their way into our food supply, our waterways, and eventually into our own bodies!
Unintentional Harm
When you toss that half empty bottle of kitchen disinfectant into the trash, you are essentially putting other people at risk for HHW poisoning. And further, when these products go into landfill or processing plants, they're going to be handled by innocent employees who will inevitably become exposed to their toxicity. How’s that for bad karma?
Use the Correct Waste Disposal Programs
There are proper waste disposal procedures in every community but did you know that you could pass on your HHW as well? Cleaning products can be quite expensive to buy. Check with your local Community to determine if there are sharing or exchange programs whereby you can donate your unused HHW - much better than just throwing them out. If you're town is a little isolated, try asking your local neighbours. Everyone is happy to save a little money and you might end up brightening someone’s day.
Would You Prefer Some Jail-Time?
If we still haven't convinced you to dispose of your HHW in a thoughtful manner, how would you feel about some jail-time?. The lasting effects that these chemicals can have on people and the environment is indeed a serious issue. In fact, it's so serious that if you fail to follow proper procedures you could be punished by law. Educate yourself on these matters and keep your record clean: you don't want a container of oven cleaner to get you into trouble with the law. Click here to find more about contract cleaning services.
Follow the Instructions!
If you’re ever confused about how to properly discard a product, just check the label. The manufactures of this HHW don't want to get into hot water any more than you do, and all the safe disposal instructions are clearly written on the container. So really, there are no excuses left!
The little things we do can have a major impact. Making responsible choices about the chemicals you bring into your home is one way to reduce the damage that HHWs can cause. The other? Following the rules when it comes to disposing your cleaning products. Your environment and fellow humans will thank you!
This is definitely not true.
Rather than determining these products are safe, the Australian Government has actually classified them as Home Hazardous Waste. These products must be taken seriously because they're harmful not only the humans but to our environment as well. Were you aware that there are actual standards for their use, and also for their disposal? Below we've listed some important facts everyone should know, particularly people who regularly use these products.
Off to the Landfill
If these dangerous products are not correctly disposed of, they'll ultimately end up as landfill. They'll sit with the other garbage and get pushed down by the elements and the weight of other garbage, ultimately breaking down and leaking into the ground. The result? The groundwater and surrounding soil become poisoned as these dangerous chemicals work their way into our food supply, our waterways, and eventually into our own bodies!
Unintentional Harm
When you toss that half empty bottle of kitchen disinfectant into the trash, you are essentially putting other people at risk for HHW poisoning. And further, when these products go into landfill or processing plants, they're going to be handled by innocent employees who will inevitably become exposed to their toxicity. How’s that for bad karma?
Use the Correct Waste Disposal Programs
There are proper waste disposal procedures in every community but did you know that you could pass on your HHW as well? Cleaning products can be quite expensive to buy. Check with your local Community to determine if there are sharing or exchange programs whereby you can donate your unused HHW - much better than just throwing them out. If you're town is a little isolated, try asking your local neighbours. Everyone is happy to save a little money and you might end up brightening someone’s day.
Would You Prefer Some Jail-Time?
If we still haven't convinced you to dispose of your HHW in a thoughtful manner, how would you feel about some jail-time?. The lasting effects that these chemicals can have on people and the environment is indeed a serious issue. In fact, it's so serious that if you fail to follow proper procedures you could be punished by law. Educate yourself on these matters and keep your record clean: you don't want a container of oven cleaner to get you into trouble with the law. Click here to find more about contract cleaning services.
Follow the Instructions!
If you’re ever confused about how to properly discard a product, just check the label. The manufactures of this HHW don't want to get into hot water any more than you do, and all the safe disposal instructions are clearly written on the container. So really, there are no excuses left!
The little things we do can have a major impact. Making responsible choices about the chemicals you bring into your home is one way to reduce the damage that HHWs can cause. The other? Following the rules when it comes to disposing your cleaning products. Your environment and fellow humans will thank you!