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“Green” Cleaning Tips
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Cleaning
products
are
not
all
alike:
They
differ
not
only
in
smell
or
packaging,
but
also
in
their
effects
on
the
environment.
Many
everyday
cleaning
supplies
contain
hazardous
substances
which,
when
disposed
improperly,
are
dangerous
to
the
environment.
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Read
labels
to
find
out
if
products
are
hazardous.
Generally,
household
hazardous
waste
(HHW)
belongs
to
one
of
the
following
hazardous
waste
categories.
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- Corrosive
-
Labels
usually
state,
“Corrosive
-
avoid
contact
with
skin
and
eyes.”
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- Flammable
-
label
usually
reads,
“Extremely
Flammable”
- Reactive
-
“Warning
-
strong
oxidizer”
usually
appears
on
label.
- Toxic
-
Poisonous.
Labels
may
have
the
skull
and
crossbones
and
usually
state,
“Danger/Poison”
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When
you
dispose
of
these
products,
they
become
household
hazardous
waste
(HHW).
If
you
cannot
use
all
of
the
product,
give
it
to
somebody
who
can.
To
learn
more
about
how
to
store,
use
and
dispose
of
household
hazardous
materials
request
your
free
Household
Hazardous
Waste
Wheel.
Click
here
to
request
your
HHW
Wheel.
Homemade
cleaning
products
are
often
a
safe
alternative
to
hazardous
commercial
brands.
Whether
you
need
to
shine
your
silver
or
deodorize
your
rug,
you
can
mix
up
your
own
environmentally
friendly
cleaning
supplies.
Common
ingredients
such
as
baking
soda,
borax,
lemon
juice,
white
vinegar
and
ketchup,
often
work
as
alternative
cleaning
substances.
Click
here
for
a
list
of
Hazardous
Product
Alternatives
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Tips to reduce cleaning-related waste
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- Don’t
overstock
on
cleaning
supplies!
Buy
only
what
you
need
and
avoid
unwanted
leftovers
and
unnecessary
disposal
problems.
- Before you buy, read the label carefully for ingredient information and
handling and disposal instructions.
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Handle and dispose safely
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- Never pour large amounts of leftover cleaning supplies down the
drain.
They will enter the water system and pollute drinking water,
lakes, and rivers.
- Clearly mark dangerous cleaning
supplies.
Keep them in their original container to prevent accidental poisoning.
- The
best
way
to
dispose
of
a
hazardous
product
is
to
use
all
of
it.
If
you
can’t
use
it,
give
it
to
some
one
who
can.
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