Home is where the heart is, but not everything in your house is safe for your family. Your home may contain many hazardous materials that you use for household chores. Two common though perhaps unassuming household products that can pose threats to your family and the environment are batteries and pesticides.
Batteries have become an essential part of our everyday lives. They power our clocks, remotes, flashlights, and other everyday gadgets. Batteries also contain dangerous chemicals that can harm people and the environment.
- Health: Battery contents can be dangerous, but are protected by layers of insulation and an outer plastic seal. Unfortunately, batteries can leak, especially as they age, and the battery acid inside can be harmful if it comes into contact with skin or eyes. This can be especially dangerous to children who might be playing with old batteries. Lithium-ion batteries, while incredibly efficient, can actually explode if they are not properly stored or disposed of.
- Environment: Tossing batteries in the trash is a quick way to negatively impact the environment. Leaking batteries, even in a landfill, can lead to water contamination. Not to mention there’s a fire risk if lithium-ion batteries are not properly disposed of.
All batteries should be recycled and not be thrown in the trash. Many local waste haulers collect batteries for recycling. If you do not have curbside battery recycling in your neighborhood, you can drop your batteries off at your local household hazardous waste (HHW) center or a local retailer that provides recycling, like BestBuy.
Pesticides are also a dangerous yet common household item. While they keep your garden and home pest-free, pesticides can have serious effects on human health and the environment.
- Health: Pesticides contain all types of chemicals and toxins that are meant to kill pests, but can also affect humans through ingestion or exposure. Studies have found that frequent exposure to pesticides can lead to serious illnesses and cancer. If accidentally ingested, you should call the poison control center immediately and get to the nearest hospital.
- Environment: The chemical substances in pesticides often travel once sprayed. Pesticides can ruin fertile soils, contaminate waterways, and affect non-target species, like humans! Indoor pesticides can leave residue on carpets or curtains, where children or animals who are lower to the ground can be impacted. Organic and food-based repellents are a more attractive option for homeowners wishing to keep their gardens and home pest-free. Pesticides used in your garden also pose a risk, as water runoff can create puddles tainted with chemicals, or can be rinsed away into storm drains carrying chemicals directly to the ocean or bay.
As part of our FlowsToBay Challenge we are encouraging you to drop off your HHW items to your local HHW or other outlets. For a complete list of regular HHW drop-off times please click here.
Here are the steps you’ll need to follow:
- Set up an appointment here or call (650) 363-4718, select option 3.
- Load up to 50 pounds or 10 gallons worth of material.
- Drop off your materials at the HHW center! The facility crew will take your materials directly from your trunk.
- Alternative/Retail Disposal Sites: If you’re looking for somewhere to dispose your hazardous material year-round, retail stores and even your local waste management company can help you out!
- Here is some more information about battery disposal in San Mateo County. Check out the link the see if your local waste management company picks up batteries!
- Many retail stores such as Home Depot, Best Buy, Lowe’s, and Staples all take batteries that need to be recycled. If you have one nearby, you’re in luck! Learn more here.
- Reducing Waste
- For batteries, choosing rechargeable batteries over single-use batteries is the way to go to reduce battery waste. Not only does it help the environment, but it will also save you money in the long run!
- For pesticides, opt for the organic, naturally developed pesticides. These will help keep your family safe and your garden in tip top shape! Learn more about hardware stores who have partnered with Our Water Our World to provide non-toxic pesticide products.
Now that you’re well-informed, it’s time to take action! Help keep your family and the environment safe from these hazardous materials once and for all.
