The Hazardless Home Handbook

The hazardless home handbook

A cooperative publication of

Oregon Department of Environmental Quality 811 SW Sixth Ave. Portland, OR 97204

600 NE Grand Ave. Portland, OR 97232

Printed on 100 percent recycled paper, 30 percent post-consumer-content.

1 Table of contents

Hazardous products in the home...... 3 A-Z Guide to common hazardous household products...... 5

Adhesives/glues...... 6 Medicines, unwanted/expired...... 18 Aerosols...... 6 Mercury-containing products...... 19 Air fresheners/deodorizers...... 6 Moss killer...... 19 Ammunition...... 7 Mothballs/moth crystals...... 19 Antifreeze...... 7 Motor oil/oil filters...... 20 Arts and crafts supplies...... 8 Oven cleaners...... 21 Asbestos...... 8 Paint, oil-based/stain/spray...... 21 Batteries, automotive...... 9 Paint, water based...... 21 Batteries, household...... 9 Paint strippers/paint scrapings...... 22 Bleaches, laundry...... 10 Paint thinners...... 23 Brake fluid...... 10 Pesticides...... 23 Charcoal lighter fluid...... 10 Photographic chemicals...... 27 Chemistry sets...... 11 Polishes/shoe...... 28 Cleaners, general household...... 11 Polishes/cleaners/waxes, automotive...... 28 Degreasers, automotive/garage...... 12 Polishes/cleaners, metal...... 28 Detergents, dishwashing/laundry...... 12 Polishes/waxes, wood furniture and floors...... 29 Disinfectants...... 13 Pool/spa chemicals...... 29 Drain cleaners...... 14 Rug/carpet cleaners...... 30 Fertilizers, chemical...... 14 Septic tank cleaners...... 30 Fingernail polish/remover...... 15 Smoke detectors, ionizing type...... 31 Fluorescent lights/ballasts/HID lamps...... 15 Soot remover/creosote destroyer...... 31 Gasoline...... 16 Stain/spot removers...... 31 Hair products...... 17 Thermometer, medical/household...... 32 Hand cleaners, mechanic/painter...... 17 Thermostats...... 32 Kerosene/diesel fuel...... 17 Transmission fluid...... 33 Lubricating oils...... 18 Windshield wiper solution...... 33 Medical waste/sharps...... 18 Wood preservatives...... 34

Glossary...... 35 Additional resources...... 37 For more information...... 38 Oregon household hazardous waste collection facilities and events...... 39

2 Hazardous products in the home

Most homes have shelves, closets and cupboards weakness, confusion, dizziness, irritability, headaches, stocked with household products that make our lives nausea, sweating, tremor and convulsions. easier. Stores carry hundreds of brands of cleaners, de- • Repeated exposure to some chemicals can cause can- tergents, polishes, paints, pesticides and other products cer or birth defects. that promise to be fast, easy and effective. But how safe are they? • Hazardous materials placed in the garbage can seri- ously injure sanitation workers. As a consumer, you may assume that a product is safe if it’s offered for sale. Unfortunately, many household Poisoning products contain hazardous ingredients that can be Every day, children and pets become ill or die from eat- harmful when you use them or dispose of them im- ing or drinking toxic products in the home. Many toxic properly. By understanding what products are hazard- products may look or taste appealing. ous, how to handle them and what alternatives are Indoor air pollution available, you can make your home and environment a Because we spend 80 to 90 percent of our time inside, healthier place. indoor air pollution can have significant effects on our Is it hazardous? Read the label health. Many household products we use can contribute to making indoor air two to five times more pol- Read product labels and look for these signal words: luted than outside air. In some cases, it can be as much danger, warning or caution. These federally man- as 100 times more polluted. dated words indicate the degree of immediate hazard posed by the product. Generally, danger indicates that Explosions a product is extremely hazardous, either because it is Accumulated aerosols and other flammable products poisonous, extremely flammable or corrosive.Warning can ignite or explode when exposed to high heat, or caution indicate products that are somewhat less flames or pressure, such as in a trash compactor. Burn- hazardous. Products listing no signal words are usually ing toxic materials produces toxic fumes. the least hazardous. Environmental damage A product is hazardous when it contains one or Pesticides can kill beneficial insects and birds, not just more of the following properties: the destructive insects intended. Fertilizers and pesti- • Flammable/combustible: Can easily be set on fire or cides can run off into storm drains, polluting rivers, ignited. streams and lakes. Hazardous wastes can end up in our • Explosive/reactive: Can detonate or explode through drinking water, rivers and lakes if buried, flushed down exposure to heat, sudden shock or pressure. the drain or poured onto the ground or into storm drains. Many common household products contribute • Corrosive/caustic: Can burn and destroy living tissue. to air pollution as well. • Toxic/poisonous: Capable of causing injury or death through ingestion, inhalation or absorption. Reduce hazardous products at home Shop smart • Radioactive: Can damage and destroy cells and chro- Buy the least hazardous products you can find to do the mosomal material. job, or try the alternatives listed in this handbook. Dangers of hazardous When shopping, read a product label carefully to learn household products about product uses and dangers before you buy it. If Health problems and injuries the label directions are unclear, ask the dealer or don’t • Mixtures of some hazardous buy the product at all. Watch for the signal words products can produce dan- danger, warning and caution. Products that do not gerous vapors, explosions or bear any of these signal words are considered the least fires. hazardous. • Products containing acid or Be aware that some product ingredients can cause long- lye can burn skin, eyes or term or “chronic” health effects. “Chronic” effects respiratory passages. take time to appear or be noticed, while “acute” effects are immediate. Products that are inhaled or absorbed • Exposure to some pesticides, through the skin may cause chronic health effects. Read paints and solvents can cause labels carefully for warnings about breathing vapors or

3 wearing gloves or safety equipment. You may wish to Additional precautions avoid using such products. Be sure to thoroughly wash all exposed body parts and clothing when you finish using a product. Wear old Reading labels before you buy a product will help you clothes, wash them separately and line-dry if possible. make the best choice for your health, your family’s To avoid accidental ingestion, be sure to clean up be- health and the environment. Choosing the product fore you eat or smoke, even if you’ve used that’s safest to use is usually the safest environmental gloves. Always wash your hands choice, too. after using any product. Buy only what you need Put Mr. Yuk stickers on hazard- If you must purchase products that are hazardous, buy ous household products and teach only what you can use completely. That way you won’t children to leave them alone. have to worry about storage or disposal. If you do have These stickers are available from leftovers, try to find someone who can use them. Do the Oregon Poison Control Center. not, however, give away old pesticides. Old pesticides Post the number of the Oregon Poison can contain chemicals that are now banned (e.g., DDT, Center by your telephone: 800-222-1222. Kelthane). Practice safe disposal Follow safety precautions If you have unwanted hazardous products that you Use proper safety equipment are not able to give away, dispose of them responsi- The label should tell you what equipment you need bly. Some household hazardous wastes can be safely when using a specific product, but if you’re not sure, disposed in the garbage or diluted and flushed down ask the dealer or call the manufacturer. Gloves help an inside drain if you are connected to a sanitary sys- prevent chemicals from being absorbed through the tem. Do not flush any products if you are on a septic skin. Nitrile gloves, available in safety supply stores, system. Many products should be taken to a household will protect your hands against most products, except hazardous waste collection site. For information about strong acids or bases. Products that contain acids or collection sites in the Portland metropolitan area, call bases require the use of heavy rubber gloves. Chemical Metro Recycling Information at 503-234-3000. Out- splash goggles prevent splashes and vapors from getting side the Portland area, call your garbage hauler, local in the eyes. Respirators and dust masks prevent inhala- government solid waste department or the Oregon De- tion of particulates, mists, vapors and fumes. Be sure to partment of Environmental Quality at 503-229-5913 use the right cartridge and filter for the job. or toll-free at 800-452-4011. For information about scheduled hazardous waste collection events across the Work in a well-ventilated area state, call 800-732-9253. Throughout this handbook, you will find references to Properly prepare household hazardous wastes for working in a well-ventilated area. Many product labels transport to a collection site. say “use adequate ventilation.” You’ll find the best ventilation outdoors. Indoors, open as many windows and • Keep products in original containers when possible. doors as possible, not just one, to provide maximum air If a product does not have its original label, label it circulation. Position a fan between your work area and yourself if you are sure of the contents. an open door or window, with the fan pointed out- • Don’t mix products together. Dangerous reactions ward, to pull the product fumes or vapors away from can occur when some materials are mixed. the work area and circulate fresh air into the room. A kitchen or bathroom exhaust fan or one open window • Make sure products are properly sealed to prevent will not provide adequate ventilation. leaks and spills. If a container is leaking, secure it inside a second leak-proof container. Store products safely When hazardous products are not in use, keep them • Pack containers in sturdy boxes in the trunk of your tightly sealed and stored in a locked cabinet for greatest vehicle, away from the driver, passengers and pets. protection of children, pets and the indoor environment. Keep products in original containers until used Where does household hazardous waste go? up or disposed of, do not mix unless directed, and keep Most household hazardous wastes are recycled or used flammable products away from heat, open flames or to generate energy, the rest are incinerated at a special sparks. Some highly flammable products such as gaso- incinerator for hazardous waste. This is considered a line should be kept in a separate outbuilding if possible. better long-term option than landfilling as materials Follow the recommendations on product labels and in are neutralized and are no longer hazardous or able to this handbook. contaminate the environment.

4 A – Z guide to common hazardous household products

This alphabetical guide provides storage facilities or holding periodic information on common hazardous household hazardous waste ingredients, potential hazards, collection events are expensive and responsible use and storage, proper relatively recent developments in waste management, and alternatives Oregon. If your county has yet to for the most common hazardous sponsor a household hazardous household products. waste collection, consider encourag- A reference section and a glossary, as ing your local city or county solid well as other reference information, waste department to develop this are located in the back of the new, safer and environmentally booklet. sound disposal option for your area. Some disposal options recommended The alternative products listed are in this handbook may not be readily often safer for your health and the available in your area. Building and environment. However, keep in mind operating permanent household that some may still present hazards if hazardous waste collection and not used properly.

5 • For pasting up artwork for publication, use a waxer Adhesives/glues with paraffin. Common hazardous • For mounting photos, use dry mounting tissues. ingredients acetates (ethyl, amyl, butyl), acetone, butadiene methyl styrene latex, cyano- Aerosols acrylate, epoxy resins, formaldehyde, hexane, methly ethyl ketone, methyl Common hazardous ingredients isobutyl ketone, methylene chloride, methylene chloride, nitrous oxide, o-phenylphenol, petroleum naphtha phthalates, phe- propane, trichloroethane, trichloroethylene nol, polyamide resin, polyvinyl alcohol, toluene (toluol), trichloroethane, xylene Potential hazards (xylol) Containers may explode if heated; contents may be highly flammable, irritants, corrosives, toxins or poisons. Potential hazards Air pollutant. Methylene chloride is a suspected hu- Solvent-based products are the most hazardous type and man carcinogen. can be recognized by the words “flammable,” “combustible” or “contains petroleum distillates” on the label. Use and storage Includes rubber cement, epoxy, instant glues, model Use in a well-ventilated area (preferably outdoors) glues and plastic adhesives. May be extremely flammable and follow label instructions. Avoid breathing vapors. or explosive, may be irritating to skin and lungs, or may NEVER burn aerosol cans or place them in a trash be corrosive and cause burns to skin and eyes. Narcotic, compactor, even if the cans are completely empty. possibly fatal when inhaled in high concentrations. Air Prevent nozzles from becoming clogged. Give the pollutant. Methylene chloride, common in some adhe- spray button a quarter turn before spraying. If a spray sives/glues is a suspected human carcinogen. opening becomes clogged while the can is in use, turn it upside down and spray for a few seconds. Always do Use and storage this when you have finished painting. Store in a locked Use white glue, glue sticks or yellow glue whenever cabinet or out of reach of children and away from possible. These are the least toxic adhesives currently sources of heat or flames. available. Most other adhesives and glues contain solvents. For adhesives or glues containing solvents, Disposal use a non-aerosol application if possible. Buy a mini- Best: Use up or give away. Empty aerosol cans can be mum amount, follow label directions exactly and use recycled with steel cans. in a well-ventilated area, away from sources of igni- Second best: Take to a household hazardous waste tion. Avoid wearing soft contacts. The solvent can be facility or collection event. In Clackamas, Multnomah absorbed and trapped next to the eyes. Keep container and Washington counties call Metro Recycling Infor- lids tightly closed when not in use and store in a secure mation at 503-234-3000. Elsewhere in Oregon call area that is locked or out of reach of children and away 800-732-9253. from sources of heat or flames. Alternative Disposal • Use nonaerosol self-applied products such as gels, Best: Use up or give away. Dispose of empty container roll-ons, liquids or solids. in the garbage. Second best: Uncap instant, white or yellow glue and allow to harden in container. Dispose of solid glue and Air fresheners/ container in the garbage. deodorizers Third best: Take to a household hazardous waste facility or collection event. In Clackamas, Multnomah and Common hazardous ingredients Washington counties call Metro Recycling Information formaldehyde, isobutane, methlyene chloride, naph- at 503-234-3000. Elsewhere in Oregon call 800-732- thalene, o-phenylphenol, p-dichlorobenzene, pine oil, 9253. propane

Alternatives Potential hazards • For gluing wood, china, paper and other porous ma- Harmful to lungs if inhaled in high concentrations or terials, white or yellow carpenter’s glues are the least for prolonged periods of time; solid fresheners may be toxic. poisonous if eaten by children or pets. Flammable. Air • For gluing paper, paste or a glue stick is safer than pollutant. rubber cement.

6 Use and storage Follow label instructions. Store in a locked cabinet Ammunition or out of reach of children and pets and away from Common hazardous sources of heat or flames. ingredients gunpowder, gun bluing con- Disposal tains mercury, selenium Best: Use up or give away. Dispose of empty, nonaerosol containers in the garbage. Potential hazards Second best: Take to a household hazardous waste Explosive, flammable. The facility or collection event. In Clackamas, Multnomah primary danger associated and Washington counties, call Metro Recycling Infor- with ammunition is accidental discharge. The risk is mation at 503-234-3000. Elsewhere in Oregon, call especially great when children view ammunition as 800-732-9253. Empty aerosol cans can be recycled something with which to play. For example, pound- with steel cans. ing on a bullet with a hammer to see what is inside or throwing ammunition into a fire can lead to an acciden- Third best: Dispose of solid leftover product in the tal discharge or explosion of the primer cap. garbage. Storage Alternatives Store in a cool, dry area that is locked or out of reach General of children and pets. • Locate the source of the odor problem and take cor- rective action. Disposal • Open windows and doors for at least a few minutes Contact your local fire department, police department every day. or bomb squad for disposal. Call the bomb squad in the Portland metropolitan area at 503-823-4195. Else- • Perform home repairs to correct moisture problems. where in Oregon call 503-378-3720. Add vents and vapor barriers, detour water drainage away from the house, etc. For carpets Antifreeze • Baking soda will absorb smoking, cooking, pet and other odors that settle into carpeting. Common hazardous ingredients For cutting boards ethylene glycol, methanol, • Use a baking soda paste and let stand 15 minutes to sodium nitrite remove odors such as onion and garlic. Used antifreeze may con- For the refrigerator tain arsenic and chromium • Leaven a open box of baking soda in the refrigerator. compounds. Replace every three months. For a room Potential hazards Poisonous when swallowed; danger to children and • Pour pure vanilla on a cotton ball in a saucer. Place pets; three ounces of antifreeze can kill an adult if swal- in car, room or refrigerator. (This is reported to lowed. remove even skunk odors.) • Set out a dish of vinegar or boil 1 tablespoon of Use and storage white vinegar in 1 cup of water to help eliminate Follow label directions. Clean up puddles of antifreeze. unpleasant cooking odors. Animals are attracted by the sweet smell and taste and can be poisoned. By law, antifreeze available through • Simmer cinnamon and cloves. retail stores in Oregon contains a bittering agent that • Set out herbal bouquets in open dishes. makes it less palatable. Professional automotive repair For a sink garbage disposal facilities are exempt – be sure to ask that the brand put into your radiator contains a bittering agent, or is a less • Grind used lemons in the disposal. toxic alternative. Absorb accidental spills of antifreeze • Pour 1/2 cup of baking soda, followed by 1/2 cup of with an absorbent material such as kitty litter and dis- vinegar, down the drain. Cover drain and let sit 15 pose in the garbage. Store used antifreeze for disposal minutes. Rinse with 2 quarts of boiling water. in a secure area that is locked or away from children and pets. Most air fresheners/deodorizers do not freshen the air at all. Instead, they mask the ! unpleasant odor with another odor.

7 Disposal Alternatives Take to a household hazardous waste facility or collec- • Choose water-based inks, paints, glues and cements. tion event. In Clackamas Multnomah and Washington • Use supplies without lead, chromium, cadmium or counties, call Metro Recycling Information at 503-234- other toxic pigments. 3000. Elsewhere in Oregon call 800-732-9253. • For children, choose crayons, grease pencils or other water-based markers. Alternative • Use lead-free solder if possible. • Choose an antifreeze product that has a low level of toxicity. New formulations contain propylene glycol, • Use dry-mount tissue instead of spray adhesive. which is less toxic if ingested. To switch to a propyl- Permanent felt-tip markers, rubber cement, spray ene glycol formula it is necessary to completely flush fixatives, powdered clay and instant papier-mâché are the radiator because different formulations cannot be standard arts and crafts supplies found in many homes. mixed. All of these materials may contain chemicals that are hazardous if inhaled, absorbed through the skin or NEVER pour antifreeze down a storm drain swallowed. or into a ditch where it will directly pollute ! the water. Asbestos Arts and crafts supplies Common hazardous ingredients Asbestos is the generic name for a group of naturally Common hazardous ingredients occurring minerals. arsenic, barium, benzene, cadmium, chromium, cobalt, copper, formaldehyde, hexane, lead, mercury, methylene Potential hazards chloride, methyl ethyl ketone, toluene, trichloroethane, Products and building materials containing asbestos silica, uranium, zinc can release small, invisible mineral fibers into the air when damaged, sawed, drilled, scraped, sanded, shat- Potential hazards tered, or pulverized. Inhalation of asbestos fibers can Flammable, respiratory irritants, air pollutants, toxic. cause asbestos related diseases and cancer. The latency Arsenic, benzene, cadrium and methylene chloride are period or time between exposure and disease symptoms all known or suspected carcinogens. can be 20 to 40 years. Smokers have a 50 Use and storage to 100 times greater risk of contracting an asbestos-related disease when exposed to asbestos fibers. There is When using art supplies containing toxic ingredients, no safe level of lung exposure to asbestos. follow label directions carefully. Use art supplies in a well-ventilated area with recommended safety equip- Potential asbestos problems ment such as chemical-splash goggles, gloves, a respi- Most products and materials made today do not rator and protective clothing. Refrain from eating or contain asbestos. However, until the late 1970s, many drinking while using these products and wash your types of commercial and residential building products hands thoroughly when finished. Store out of reach of contained asbestos. These products were often not la- children and pets and away from sources of flames. beled. Some common products that contained asbestos For more information about safer art and craft sup- and conditions that may allow release of asbestos fibers plies, visit the Washington Toxics Coalition’s website at include: www.watoxics.org and view the Home Safe Home fact • STEAM PIPES, BOILERS and FURNACE DUCTS sheet, Art and Hobby Supplies, in the publications sec- insulated with asbestos wrapping, block, and paper tion of the site. The California Office of Environmental tape. These materials may release fibers if damaged, Health Hazard Assessment has guidelines for the safe repaired or removed improperly. use of art and craft materials for schools on their website at http://www.oehha.org/education/art/artguide. • RESILIENT FLOOR TILES (vinyl asbestos and html. asphalt) and the backing on VINYL SHEET FLOOR- ING may release asbestos fibers during removal. Disposal Sanding tiles (or using abrasives with buffing ma- Best: Use up or give away. Dispose of dry, empty con- chines) can release fibers, as can scraping or sanding tainers in the garbage. the backing of sheet flooring during removal. Some flooring contained asbestos through the mid-1980s. Second best: Take to a household hazardous waste facility or collection event. In Clackamas, Multnomah • CEMENT SHEET, MILLBOARD and PAPER used and Washington counties call Metro Recycling Infor- as insulation or a heat barrier around furnaces and mation at 503-234-3000. Elsewhere in Oregon call wood burning stoves. Repairing or removing these 800-732-9253.

8 appliances may release asbestos fibers as may cutting, tearing, sanding, drilling, sawing or shattering insula- Batteries, automotive tion. Common hazardous ingredients • CEMENT ROOFING SHINGLES and SIDING. lead, sulfuric acid These products are not likely to release asbestos fibers unless sawed, drilled, cut, shattered or badly weath- Potential hazards ered. Corrosive; sulfuric acid can cause burns • DECORATIVE MATERIAL sprayed on ceilings on contact with skin; (common name “popcorn”). Loose, crumbly or harmful to eyes; water-damaged material may release fibers. Sanding, irritant if inhaled. drilling or scraping will also cause asbestos fibers to be released. Use and storage • PATCHING, LEVELING and JOINT COMPOUNDS Wear chemical splash goggles and heavy rubber gloves for walls, ceilings and floors. Sanding, scraping or when handling batteries or adding water. Store in a drilling these surfaces may release asbestos fibers. secure area that is locked or away from children and sources of sparks or flames. • Older household products such as HOT PADS, old IRONING BOARD COVERS and some old HAIR- Disposal DRYERS. Best: Trade in your old battery when purchasing a new • AUTOMOBILE BRAKE PADS AND LININGS, one. You may get a discount with a trade in. All bat- CLUTCH FACINGS and GASKETS. Home mechan- tery retail outlets are required to take back your old ics may be exposed to asbestos fibers when working vehicle battery. For information about recycling larger on these automotive parts. Most of these products no quantities in Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington longer contain asbestos. counties, call Metro Recycling Information at 503-234- 3000. Elsewhere in Oregon, call 800-732-9253. What should be done? At all times, you need to minimize your exposure to In Oregon, it is illegal to dispose of vehicle asbestos fibers. Locate all suspect asbestos-containing batteries in the garbage. materials in your home or business by having a survey ! performed for the presence of asbestos. If the material Alternative is in good condition, leave them alone. If the mate- • Buy longer-life batteries so you have fewer batteries rial is damaged or you are going to make changes that to throw away. may disturb the asbestos containing material (such as At least 90 percent of all spent lead-acid automotive remodeling), call the Oregon DEQ at 503-229-5982 or batteries in Oregon are currently recycled. toll-free at 800-452-4011 for more information. NOTE: DEQ recommends that you hire an asbestos abatement professional to perform all asbestos-related Batteries, household work from sampling to removal and disposal. For more information go to: www.deq.state.or.us/aq/index.htm. Common hazardous ingredients cadmium, corrosive electrolytes, lead, mercury, silver Disposal (mercury batteries are no longer commercially available) Best: Special authorization is given to landfills that handle asbestos waste. Asbestos-containing materials Potential hazards are in friable form when they can be crumbled by hand Batteries can explode when heated or burned. Chemi- pressure or if they are subjected to sanding, sawing, cals released due to battery leakage or explosion can drilling or shattering. For information about proper cause internal or external irritation or burns. Environ- packaging and labeling of asbestos waste, call the DEQ mental pollution of air and water from toxic heavy at 503-229-5982 or toll-free at 800-452-4011 and ask metals such as mercury when incinerated or disposed of to speak to the regional office for your area (see map on in unlined landfills. page 39). For the Portland metropolitan area call 503- 234-3000 for more information. Use and storage DO NOT put disk or button batteries in your mouth. Second best: Outside the Portland metropolitan area They are slippery and easily swallowed. Store all house- and northwest region of Oregon you may hold small hold batteries out of reach of children and pets and properly packaged and labeled amounts of asbestos away from sources of heat. containing materials for a household hazardous waste collection event. Call 800-732-9253 to find out if there Disposal is a hazardous waste collection event in your commu- Best: Recycle. Mercury-oxide and silver-oxide button nity. batteries are sometimes collected by jewelers, pharma-

9 cies, hospitals, senior centers and hearing aid stores for Alternatives shipping to companies that reclaim the metals. Check • Reduce the amount of chlorine bleach needed by to find out if one of these organizations recycles button half by adding 1/2 cup baking soda to top-loading batteries in your area. Many stores that sell machines or 1/4 cup to front loaders. rechargeable nickel cadmium batteries will take them • Use oxygen bleaches 1/2 cup per load back for recycling. Call 1-877-2-RECYCLE or visit www.rbrc.com for a location near you or contact a • Use hydrogen peroxide based bleaches local retailer. In the Portland metropolitan region, call Note: Hydrogen peroxide in dilute solutions may be a 503-234-3000 for locations. lesser hazard than chlorine in some ways, but neither Second best: Take to a household hazardous waste product is hazard free. Use these kinds of products facility or collection event. In Clackamas, Multnomah infrequently or, if possible, not at all. and Washington counties call Metro Recycling Infor- mation at 503-234-3000. Elsewhere in Oregon call NEVER mix chlorine bleach with ammonia 800-732-9253. or with any acid, including vinegar. When ! combined, these compounds produce chlo- Third best: dispose of common household alkaline and ramine gas, a toxic vapor! carbon-zinc batteries in the garbage. Since 1994 regular AA, AAA, C and D batteries are now manufactured without mercury. Brake fluid Alternatives Common hazardous ingredients • Avoid battery-operated products. methyl, ethyl and butyl ethers of ethylene glycol • Buy rechargeable batteries. Used brake fluid contains lead and other heavy metals.

Potential hazards Bleaches, laundry Flammable; toxic; harmful or fatal if ingested; water and soil pollutants if poured on the ground, into a Common hazardous ditch or down a storm drain. ingredients oxalic acid, sodium hypochlorite, Use and storage sodium perborate, sodium percar- Avoid contact with skin. Wash hands after use. Store bonate, sodium tripolyphosphate with lid tightly closed in a locked cabinet or away from children, pets and sources of flames or sparks. If Potential hazards the metal container in which the brake fluid is stored Chlorine bleach is reactive and can begins to rust, place the container inside a larger plas- form toxic gases when mixed with other cleaners; ir- tic container. ritant to eyes and mucous membranes; and is corrosive. Disposal Use and storage Best: Use up or give away. Dispose of empty container Wear heavy rubber gloves when using. Use in a well-venti- in the garbage. lated area. Keep the container lid tightly closed when not in Second best: Take to a household hazardous waste use and store out of reach of children and pets. facility or collection event. In Clackamas, Multnomah Disposal and Washington counties call Metro Recycling Infor- Best: Use up or give away. Rinse and recycle empty mation at 503-234-3000. Elsewhere in Oregon call bottles. 800-732-9253. Second best: Take to a household hazardous waste facility or collection event. In Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington counties call Metro Recycling Infor- Charcoal lighter fluid mation at 503-234-3000. Elsewhere in Oregon call Common hazardous ingredients 800-732-9253. benzene, naphthalene, petroleum distillates, toluene, xylene Third best: If your home is connected to a city sewer system and you are unable to use or give away leftover Potential hazards bleach, flush small amounts down an inside drain (toilet Toxic; ignitable, air pollutant. is preferable) with lots of water. If you are on a septic system, flush very small quantities over several days. Use and storage Use according to label directions. Avoid inhaling vapors or contact with your skin. Do NOT use indoors. Keep

10 container lid tightly closed when not in use and store in Potential hazards a locked cabinet or out of reach of children and away Mildly to extremely irritating to skin, eyes, nose and from sources of flames. throat; corrosive if swallowed. Air pollutant.

Disposal Use and storage Best: use up or give away. Do not mix ammonia-based cleaners with bleach- Second best: Take to a household hazardous waste based cleaners. Hazardous fumes will result. Wear facility or collection event. In Clackamas, Multnomah gloves and use with adequate ventilation. Keep con- and Washington counties, call Metro Recycling Infor- tainer lid tightly closed when cleaner is not in use. Store mation at 503-234-3000. Elsewhere in Oregon call in secure area. 800-732-9253. Disposal Alternatives Best: Use up or give away. If you have recycling ser- • Use an electric charcoal lighter. vices available in your community, rinse and recycle containers and recycle empty aerosol containers with • Use a charcoal chimney starter available at retail steel cans. stores, or you can make your own. Second best: Take to a household hazardous waste • Use a gas barbecue, if available. facility or collection event. In Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington counties call Metro Recycling Infor- mation at 503-234-3000. Elsewhere in Oregon call Chemistry sets 800-732-9253. Common hazardous ingredients Third best: If your home is connected to a city sewer acids, bases, heavy metals, various toxic salts system, flush small amounts of water-soluble liquid cleaners down an inside drain (toilet is preferable) with Potential hazards plenty of water. If you are on a septic system, flush very Reactive; corrosive; flammable small quantities over a number of days. Place small amounts of powdered or solid cleaner in a heavy-duty Use and storage plastic bag and dispose of in the garbage. Contact your Use chemical splash goggles. Keep lids of chemicals local sewer agency to know what is an acceptable small tightly closed when not in use and store out of reach of amount for your wastewater treatment plant. small children and away from sources of flames.

Disposal Best: if the set contains dried out picric acid, avoid transporting it. Contact the explosives disposal team of your local police department. If there is no explosives disposal program in your community contact your local fire department. Second best: Take to a household hazardous waste facility or collection event. In Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington counties,call Metro Recycling Infor- mation at 503-234-3000. Elsewhere in Oregon call Alternatives 800-732-9253. For general cleaning • Instead of chemical cleaners, use soap and water, Alternative baking soda or lemon juice. • Choose less hazardous experimental sets suitable for the intended user’s age level. • Use either of the following mixtures in a spray bottle to clean countertops, floors, walls, carpet and uphol- stery: Cleaners, general - Dissolve 4 tablespoons baking soda in 1 quart household warm water. - Use a mixture of 1/2 cup vinegar and 1 cup to Common hazardous ingredients 1 quart of warm water. ammonia, dichloro (or trichloro) isocyanurate, glycol • Mix vinegar and salt together for a good surface ethers, oxalic acid, phenols, sodium carbonate, sodium cleaner. Will remove grease if vinegar is at full hypochlorite, sodium metasilicate, tripolyphosphate, strength. trisodium phosphate • For an abrasive cleaner, use baking soda or a non-

11 chlorinated scouring powder. The average person in the US uses 40.6 pounds of household cleaners each year. • A pumice stick, available at many hardware stores, ! contains no harsh detergents or other chemicals. It effectively cleans ovens, racks, barbecues and grills; removes rust from garden tools and iron stains from Degreasers, automotive/ toilet bowls; and handles many other tough cleaning garage jobs. Don’t use on enamel or other easily scratched surfaces. Common hazardous ingredients For aluminum carbon tetrachloride, methylene chloride, methyl ethyl • To remove stains and discoloration from aluminum ketone, perchloroethylene, toluene, trichlorethylenexylene cookware, fill cookware with hot water and add 2 Potential hazards tablespoons cream of tartar to each quart of water. Flammable, extremely toxic, air pollutants. Carbon tet- Bring solution to a boil and simmer 10 minutes. rachloride and methylene chloride are suspected human Wash as usual and dry. carcinogens. • To clean an aluminum coffee pot and remove lime deposits, boil equal parts of water and white vinegar. Use and storage Boiling time depends upon how heavy deposits are. Use according to label instructions in a well-ventilated area. Keep container lid tightly closed when not in use For automatic-drip coffee makers and store in a locked cabinet or away from children. • To remove mineral deposits and unclog coffee makers, run 1 cup vinegar through the machine as Disposal you would water, followed by two pots of water to Best: Use up or give unused degreaser to a service remove vinegar taste. Minimize odor by using the station, auto shop, technical college or neighbor. DO kitchen exhaust fan and opening a window. NOT mix unwanted degreaser with used crankcase oil. For dishwashing/laundry This contaminates the oil and could make it unaccept- • See “Detergents, dishwashing/laundry” listing. able for recycling. For drains Second best: Take to a household hazardous waste • See “Drain cleaners” listing. facility or collection event. In Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington counties call Metro Recycling Infor- For floors mation at 503-234-3000. Elsewhere in Oregon call • Damp mop linoleum using a mild detergent and wa- 800-732-9253. ter for day to day cleaning. • For a vinyl floor, use 1/2 cup white vinegar with Alternatives 1 gallon water. For general cleaning • Select citrus-based degreasers over solvent types. • For a wood floor, damp mop with mild vegetable oil soap. For battery terminals • Use a baking soda and water paste to clean away cor- • To remove black heel marks, rub with a paste rosion. of baking soda and water. After reconnecting the terminals, wipe with petro- • To remove crayon marks, rub with toothpaste and leum jelly to prevent future corrosion. a damp cloth (will not work well on wallpaper or For grease spots on the garage floor porous surfaces). • Sprinkle kitty litter or cornmeal on the spot. Allow to For metal sit for several hours, then sweep up and dispose of in • See “Polishes/cleaners, metal” listing. the garbage. For stains • See “Stain/spot removers” listing. Detergents, dishwashing/ • To remove coffee and other stains on dishware, scrub with baking soda. laundry For toilets Common hazardous ingredients • Scrub regularly with a toilet brush and non-chlorinat- cationic and anionic detergents, phosphates, sodium ed scouring powder. carbonate, sodium perborate (brightener), various For windows surfactants • Mix 1/4 cup of white vinegar or 2 tablespoons of Potential hazards lemon juice and a quart of warm water in a spray May be harmful if swallowed or cause mild to severe bottle. Use as you would any window cleaner. irritation and burns from skin and eye contact; liquid

12 dishwashing detergent is the least hazardous. pine oil, quaternary ammonium chlorides, sodium borate (borax), sodium hypochlorite, triethanolamine Use and storage Carefully read labels to determine the hazards associ- Potential hazards ated with the detergents in your home. Keep container Irritant, may be flammable or corrosive. Air pollutant. lids tightly closed when not in use and store in a secure Recent studies suggest that overuse of household anti- area with child-resistant cabinet bacterial produces may lead to an increase in bacteria latches or on a high shelf out of that are resistant to disinfectants or anti-bacterial clean- reach of children and pets. Pow- ers. dered rather than liquid detergents may be a safer choice if you have Use and storage small children in the home since Use according to label instructions. Avoid aerosol powdered detergents are less likely dispensers to reduce exposure to hazardous vapors. to be swallowed accidentally. Use chemical splash goggles and heavy rubber or nitrile gloves to protect from corrosive effects. Use in a Disposal well-ventilated area. Do not use around food, pets or Best: Use up or give away. Rinse children. Keep container lid tightly closed when not in out empty container and recycle if the type and color use and store out of reach of children. of plastic or paperboard is recyclable in your area. Call Metro Recycling Information in the Portland metro- Disposal politan area at 503-234-3000 or your garbage hauler Best: Use up or give away. If you have recycling services or local recycling center for container recycling infor- available in your community, rinse and recycle con- mation. If containers are not recyclable, dispose of in tainers and recycle empty aerosol containers with steel the garbage. cans. Second best: Flush household amounts of unwanted Second best: If connected to a city sewer system, flush liquid detergent down an inside drain with plenty of small amounts of disinfectants down an inside drain water. Dispose of unwanted powdered detergents in the (toilet is preferable) with plenty of water. Contact your garbage. local sewer agency to know what is an acceptable small amount for your wastewater treatment plant. Third best: Take to a household hazardous waste facility or collection event. In Clackamas, Multnomah and Third best: If you are on a septic system or have aerosol Washington counties, call Metro Recycling Information containers, take to a household hazardous waste facil- at 503-234-3000. Elsewhere in Oregon, call 800-732- ity or collection event. 9253. In Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington counties, call Metro Recycling Information at 503-234-3000 for Alternatives instructions. Elsewhere in Oregon, call 800-732-9253. • Use the mildest product for your needs. Liquid dishwashing detergent and laundry soap are mildest, Alternatives laundry detergent is moderate and automatic dish- • Rubbing alcohol is a disinfectant, although it is toxic washing detergent is harshest. if ingested and extremely flammable. Use in a well- For dishwashers ventilated area far from possible sources of ignition. • Use half the recommended amount of automatic dish- Wear nitrile gloves. Apply to surface with washing detergent. a sponge and allow to dry. For laundry • For kitchens and bathrooms, spray surface with distilled white vinegar, then spray with 3-percent • Use white vinegar as a laundry helper. Adding 1 to hydrogen peroxide solution and wipe clean. 2 cups of vinegar to the final rinse eliminates soap residue. Vinegar also breaks down uric acid, which is present in urine. Add 1 cup of vinegar to rinse water when washing baby clothes. Warning: do not use Drain cleaners vinegar if using chlorine bleach. It will produce Common hazardous toxic vapors. ingredients hydrochloric acid, lye (sodium or potassium hydrox- Disinfectants ide), sodium hypochlorite, Common hazardous ingredients sodium nitrate, sulfuric acid, ammonia, aromatic hydrocarbons, cationic detergents, trichlorobenzene, trichloro- formaldehyde, hydrocarbon solvents, lye (sodium or ethane potassium hydroxide), monoethanolamine, phenols,

13 Potential hazards Use Irritant, highly corrosive Fertilize only as local knowledge or soil tests indicate a need. Use only moderate amounts of both chemical Use and storage and organic fertilizers to limit the possibility of water Use according to label instructions. Avoid adding a pollution. Read the label instructions before using drain opener to a toilet bowl that contains toilet bowl and follow them carefully when applying. Wear nitrile cleaners as dangerous chemical reactions can occur. Do gloves when handling. Don’t apply fertilizer if a heavy not mix with bleach. Do not allow to splash or touch rain is predicted. Use caution on slopes and lawn edges skin or eyes. Cover exposed skin and wear chemical so fertilizer will not wash into lakes, streams or storm splash goggles and heavy rubber gloves. Avoid breath- drains. Use a slow-release fertilizer with at least 50 ing vapors. Keep container lid tightly closed when not percent of the nitrogen in insoluble form. Calculate in use and store in locked cabinet or out of reach of and apply carefully, no more than 1 pound of actual children. nitrogen per 1,000 square feet of area per application. Lawns usually need a fertilizer application in October Disposal or November and another in mid to late spring. West Best: Use up or give away. Dispose of empty container of the Cascades, the most important fertilization time in the garbage. is the fall. Fertilizers with weed killers (pesticides) are Second best: Take to a household hazardous waste not recommended for lawns because they do not target facility or collection event. In Clackamas, Multnomah weeds effectively, often result in unnecessary applica- and Washington counties call Metro Recycling Infor- tion of pesticides and may cause damage or death to mation at 503-234-3000. Elsewhere in Oregon call nearby trees and shrubs. 800-732-9253. Storage Alternatives Keep leftover fertilizer tightly sealed in a clearly labeled • An ounce of prevention will save you pounds of plastic bag and store in a secure area away from chil- trouble. Use a drain strainer to trap food particles dren, pets and moisture. and hair. Collect grease in cans instead of pouring it down the drain. Pour a full kettle of boiling water Disposal down the drain weekly to melt fat that may be build- Best: Use up or give away. If the fertilizer does not con- ing up. tain pesticides (does not say “Weed” or “Weed Killer” in the product name), dispose of the empty container • Remove the trap and clean out the obstruction with a or packaging in the garbage. If the fertilizer contains plunger and/or a plumber’s snake. pesticides, follow the directions under “Pesticides” to • For clogged kitchen drains, pour 1/2 cup of bak- prepare and dispose of empty containers. ing soda, followed by 1/2 cup of vinegar, down the Second best: Unwanted fertilizer that does NOT con- drain. Cover drain and let sit 15 minutes. Rinse with tain pesticides should be placed in a heavy-duty plastic 2 quarts of boiling water. The pressure created by the bag and disposed of in the garbage. Those that contain heat of the chemical reaction is often enough to open pesticides should be taken to a household hazardous a clogged drain. A good preventive measure is to give waste facility or collection event. In Clackamas, Mult- your drains a weekly baking soda and vinegar treat- nomah and Washington counties call Metro Recycling ment. It will also keep them smelling fresh. Information at 503-234-3000. Elsewhere in Oregon call 800-732-9253.

Fertilizers, chemical The most important step to create and maintain a healthy garden is to take very good Common hazardous ingredients ! care of your soil. In order to understand the ammonium nitrate, ammonium phosphate, ammonium nutrient status of your soil, have it tested sulfate, copper salts, lime, pesticides, potassium chloride – call OSU extension for a list of providers – or test it yourself with a home soil test Potential hazards kit. Add lots of organic matter, grow cover Harmfulf i ingested in large crops, and correct soil pH problems in order to get the most out of your soil. Your local quantities or if fertilizer contains OSU County Extension Office or Oregon pesticides. Single ingredient fertil- Tilth in Salem at 503-378-0690 can provide izers such as ammonium nitrate you with more information about soil care are corrosive to the skin, eyes and locations to have your soil tested. and mucous membranes. Both chemical and organic fertilizers can Organic vs. chemical pollute surface and groundwater. Organic fertilizers are made from animal or plant parts Some fertilizers also contain weed killers. Read labels or byproducts or ground minerals and are naturally high carefully!

14 in one or more elements needed by growing plants (e.g., Use and storage nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium or calcium). They Avoid using fingernail polish or remover if you are also often contan a broad array of essential plant nu- pregnant. Use according to label instructions. Mini- trients including trace elements. Chemical or synthetic mize exposure to vapors by turning on the bathroom fertilizers are not made from plants or animals and are exhaust fan and opening a window when using these produced to be high in one or more elements needed products and leaving the room after you have applied by growing plants. Synthetic fertilizers tend to be them. Keep bottles capped when not in use and store water soluble and more concentrated, hence more eas- away from children. ily overused and more likely to end up in waterways. Synthetic fertilizers also tend to lack a sufficient array Disposal of trace elements or micronutrients. Best: Use up or give away. Dispose of empty container in the garbage. Alternatives Second best: Take to a household hazardous waste • Significantly reduce the need for lawn fertilizer and facility or collection event. In Clackamas, Multnomah watering by planting an eco lawn, a mixture of and Washington counties, call Metro Recycling Infor- legumes, flowering plants, grass and regional na- mation at 503-234-3000. Elsewhere in Oregon, call tive plants to create a pleasing and non-demanding 800-732-9253. ground cover. Contact your local OSU County Extension Office for information. Alternatives • See Natural Gardening information in the Resource • There is a toluene-free nail polish available commer- Section on page 37. cially that is somewhat less toxic. • Reduce the need for lawn fertilizer by grasscycling- • Buff your nails to create a sheen without polish. mowing your lawn frequently to a height of about • Consider leaving your nails unpolished. three inches and leaving the grass clippings on the lawn. • Use compost. Compost can improve flower bed and Fluorescent lights/ garden soil structure, stability and drainage while slowly releasing nutrients essential for plant growth. ballasts/HID lamps Compost can be made from grass clippings, yard Common hazardous ingredients prunings, dead leaves, and fruit and vegetable trim- mercury, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) mings. For help getting started with composting, contact your local OSU County Extension Office Potential hazards Master Gardener program, Metro Recycling Infor- Small amounts of metallic mercury are present in all mation at 503-234-3000 in the Portland metro area fluorescent light tubes, compact-fluorescent lamps, (Metro provides free workshops and materials on mercury vapor lights and high intensity discharge lamps composting), or Oregon Tilth at 503-378-0690. (HID). Metallic mercury vapors are harmful if inhaled • Use organic fertilizers and soil amendments as and pollute the air and water when incinerated, or are needed. These release nutrients slowly over a longer disposed of improperly in landfills. PCB is contained in period of time than chemical fertilizers. Use blood the black rectangular ballasts of fluorescent light fixtures meal, fish meal, fish emulsion, seed meals, bone meal, manufactured before 1978. PCB, an oily substance, is rock phosphate, greensand, kelp meal, manure and harmful if inhaled, ingested or absorbed through the skin. compost to help supply necessary nutrients to plants. It is also a suspected human carcinogen.

Disposal of fluorescent light fixtures Fingernail and HID lamps Recycle. There are some options available for recycling of polish/remover fluorescent tubes and fixtures. In Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington counties, call Metro Recycling Informa- Common hazardous tion at 503-234-3000. Elsewhere in Oregon, contact the ingredients DEQ at 800-732-9253. acetone, benzene, ethyl acetate, formaldehyde resin, phenol, tolu- In the event of breakage: ene, tricresyl phosphate, xylene See “Mercury Containing Products.” Always dispose of broken materials at a household hazardous waste facil- Potential hazards ity or event. Call the numbers above for more informa- Flammable, highly toxic, vapors easily inhaled, irritant tion. to skin and mucous membranes, air pollutant. Benzene is a known carcinogen. Disposal of ballasts containing PCB

15 Assume a ballast contains PCBs unless it bears a label • Use only self-venting containers approved by a stating it contains NO PCBs or was manufactured after nationally recognized testing lab (such as UL) and 1978. Ballasts sometimes develop leaks. Any liquid always leave an air space for expansion. dripping from an overhead fluorescent fixture is prob- • If possible, store in a storage shed well away from ably from the ballast and may be PCB. Have an electri- living areas. cian replace the ballast. Using a plastic bag over your hand as a glove, clean up the spills with soapy water on • Store at ground level, not up on a shelf. In the sum- paper towels. Holding the used towels and ballast with mer, in a closed garage or shed, temperatures up on your hand inside the bag, turn the bag inside out with shelves can be much higher and may create a danger- your other hand, leaving the towels and ballast inside. ous pressure level in the container. Don’t store in your Seal the bag. Wash your hands. Bring to a household car’s trunk. Keep out of direct sunlight. hazardous waste facility or collection event. In Clacka- • Leave a screened garage or shed window partially mas, Multnomah and Washington counties call Metro open so vapors can be vented outside and will not Recycling Information at 503-234-3000. Elsewhere in build up to a dangerous level. Never store gasoline in Oregon call 800-732-9253. a basement! Washers, dryers and any motor-driven machinery can be ignition sources. Keep gasoline Alternative away from your furnace! • Use low-mercury fluorescent lamps. Check with your local lighting supply retailers to see if they carry them. Disposal • See Oregon DEQ’s fluorescent lighting fact sheet: Best: Use up as an engine fuel. Strain old gasoline www.deq.state.or.us/wmc/solwaste/factsheets/Fluores- through a paint filter, dilute by one half with fresh centLamps.pdf gasoline and use up in your lawnmower. Second best: Take to a household hazardous waste facility or collection event. In Clackamas, Multnomah Gasoline and Washington counties call Metro Recycling Infor- mation at 503-234-3000. Elsewhere in Oregon call Common hazardous ingredients 800-732-9253. ethylene dichloride, methanol, petroleum, hydrocarbons Dumping gasoline and/or oil into sewers, storm drains or any body of water is illegal. Potential hazards ! Ignitable, highly volatile, extremely Alternatives flammable, explosive, highly toxic, • Do not allow gasoline to become contaminated or air pollutant. Benzene is a known old. Buy what you need and use it up. carcinogen. • For cleaning grease or dirty oil from car parts, use Use a non-toxic, citrus-based degreaser. Never smoke around gasoline. • Use a push or electric lawn mower and electric power Avoid breathing the vapors when fueling your lawn tools. mower and request gas station attendants not to “top off” your vehicle’s tank. Never siphon gasoline using • Limit your use of gasoline by choosing a fuel-efficient your mouth (can be fatal if one teaspoon goes into the vehicle. Keep the engine well-tuned, tires properly lungs). When handling gasoline, wear nitrile gloves and inflated and pollution control equipment functioning thoroughly wash your hands when finished and before properly. eating or smoking. • Carpool, use mass transit, bicycle or walk more. Cars and trucks are the number one source of air pollution Never mix gasoline with waste oil or other in Oregon. automotive products, and never use as a ! cleaner solvent.

Storage Hair products Gasoline is probably the most dangerous product com- (permanent wave solutions monly found around the home because of its volatil- and hair coloring) ity and toxicity. Sparks and flames can ignite gasoline vapors at great distances from the container. Gasoline Common hazardous ingredients under pressure in a non-venting container can explode. amines, ammonium lauryl sulfate, ammonium thiogly- • Store no more than 10 gallons. The less you have colate, diethylenetriamine, phenacetin, vinyl acetate- around, the safer you’ll be. some hair colorings contain cadmium, cobalt, copper, lead

16 Potential hazards Alternatives Irritant to the skin, eyes and lungs; chronic irritation • Keep your hands clean by wearing nitrile or other may occur if ammonia-containing products are used gloves suited to the job. over long periods of time. Air pollutant. • Massage hands with a few drops of baby oil or mar- Use and storage garine. Wipe dry and wash with soap and water. Follow label directions. Use in a well-ventilated area. • Try a nontoxic lanolin and glycerin-based hand Avoid contact with eyes. Keep container tightly closed cleaner. when not in use and store in a secure area away from • Coat hands with hand lotion before doing auto children. work. Wash hands afterward. Disposal Best: Use up or give away. Rinse container and dispose of in the garbage. Kerosene/diesel fuel Second best: Take to a household hazardous waste Common hazardous ingredients facility or collection event. In Clackamas, Multnomah aliphatic hydrocarbons, aromatic hydrocarbons (ben- and Washington counties, call Metro Recycling Infor- zene, naphthalene, toluene, xylene) mation at 503-234-3000. Elsewhere in Oregon, call 800-732-9253. Potential hazards Flammable, explosive, highly toxic, irritant to skin, air Third best: If you are connected to a city sewer system, pollutant. Benzene is a known carcinogen. flush small amounts down the drain (toilet is preferable) with lots of water. Do NOT use this method if Use and storage you are on a septic system. See “Gasoline” listing.

Alternative Disposal • Use ammonia-free hair styling products. Best: Use up or give away. Second best: Take to a household hazardous waste Hand cleaners, facility or collection event. In Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington counties, call Metro Recycling Infor- mechanic/painter mation at 503-234-3000. Elsewhere in Oregon, call 800-732-9253. Common hazardous ingredients acrylic acid, butylated hydroxytoluene, ethanolamines, Caution: If using a kerosene heater, provide ethoxylated alcohols, methionine, mineral spirits, adequate ventilation to remove combus- naphtha, p-chloro-m-xylenol, petroleum distillates, ! tion pollutants, such as carbon monoxide propylene glycol and sulfur dioxide. Use only low-sulfur 1-K grade fuel in kerosene space heaters. Potential hazards NEVER use home heating oil or other fuels. Irritant to skin, flammable, toxic, air pollutants. Use and storage Lubricating oils Use according to label instructions. Avoid breathing vapors by using in a well-ventilated area. Wash hands Common hazardous ingredients with soap and warm water after each application. aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons (benzene, Keep the container tightly closed when not in use and naphthalene, toluene, xylene) store in a secure area that is locked or out of reach of children and pets. Potential hazards Flammable, toxic, air pollutant. Disposal Best: Use up or give away to a service station or techni- Use and storage cal college. Dispose of empty container in the garbage. Minimize skin contact by wearing nitrile gloves. Store in a secure area that is locked or out of reach Second best: Take to a household hazardous waste of children and pets. facility or collection event. In Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington counties, call Metro Recycling Infor- Disposal mation at 503-234-3000. Elsewhere in Oregon, call Best: Use up or give away. Dispose of empty container 800-732-9253. in the garbage. Second best: Take to a household hazardous waste facility or collection event. In Clackamas, Multnomah

17 and Washington counties call Metro Recycling Infor- ternally or ingested have the potential to be excreted or mation at 503-234-3000. Elsewhere in Oregon call washed into sewage systems. In addition, unused phar- 800-732-9253. maceuticals are often directly flushed to sewage systems. Wastewater treatment plants and septic systems Alternatives usually do not treat or only partially treat pharmaceuti- • Use plain castor oil or mineral oil on hinges, door- cals, so chemical compounds from pharmaceuticals pass knobs and latches. through treatment plants or septic systems to our rivers • For locks, use dry powdered graphite. or groundwater. Use and storage Read labels on all products carefully before using. Store Medical waste/ all medicines with child-resistant caps in place. Keep sharps them in a secure place. Keep all medicines, over-the- counter or prescription, in the original container with Potential hazards the name of the drug and recommended dose on the The medical waste items most often label. disposed of by households in Oregon are disposable hypodermic syringes and Disposal needles (called sharps) used for home medications Best: The best management of waste pharmaceuticals is in the treatment of diabetes and allergies. Other types disposal to a permitted solid waste incinerator. This is of medical wastes include cultures, biological waste only available in Marion and Coos County in Oregon. and pathological waste. Improper disposal of sharps Second best: Dispose of waste pharmaceuticals in the can injure garbage workers or, if contaminated with trash following these basic guidelines. Keep waste phar- infectious disease organisms, transmit communicable maceuticals in their original containers with their labels diseases. (remove, or conceal with marker, any patient information if you have privacy concerns). Tape the lid on the Disposal container if it is not child-proof and there are children Infectious wastes must, by Oregon law, be treated and in the home. (in the case of household sharps) be properly contained and kept separate from household garbage. Sharps con- Place waste pharmaceuticals in a plastic sealable bag, tainers must be leak proof, rigid, puncture-resistant and especially if liquid. If you are concerned about some- red in color and taped closed or tightly lidded to pre- one trying to rummage through your garbage can to vent loss of the contents. Contact your garbage hauler, find medications, place them in durable packaging that local government solid waste department or public masks the contents (such as a brown cardboard box) health department to obtain proper disposal containers and put in your outdoor garbage can as close to your and service information for packaging and collection collection time as possible. Do not dispose of in an in your area. In Clackamas, Multnomah and Washing- indoor garbage container where children or pets might ton counties, Metro has a sharps container exchange have access to them. program. Call 503-234-3000 for more information. For If you do not want to dispose of medicines in the trash further information about proper identification, treat- in Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington coun- ment and disposal of infectious and medical wastes, ties, Metro will accept some medications for disposal visit DEQ’s infectious waste web page at www.deq. through its household hazardous waste collection pro- state.or.us/wmc/solwaste/infect.html. gram. Call 503-234-3000 for more information. Further precautions Medicines, • Post the Poison Control Center phone number, 800-222-1222, next to your phone. You can obtain unwanted/ free poison prevention materials and Mr. Yuk stickers expired from the Poison Center. • In cases of suspected poisoning, do not induce vomit- Potential hazards ing unless the Poison Center tells you to do so. Some Many medicines are substances can cause severe damage when vomited. toxic and may be harmful or fatal if ingested, Medicines are one of the most common sub- especially by children or the elderly. Children are stances involved in childhood poisonings. especially susceptible to chemical poisoning because of ! their lower body weights and still-developing nervous systems. When used as intended, pharmaceuticals applied ex-

18 Mercury-containing Moss killer products Common hazardous ingredients (see also fluorescent lights, thermometers, ammonium sulfate, copper sulfate, ferric and ferrous sulfates, sodium pentachlorophenate, zinc chloride, zinc thermostats) sulfate Some common household items that contain mercury are silent wall switches (make no sound when switch Potential hazards is turned on or off), barometers and blood pressure Corrosive; toxic to humans, pets, other plants, animals gauges that have a mercury-filled tube. and fish.

Potential hazards Use and storage Mercury vapors are harmful if inhaled. Women who Carefully read and use according to label instructions. are pregnant and children are most at risk. Use a sprinkler can or tank sprayer, not equipment or techniques that produce an ultra-fine mist that can drift Disposal off target. Store in a secure area. Best: Take your mercury product to a household hazardous waste facility or to a household hazardous Disposal waste collection event. In Clackamas, Multnomah or Best: Use up or give away. Dispose of empty container Washington counties call Metro Recycling Information in the garbage. 503-234-3000. Elsewhere in Oregon call Second best: Take to a household hazardous waste 800-732-9235. facility or collection event. In Clackamas, Multnomah In the event of breakage of fluorescent lamps, ther- and Washington counties, call Metro Recycling Infor- momoters or thermostats: mation at 503-234-3000. Elsewhere in Oregon, call • Evacuate the room, turn off the air conditioning/ 800-732-9253. heating system and ventilate the area with fans and windows. This helps volatilize the mercury and allow Alternatives it to escape outside, where it is less dangerous. Structural demossing • Zinc-galvanized or copper flashings and ridges are ef- • Clean the area. Avoid vacuuming or sweeping, if fective for moss control 10 to 15 feet down from the possible, this will spread the mercury around. DO ridge on most roofs. NOT use cleaning products, they may react with the mercury. • Normal corrosion from bare copper wires stretched horizontally every 10 feet will provide some moss • Use gloves to protect hands and remove jewelry –mer- control. cury may attach to gold or silver. • Biodegradable, soap-based moss killers are avail- • Try to wipe or scrape up mercury and place all clean- able. Be aware that soaps are toxic to fish and other ing items, gloves or other contaminated items into aquatic organisms. Follow directions carefully. a sealed contained. Label the container “contains mercury.” Lawn demossing • Generally, moss is caused by too much shade for the • Take the sealed container to a household collection grass species, poor soil drainage, and soil compaction facility or event. coupled with poor watering and fertilizing practices. Concerned about a mercury exposure? Contact: Unless the basic problems are corrected, any at- Oregon Poison Control Center, 800-222-1222 tempt at control will be incomplete and temporary. If environmental conditions are not favorable for grass, Mercury-containing fish advisories: consider leaving the moss or planting other appropri- Oregon Health Division, 503-731-4025 or visit http:// ate ground covers as an alternative. oregon.gov/DHS/ph/envtox/fishadvisories.shtml. • Neutralizing acidic lawn soil with lime will help pre- Alternatives vent moss growth. • Silent wall switches: use standard wall switches. • Infrequent and deep watering encourages deeper • Blood pressure monitors: use an aneroid (dial gauge), grass rooting and will help dry out moss. digital or automatic blood pressure gauge. • Thatch your lawn and rake out the moss. • Barometers: use an aneroid (spring balance) barometer. • Aerate and amend soil by first removing soil plugs with a lawn coring tool (tools sold as aerators that do not remove soil plugs are ineffective). Then amend with weed-seed-free compost or other organic amendment.

19 Mothballs/moth crystals Motor oil/oil filters Common hazardous ingredients Common hazardous ingredients naphthalene, p-dichlorobenzene petroleum hydrocarbons Used motor oil can contain polynuclear aromatic hy- Potential hazards drocarbons, chromium, lead and other metals. Poisonous when eaten. May look like candy to a child. Poisonings have also been reported after dressing infants Potential hazards in clothing that had been stored with naphthalene-con- Flammable, toxic. Can be absorbed through skin taining mothballs. Chemically sensitive individuals are contact. Long-term (chronic) health effects from toxic also at risk of this reaction. Irritant to nose, throat and heavy metals such as lead. Environmental pollution of lungs when inhaled. Potential liver and kidney damage surface or groundwater when disposed of by pouring from long-term exposure to vapors. P-dichlorobenzene down a storm drain, into a drainage ditch or on the is a suspected carcinogen. ground.

Use and storage Use and storage Avoid these products. If you do choose to use moth- Minimize skin contact with motor oil by wearing nitrile balls, use them sparingly, according to label instruc- gloves when handling. Drain used crankcase oil into tions, in a seldom used room. NEVER use mothballs a metal or plastic catch pan. Avoid using absorbent- or flakes as air fresheners. Store any remaining moth- containing “easy-change” boxes, since oil cannot be balls/moth crystals in an airtight plastic bag. Store in a recycled once in these boxes. Remove old oil filter, turn locked cabinet or out of reach of children. upside down and drain overnight into oil catch pan. Do not mix carburetor cleaner, solvents, antifreeze, brake Disposal fluid, degreaser or gasoline with used motor oil. Store Best: Use up in a seldom-used room or give away. away from children and sources of flames. Second best: Take to a household hazardous waste Disposal facility or collection event. In Clackamas, Multnomah Used oil: In Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington and Washington counties call Metro Recycling Infor- counties, set out used oil for curbside collection in a mation at 503-234-3000 for instructions. Elsewhere in well-rinsed, transparent, non-breakable container with Oregon call 800-732-9253. a screw-on lid (milk jugs work well). Elsewhere in Oregon, call your garbage hauler, recycling center, local Alternatives government solid waste department or your regional • Kill moth eggs by running garments through a warm DEQ office (see page xx) to determine the most conve- clothes dryer. nient way to recycle oil in your area. • Periodically shake out woolens. Discard or donate Oil filters: Contact your local scrap metal recycler to woolens, leather and feather products that are no see who will accept your well-drained oil filter or take longer used to avoid contaminating newer materials. to a household hazardous waste collection facility or • Clean woolens prior to storage. They should be hand event. In Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington washed using a mild soap whenever possible. Dry counties call Metro Recycling Information at 503-234- clean as a last resort. Dry cleaning is a significant air 3000. Elsewhere in Oregon call 800-732-9253 to find polluter. If you decide to dry clean, shop around for out if there is a hazardous waste collection event sched- a dry cleaner that attempts to control emissions and uled in your community. reduce the use of toxic solvents. • Store seasonal woolens in very tight containers when NEVER pour used oil on the ground, in a ditch, down a storm drain or down an inside not in use. ! drain. • Vacuum rugs, carpets and upholstered furniture regularly. Alternatives • Purchase re-refined oil if it is available. This will help • If you suspect an infestation, place the item in a plas- improve the market for used oil, advance oil recycling tic bag in the freezer for at least 48 hours. Return the efforts, help decrease reliance on imported oil and item to room temperature and repeat freezing. Leave slow the rate of resource depletion. the item in a tightly sealed plastic bag or container to prevent reinfestation. • Have your oil changed at a service station that has its oil recycled. The alternatives listed above will also prevent damage from carpet beetles, which are often more of a pest The National Oil Recyclers Association in Oregon than clothes moths. Carpet beetles are not estimates that 260 million gallons of oil are controlled with mothballs or moth crystals. ! improperly disposed of each year in the U.S. – the equivalent of 26 Exxon Valdez oil spills.

20 Use and storage Oven cleaners Determine the amount of paint or finish that you need Common hazardous ingredients for the job and buy only that amount. Avoid using ethers, ethylene glycol, lye (sodium and potassium these products while pregnant. Work in a well-venti- hydroxide), methylene chloride, petroleum distillates, pine oil

Potential hazards Corrosive to skin, eyes and internal organs.

Use and storage Avoid aerosol oven cleaners. Adequate protection from vapors is difficult. Follow all label directions. Wear an apron, heavy rubber or nitrile gloves and chemical splash goggles. A respirator is recommended if the product contains sodium or potassium hydroxide and lated area away from flames or sparks. Do not smoke is in an aerosol can. Use with correct cartridge and fil- while painting. Wear nitrile gloves. Store in a secure ter. Use kitchen exhaust fan and open several windows area away from children, pets or heat sources. Avoid to provide adequate fresh air. When not in use, keep in using spray paint or spray applicator whenever pos- a secure place. sible.

Disposal Disposal Best: Use up or give away. Dispose of empty, nonaero- Best: Use up completely if the product does not contain sol containers in the garbage. lead (manufactured after 1978). Dispose of empty container, with lid removed, in the garbage. Second best: Take to a household hazardous waste facility or collection event. In Clackamas, Multnomah Second best: Give leftover, non-lead paint or finish to and Washington counties, call Metro Recycling Infor- someone who can use it, such as a theater group, sign- mation at 503-234-3000. Elsewhere in Oregon, call maker, commercial painter or nonprofit group. 800-732-9253. Third best: Take to a household hazardous waste facility or collection event. In Clackamas, Multnomah and Alternatives Washington counties, call Metro Recycling Informa- • Put a sheet of aluminum foil on the oven floor away tion at 503-234-3000. Elsewhere in Oregon, call 800- from the heating element. When baking a pie or 732-9253. other dish on the upper rack, place a cookie sheet below it on the lower rack to catch drips. Alternatives • Clean up spills as soon as the oven cools. They are • Choose latex water-based paints or finishes that have much harder to remove after they have baked on. no or low solvent content. Latex paints or finishes contain fewer flammable and toxic solvents than oil- • Use a nonchlorinated scouring powder, a pumice based products. (See “Paint, water-based”) stick or a copper or steel wool scrubbing pad. A blunt knife is useful for prying up large crusty materi- • Apply paints by brush or roller rather than by spray- als. ing whenever possible. • Use a self-cleaning oven. The following key words on paint labels can help you determine if paints are oil-based or water-based: • Water-based: “clean up with soap and water,” “la- Paint, oil-based/stain/ tex” spray/clear wood finish • Oil-based: “clean up with mineral spirits,” “contains petroleum distillates,” “combustible: keep away Common hazardous ingredients from heat and flame,” “harmful or fatal if swal- alkyl resin, kerosene, lead, lithopone, mercury, methy- lowed” lene choride, methyl ethyl ketone, mineral spirits, toluene, trichoroethane, xylene

Potential hazards Paint, water-based Flammable; toxic; irritant to skin, eyes and lungs. Air Common hazardous ingredients pollutant. Toxic fumes can accumulate in closed spaces acrylic resins, ethylene glycol, lead, mercury and areas with poor ventilation. Methylene chloride is a suspected carcinogen. Potential hazards Indoor latex is less toxic than oil-based paint, but tra-

21 ditional brands often contain enough solvent to be air esters, n-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP), propanoic acid. pollutants. Exterior latex, sold as anti-fungal or “mil- Alkali-based–lye (sodium hydroxide). Lead, if paint is dew resistant,” with mercury pesticide is highly toxic from a building built before 1978. if ingested. Any latex may contain mercury if manufactured before 1991 or lead if manufactured before 1979. Potential hazards Solvent-based products are flammable and highly toxic, Use and storage vapors are easily inhaled or liquid absorbed through Keep the container tightly closed when not in use and the skin on contact. Alkali-based products are corro- store in a secure area. sive. Air pollutant. Benzene, carbontetrachloride and methylene chloride are known or suspected carcino- Disposal gens. Lead can cause reduced growth, hearing loss and Best: Use up or give away to a theater or nonprofit impaired learning ability. group. Air dry empty containers in a secure, well-ventilated area and dispose of in the garbage with the lids Use and storage off. Any object painted before 1978 should be tested for lead before stripping. Simple test kits are available at Second best: Take to a household hazardous waste many local hardware stores for about $10 to $30. Paint facility or collection event. In Clackamas, Multnomah chips can also be sent to a laboratory for testing at a and Washington counties call Metro Recycling Infor- cost of about $20 a chip. For more information about mation at 503-234-3000 for instructions. Elsewhere in testing for lead paint and lead paint removal, call the Oregon call 800-732-9253. Oregon Lead Poisoning Prevention Program at 503- Third best: Air dry unwanted paint in the can if it does 673-0440. not contain lead. Leave lid off until the paint dries out Avoid using solvent-based strippers, especially if you are and dispose of in the garbage. Alternately, add kitty pregnant. Carefully read the label instructions before litter, sawdust, or commercially available drying agent starting the job. Work in a well-ventilated area that is until all liquid is absorbed and discard solidified paint outdoors and in the shade if possible. Wear chemical in the garbage. splash goggles, a respirator with the correct cartridge Alternatives and filter and heavy rubber or nitrile gloves. Keep con- • Look for paint that is labeled with words such as tainer tightly closed when not in use. Store in a secure “low solvent,” “low VOC” or “no VOC.” These place away from children and sources of heat or flames. paints have little or no ethylene glycol or other volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which are flam- Disposal Use up or give away. Wrap scrapings in several mable, toxic solvents that cause air pollution. Best: layers of newspaper and place in a heavy-duty plastic • Use whitewash (a combination of hydrated lime, bag. Dispose of bag and container in the garbage. water and salt that lacks heavy metal pigments, alkyd Take to a household hazardous waste resins and other chemicals common in paint) for Second best: facility or collection event. In Clackamas, Multnomah fences, barns, basements and outbuildings. Use a dust and Washington counties call Metro Recycling Infor- mask when mixing. mation at 503-234-3000. Elsewhere in Oregon call • Buy Metro’s recycled latex paint. Call 503-234-3000 800-732-9253. for details or visit www.metro-region.org/paint. Out- side of the Portland metro area, contact the Oregon Alternatives DEQ to find out about other sources of recycled latex • If the paint does NOT contain lead, use a scraper, rasp, paint at 800-452-4011. abrasive block, heat gun or sandpaper to remove paint without chemicals. Wear a respirator to avoid breathing In Oregon, about 20 percent of all the paint dust. household hazardous waste products in ! landfills are paint products. • Water and alkali-based paint strippers are less toxic – Oregon Department of Environmental Quality than solvent-based types. They can be identified by 2000 Waste Composition Study a caution rather than a danger signal word on the label.

Methylene chloride is suspected of causing Paint strippers/paint cancer in humans and also aggravates heart scrapings ! conditions. It is commonly found in paint strippers and many other household prod- Common hazardous ingredients ucts. The Consumer Product Safety Commis- Solvent-based–acetone, benzene, carbon tetrachloride, sion now requires that products containing methanol, methylene chloride, phenols, toluene. Water- this chemical carry a statement of risk on the label. However, older products will not based–aliphatic petroleum distillates, dibasic acid contain such warnings. Products likely to con-

22 tain methylene chloride include: adhesives Environmental Protection Agency has canceled, sus- and glues, aerosols, Christmas bubble lights, pended or restricted their use. The following is a partial cleaning fluids, degreasers, glass frosting and list of pesticides banned from household use: aldrin; artificial snow, paint strippers and remov- aresenates; chlordane; chlorpyrifos; creosote; cyanides; ers, pesticides, septic tank cleaners, solvents, DBCP; DDT; diazinon; dieldrin; heptachlor; kepone; spray paints and primers, spray shoe polish lindane; mirex; pentachlorophenol (PCP); silvex; so- and water repellents, stain removers, wood dium arsenite; 2, 4, 5-T and toxaphene. DO NOT USE stains and varnishes. Read product labels and THESE PRODUCTS! avoid using products containing methylene chloride around children and pets, if you are Potential hazards pregnant or if you have a heart condition. Immediate (acute) or long-term (chronic) poisoning from repeated exposure. Exposure can occur through skin absorption, inhalation, or swallowing. Harmful to eyes Paint thinners and skin. Can be toxic to pets, beneficial insects, birds, animals and fish, even in small amounts. Air pollutant. Common hazardous ingredients acetone, benzene, methanol, naphthalene, toluene, Pesticide spray buffer zones of varying widths are re- turpentine, xylene quired around water bodies to protect specific endan- gered and threatened fish species. Check the Oregon Potential hazards Flammable; highly toxic; vapors easily inhaled; absorbed through skin contact. Air pollutant.

Use and storage Avoid using if you are pregnant. Use in a well-ventilated area and wear heavy rubber or nitrile gloves to avoid skin contact. Keep container tightly closed when not in use. Store in a secure area that is out of reach of children and away from sources of heat or flames. Rags soaked in turpentine or paint thinner are extremely flammable and should be discarded by placing in fire- proof container (such as a metal box) and bringing to a Department of Agriculture’s website (www.oregon.gov/ household hazardous waste facility or collection event. ODA/PEST/buffer.shtml) for specific information about pesticides that are regulated and which waterways are Disposal affected. Best: Let paint particles settle out, then filter off the Use clear thinner and reuse. Let the sludge dry out in a • Avoid using pesticides when alternatives are avail- secure, well-ventilated area (preferably outdoors). Wrap able, especially if you are pregnant. in newspaper and dispose of in the garbage. • If you decide to use pesticides, read labels to select Second best: Take to a household hazardous waste the appropriate pesticide for your problem. facility or collection event. In Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington counties call Metro Recycling Infor- • Do not buy more than you can use in one or two mation at 503-234-3000. Elsewhere in Oregon call gardening seasons. 800-732-9253. • Do not mix pesticides unless directed to do so by label directions and use the exact amount specified. Alternative • Avoid the use of paint thinners by choosing water- • Avoid wearing soft contact lenses, which can absorb based paints that are “low solvent, “low VOC,” or pesticides. “no VOC.” • Keep children and pets away from all areas where pesticides have been applied. Pesticides (insect, rodent • When applying more than a squirt of pesticide, wear clothing that covers all exposed skin, chemical splash and weed killers and goggles, a respirator with the correct cartridge and fungicides) filter, and heavy rubber or nitrile gloves. • After using a pesticide, wash your hands and Common hazardous ingredients exposed skin areas before eating or smoking. More than 1,400 active pesticide ingredients are used in • Wash pesticide-contaminated clothing separately an excess of 45,000 pesticide formulations. Because of from other clothing. the extremely hazardous nature of some pesticides, the

23 • When a room is treated with pesticides, leave the • Remove habitat that encourages pests. room for as long as recommended by the applicator • Foster soil fertility with annual additions of finished or label. Upon returning, open all windows and allow compost, appropriate watering and balanced fertil- the room to air out. Wash contaminated surfaces. izing as needed. Avoid high-nitrogen and fast-acting Storage fertilizers. Always store unused pesticides in their original con- • Encourage ecological diversity in the garden by plant- tainers. Store inside a sealed, plastic container or a ing a wide variety of plants. metal container with a lid. Clearly label the container. • Encourage beneficial insects in the lawn and garden Do not store near food. Store in a secure area away by growing small flowering plants, especially those from children and pets. Do not store metal containers that bloom over a long season, and reducing the use in wet areas or other locations that will encourage the of pesticides. metal to rust. • Grow plants that are resistant to insects and diseases Disposal in your area. Best: If the pesticide is not expired, banned or re- • Use barriers to keep pests out of places where you stricted (call your OSU County Extension Office if you don’t want them. are uncertain) use up according to label instruction or give to a responsible person who will. Empty pesticide • Use traps to catch pests without chemicals. containers made of plastic or glass or with plastic or • Remove pests by hand (including clippers, pruners, foil liners should be triple-rinsed with water. Use rinse water spray, weed pullers or vacuum cleaner as ap- water as regular strength pesticide according to label propriate). directions. Wrap empty container in newspaper and dispose in the garbage. • Purchase and release beneficial insects, such as lace- wings and parasitic wasps when appropriate. Second best or best if a banned or restricted use pesticide: Take to a household hazardous waste facility • Rotate annual plantings of flowers and vegetables so that or collection event. In Clackamas, Multnomah and insect populations do not build up within a planting. Washington counties call Metro Recycling Information • Keep weeds in check through hand pulling and at 503-234-3000. Elsewhere in Oregon call 800-732- mulching. 9253. • If you choose to use a chemical, use the least toxic one Pesticides should never be burned, buried, possible and always make spot rather than broadcast mixed together, poured on the ground, applications. Use insecticidal soaps, horticultural ! dumped in the water, poured down the oils, microbial insecticides, beneficial nematodes and drain or put in the garbage. desiccating dusts in place of toxic synthetic pesticides as appropriate to a specific problem. Use all of these Alternatives products only according to label directions. Reducing home pesticide use is usually not quite as simple as substituting one product for another, but it Want more information and publications on is easier than you may think. Methods vary depend- reducing pesticide use? In the Portland area ing upon the pest encountered, but the general steps ! (Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington listed below show how careful pest identification counties), call Metro Recycling Information at 503-234-3000. Elsewhere in Oregon, call and monitoring, prevention and planning, and use of the Oregon Department of Environmental nonchemical controls can often eliminate the need for Quality at 503-229-5913 or toll-free at toxic pesticides. More specific alternatives follow for 800-452-4011. Ask for “Natural Gardening: some of the most common home pests. These sugges- A guide to alternatives to pesticides” or tions only scratch the surface of a complex subject. download a pdf copy at http://www.metro- You may wish to seek more in-depth information from region.org/article.cfm?ArticleID=645 your local OSU County Extension Office, Metro Recy- For ants (nonstructural pests) cling Information at 503-234-3000 or Oregon Tilth at 503-378-0690. • Clean up all sources of food and water. Store food in ant-proof containers. • Identify pests carefully. Most insects are either harm- less or beneficial. • Block points of entry. Replace missing or damaged siding, drywall or baseboard and caulk gaps and • Learn all you can about the pests you have. Proper holes. treatment requires knowledge of the pest and the control method. • Remove ants in the house by vacuuming or cleaning up with soapy water. • Tolerate a few insects; not all can or should be eradi- cated.

24 • Sprinkle boric acid-based insecticide or other ap- • Remove sources of water. Fix leaky faucets and sink proved desiccating dusts on ant trails and where ants plumbing. Replace any damp wood. are found in nooks and crannies. Do not use where • Roach traps and “hotels” are safe. Roach traps children or pets may have access. should be placed against walls for maximum effec- • When all else fails, make an effort to locate nests. tiveness. If ant nest is outside, destroy by pouring boiling wa- • Silica dust sprinkled in cracks kills roaches by desic- ter on it. If nest is inside, spot treat using least-toxic cation. techniques. Least-toxic chemicals are boric acid, pyrethrum and silica gel. • Sprinkle a boric acid product under appliances and in nooks and crannies in affected areas. Boric acid is For carpenter ants and termites moderately toxic. Place it only where it is inaccessible • Repair any rotten or weather-damaged wood and be to children or pets. sure that attic and crawl space ventilation is adequate. Inspect, clean and repair gutters and downspouts. For fleas Wooden parts of house should not contact soil. Also • If possible, establish one sleeping area for your pet. check that automatic sprinklers are correctly posi- • Vacuum at least weekly all areas where pets have tioned (i.e., not watering the house). access and dispose of vacuum bag or place it in the • Remove potential sources of ant nests and access freezer for at least 24 hours immediately after vacu- close to house. Remove decaying stumps and wood uming. Wash bedding frequently. debris. Do not pile firewood against house. Prune • Restrict pet access from bedrooms, attics, basements back trees and shrubs so they do not touch structure. and hard-to-clean areas, like carpeted rooms. Check or remove wooden planters and decorative wood that is in contact with the ground. • Bathe pets with shampoo or use flea comb regularly (outdoors). • Check firewood carefully for insects before bringing it inside. • Keep a low-toxicity herbal flea collar on your pet. • Find nests and remove or destroy • Growth regulators prevent eggs and larvae from de- them with least toxic chemicals such veloping. They are nearly non-toxic to mammals but as boric acid, pyrethrum or silica hazardous to other insects and marine life, so apply gel. carefully. Formulations are readily available at pet stores. For caterpillar pests (loopers, leafrollers and cutworms) • Use flea soap or a citrus extract product (without • Accept low levels of damage. other insecticides) in conjunction with the above steps to control fleas in the house if problem becomes • Encourage natural predators. Build severe. birdhouses, set up birdbaths, plant millet and other seed crops to attract swallows and other allies. For insect pests on plants Encourage beneficial insects. • Accept low levels of damage. • Remove from plants by hand or by pruning out affected • Use naturally resistant plants. However, avoid geneti- areas. Pruning at night is most effective for tent caterpil- cally engineered plants as these could “escape” by lars as they are in their nest. passing their traits on to wild relatives. • Encourage predatory and parasitic wasps by planting • Use insect barriers. Floating row covers such as Re- nectar and pollen plants such as sunflowers, cosmos, emay® can prevent pests such as leaf miner, cabbage echinacea, and flowering herbs. maggot and other insects that lay their eggs on or near plant leaves. • Apply B.t. (Bacillus thuringiensis, a commercially available bacterium) • Use traps: sticky traps are effective for insects such to plants when caterpillars are as whitefly and apple maggot; pheromone traps for feeding. Be careful, B.t. is toxic codling moth. to many types of caterpillars. • Wash insects off of plants with a strong hosing, pref- For cockroaches erably in the morning. • Cleanliness is essential. Clean up • Spray soft-bodied insects such as aphids and whitefly food particles and avoid leaving your pet’s food out with insecticidal soap. Try mixing several tablespoons for extended periods. Remove newspapers, garbage of non-detergent soap in a gallon of water, or pur- bags and other clutter that roaches hide under. chase insecticidal soap at the nursery. Test spray on • Check over appliances before you bring them into a small area as some plants’ leaves are damaged by your home. You could bring in an infestation! soap. • Plug or caulk cracks and holes. • Use botanical or biological insecticides like neem oil,

25 beneficial nematodes or B.t.. Use caution and fol- For moles and gophers low label instructions – B.t. is toxic to many types of • Moles are voracious insect eaters that daily consume caterpillars, and neem oil is toxic to wildlife and pets. their weight in cutworms, wireworms, sowbugs, • Use horticultural oils for scale, aphids and mites. Use other garden pests and earthworms. Unlike gophers, proper dilution to prevent possible damage to plants. who eat the roots of your garden crops and can kill young trees, moles are beneficial for the most part. • Encourage predatory and parasitic wasps by planting Do you really want to kill them? nectar and pollen plants such as sunflowers, cosmos, echinacea, and flowering herbs. • For gopher control, use Macabee-type spring traps or boxtraps, or for larger gophers, a cinch trap. These For mice and rats are available through most hardware and farm sup- • Sanitation is crucial. Litter encourages rodents. Use ply stores. Set in burrow runways. garbage cans with tight-fitting lids and be sure there are no holes. Clean up food scraps. Store food, • OSU Extension Service Circular EC-987 discusses including pet food, in metal containers that rodents mole control. This publication is available from your cannot readily gnaw through. local OSU County Extension Office for a small fee. • Don’t leave pet food outside and keep spilled birdseed “When you kill a beneficial insect, you in- cleaned up underneath bird feeders. herit its work.” — Carl Huffaker • Practice rodent-resistant composting. Use a bin with ! a lid, a floor, and no holes or gaps larger than ¼ inch. For mosquitoes Never add meat, dairy, pet waste or other rodent • Clean up or remove potential breeding sites and attracting materials to your compost. When adding refuse like tires, cans, crumpled up plastic mulch and fruit and vegetable trimmings, always bury and mix anything that can hold water for larvae. these materials into the center of the pile. If you place • Fix leaky plumbing that may be creating pools in them in your yard debris compost, be sure to bury crawl spaces or puddles near your home. them in the middle of the pile. Do not compost meat, dairy or grain products. Keep compost in hard plastic • Use well-fitting screens on windows and doors to bins and place hardware cloth underneath the bin prevent mosquitoes from entering your home. to keep rodents from digging under it to get into the • Stock constructed ponds not fed or drained by natu- compost pile. ral waterways with mosquito fish (gambusia affinis). • Seal possible points of entry before mice and rats seek • Use mosquito dunks for standing water that you shelter from cold autumn weather (a mouse can enter cannot drain—these bacterial insecticides such as through a 1/2 inch space). Bactimos float on the surface of the water and are • Glue boards or sticky traps are gaining popularity, selectively effective against certain mosquito species. especially where toxicants are not desirable. They are • Where protective clothing outdoors during mosquito most effective in dry locations that are free of dirt season. and dust. • Citronella-based insect repellents are a good choice • Use traps baited with a mixture of peanut butter, for pets and those allergic to DEET. It is a natural oatmeal and honey,Single or tie trap a cottonball set with to the trigger trigger next to wall plant extract but it is not benign. It may cause aller- – it won’t rot and the mice like them for their nests. gic reactions and is harmful if ingested. • To protect infants and small children, use mosquito netting. The double set increases your For slugs and snails success • Garter snakes, some species of ground beetles, salamanders and ducks Double set placed feed on snails and slugs. parallel to the wall • If you garden in raised with triggers to beds, tack copper strips outside to the outer frame as a barrier. This is the most effective barrier currently Mice and rats tend to have established “runways” along wall known. Be sure to remove slugs already inside the edges. For maximum trap effectiveness, place the bait-end of the trap about 1/4 inch away from the wall. To reduce chances barrier. of the rodent escaping the trap and becoming trap-shy, allow • Clean up around the garden to remove hiding places the animal to take the bait at least once prior to setting the and food sources. Cut back grass and weeds that trigger. slugs could use to get around barriers. Remove

26 bricks, boards or pots slugs can hide under or use hang from trees or roof overhangs can be removed these hiding places as traps by scrapping off and by freezing rather than poisoning the insects if the disposing of the slugs and snails on a daily basis. person doing the job is knowledgeable and has the • Use tweezers, wooden chopsticks or a skewering right equipment. Some companies will remove yel- device to “hand pick” slugs at night or when cool low jacket and wasp nests for free or a nominal fee. or wet. Pay kids a “slug bounty” to pick them up. These companies then sell the wasps to laboratories, Drown them in a bucket of soapy water, then bury or which use the wasp venom to produce antidotes for compost them. those allergic to bee venom. • Use iron phosphate baits such as Worryfree or For plant diseases Sluggo. • Use disease-resistant varieties such as Altissimo and Rosa rugosa roses. For weeds • Know your weeds! Most annual and biennial weeds • Foster plants’ natural defenses. Only plant varieties can easily be pulled by hand. Hire neighborhood that are well adapted to the soil, sunlight and mois- youngsters to help. Pull perennial weeds within 4-6 ture conditions of your yard’s microclimates. Man- weeks of sprouting before persistent seeds and dif- age water and soil fertility appropriately for your ficult to remove roots form. specific plants. • Spread mulch such as wood chips, straw, leaves or • Rotate crops every year to avoid soil-borne diseases. bark several inches thick over bare soil. For added • Remove and dispose of diseased leaves. suppression, lay cardboard, permeable landscape fab- • Use drip or soaker irrigation and avoid overhead wa- ric or several layers of newspaper under the mulch. tering except in morning. Avoid impermeable plastic. • Use bicarbonate fungicide from nursery or mail • Use dense plantings to shade out most weeds. order source (e.g.: Remedy, Bi-Carb, Kaligreen) or • Plant seedlings that are at least several inches tall try mixing your own spray for powdery mildew, to give them a head start. Sow in rows to help you black spot and other fungal diseases. Mix 1-1½ distinguish weeds from crops and make hoeing easier. tablespoons baking soda, 1-2 ½ tablespoons of light • Use soaker hoses, drip irrigation or careful hand wa- horticultural oil, and ½-1 tablespoons dish soap or tering to keep water only where it is needed. insecticidal soap in a gallon of water. Test spray on several leaves first as foliage damage may occur. • Hand pull or hoe unmulched areas. Tap-rooted perennial weeds like dandelions can be pulled with a • Use sulfur or neem oil for controlling several plant special weeding tool. Use a hoola hoe, scuffle hoe or diseases. Use neem oil with caution, as it is toxic to onion hoe to avoid bringing weed seeds up from deep wildlife and pets. Contact your local OSU County in the soil. Extension Office for more detailed information. • Carefully burn plants in pathways and in cracks with a propane torch or boiling water. Losing the battle with bugs? The OSU Ex- • Mow your lawn high (at least 3”) and use weed free tension Service has offices in every county compost amendment to foster turf grass health so ! seat in Oregon, except Multnomah. For your lawn can out compete weeds. some of the best information available, check your county government listings and For yellow jackets give them a call. • Yellow jackets do not use the same nest for more than one season. If the nest is not in your way, consider leaving it alone. Yellow jackets are beneficial Photographic chemicals insects and should not be destroyed. • Keep garbage cans, picnic tables and other outdoor Common hazardous ingredients items clean. Keep lids on trash cans. ammonium hydroxide, boric acid, carbon tetrachloride, chromate, formaldehyde, hydrochloric acid, • Minimize your attractiveness to yellow jackets by avoid- methylene chloride, mercury, oxalate, silver, sodium ing bright colors and strong perfumes or colognes when hydroxide, sodium thiocyanate, trichloroethane in places where yellow jackets are plentiful. • At picnics, use traps baited with salmon or liver-fla- Potential hazards vored cat food to lure wasps away from the table. Corrosive; acids can burn and blind; can cause skin, eye and lung irritation; toxic. Air and water pollutant. • If nests in structures, trees or the ground need to be removed, hire a professional who can do the Use and storage job safely. Ask that they use pyrethrins rather than Use according to label instructions. Cover all exposed other types of chemicals. Some types of nests that skin. Wear chemical splash goggles and heavy rubber

27 gloves. A canopy-type exhaust hood should be suf- mation at 503-234-3000. Elsewhere in Oregon call ficient for photography development done occasion- 800-732-9253. ally in the home. A bathroom-type exhaust fan is not adequate. When mixing chemical solutions, always Alternatives add acid to water, never water to acid as this causes a • Use wipe-on rather than spray polishes. They have dangerous reaction. Store in clearly marked, nonmetal, fewer solvents and are less likely to be inhaled. unbreakable containers. Keep out of reach of children • Apply beeswax-based products, olive oil or cold- and pets. pressed nut oil to leather and buff with a chamois cloth to shine. Disposal Best: Use up your unmixed chemicals or give to some- • Work a dab of petroleum jelly into patent leather to one who will, such as a school, photographic materials give it a glistening shine and prevent cracking in the supplier or photo club. If you have color photography winter. chemicals and solutions, contact the manufacturer for disposal instructions. Second best: If your home is connected to a city sewer Polishes/cleaners/waxes, system, small amounts of well mixed and diluted automotive black-and-white photography solution can be flushed down the drain (toilet is preferable) with plenty of Common hazardous ingredients water. Contact your local sewer agency to know what acetone, linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (or other surfac- is an acceptable small amount for your wastewater tants), petroleum naphthas, sodium metasilicate treatment plant. Third best: If you are on a septic system or have large Potential hazards amounts of chemicals, take to a household hazardous Flammable; toxic; irritant to skin, eyes and upper respi- waste facility or collection event. In Clackamas, Mult- ratory tract. Air pollutant. nomah and Washington counties call Metro Recycling Use and storage Information at 503-234-3000. Elsewhere in Oregon Avoid aerosol products. Use according to label instruc- call 800-732-9253. tions. Wear heavy rubber gloves. Keep container lid tightly closed when not in use and store in a locked If you generate substantial amounts of photographic solution or generate it on a cabinet or out of reach of children and pets. ! regular basis, equipment is commercially available for reclaiming the silver from the Disposal chemicals safely. Best: Use up or give away. If you have recycling services available in your community, rinse and recycle containers and recycle empty aerosol containers with steel Polishes, shoe cans. Second best: Take to a household hazardous waste Common hazardous ingredients facility or collection event. In Clackamas, Multnomah methylene chloride, mineral spirits, nitrobenzene, sili- and Washington counties call Metro Recycling Infor- cones, trichloroethylene mation at 503-234-3000. Elsewhere in Oregon call 800-732-9253. Potential hazards Flammable; toxic; absorbed through skin contact and Alternatives vapor inhalation: air pollutants; methylene chloride is For car wash a suspected human carcinogen. • Use 2 tablespoons of mild dish detergent plus 2 gallons of warm water. Wash car over porous surface Use and storage such as gravel or grass rather than letting rinse water Use according to label instructions in a well-ventilated enter a storm drain. You might also take your car to area. Wear rubber gloves. Keep container tightly closed a car wash that recycles or properly handles waste when not in use. Keep contaminated rags and brushes wash water. in a sealed container as well. Store all materials out of reach of children and away from sources of flames. For cleaning chrome • Use baking soda as a scouring powder on a damp Disposal sponge, then rinse well. Best: Use up or give away. Dispose of empty nonaero- For cleaning tires sol container in the garbage. • Scrub tires with a brush using mild dish detergent Second best: Take to a household hazardous waste and baking soda. facility or collection event. In Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington counties call Metro Recycling Infor-

28 For windows, windshields and headlights place the silver item on the foil, add enough hot water • Mix 1/4 cup of white vinegar or 2 tablespoons of to cover object to be cleaned, and add 1 or 2 teaspoons lemon juice in a quart of warm water in a spray of salt or baking soda. Wait a few minutes until silver bottle. Use as you would any window cleaner. is shiny again, then remove, rinse and buff dry with a soft cloth. Caution: Do not use this method on silver plate. Test first. Polishes/cleaners, metal For stainless steel Common hazardous ingredients • Use baking soda, olive oil or mineral oil for shining. ammonia, denatured alcohol, naphtha, oxalic acid, • To clean and polish, moisten cloth with vinegar and petroleum distillates, phenolic derivatives, phosphoric wipe clean. acid, silica, sulfuric acid, thiourea, tripolyphosphate

Potential hazards Irritant; flammable; toxic; many aluminum cleaners Polishes/waxes, contain hydrofluoric acid, which is extremely corrosive wood furniture and to the skin, can cause blindness and is toxic. Air pollutant. floors

Use and storage Common hazardous ingredients ammonia, aromatic solvents (benzene, toluene), Avoid using products that contain hydrofluoric acid. phenol, petroleum distillates (also called naphthas or Avoid aerosol products. Use according to label instruc- mineral spirits), silicones, synthetic polymers, trichlo- tions. Keep containers tightly closed when not in use. roethane, turpentine Store in a locked cabinet or out of reach of children and pets. Avoid aerosol products whenever possible. Potential hazards Disposal Flammable; toxic; irritant. Air pollutant. Benzene is a known carcinogen. Best: Use up or give away. If you have recycling services available in your community, rinse and recycle Use and storage containers and recycle empty aerosol containers with Avoid aerosol products. Use according to label instruc- steel cans. tions in a well-ventilated area. Keep the container Second best: Take to a household hazardous waste tightly closed when not in use and store in a secure facility or collection event. In Clackamas, Multnomah area out of reach of children and away from sources of and Washington counties call Metro Recycling Infor- heat or flames. mation at 503-234-3000. Elsewhere in Oregon call 800-732-9253. Disposal Best: Use up or give away. If you have recycling ser- Alternatives vices available in your community, rinse and recycle For aluminum containers and recycle empty aerosol containers with • See “Cleaners, general household” listing. steel cans. For chrome Second best: Take to a household hazardous waste • Wipe with a soft cloth dipped in vinegar. Rinse with facility or collection event. In Clackamas, Multnomah water and dry. and Washington counties, call Metro Recycling Infor- mation at 503-234-3000. Elsewhere in Oregon, call • To make chrome fixtures shine brightly, wet with 800-732-9253. water and rub with newspaper. For copper and brass Alternatives • Make a paste of lemon juice and salt. Rub with a • For unvarnished wood, apply mineral oil or vegeta- soft cloth. Rinse with water and dry. ble oil sparingly with a soft cloth. Let it soak in, then remove excess and buff hard. Almond or olive oils • To retard tarnish, rub brass with a cloth moistened are especially good to use. with olive oil after polishing. • Use a commercial polish made with mineral oil and • Cover article to be cleaned with catsup. Let stand for citrus oil, rather than one containing toxic petroleum a few minutes, then rinse thoroughly and dry. naphtha. Mineral oil polishes will not have “danger” For silver warnings on their labels. • Rub object gently with toothpaste, using a cotton • Rub toothpaste on wood furniture to remove water ball to avoid scratching. Rinse well with water. Cau- marks. Polish with a soft cloth. tion: Test first on an inconspicuous area. • Place a sheet of aluminum foil in the bottom of a pan,

29 • For scratches, mix equal parts of lemon juice and ane, various surfactants salad oil. Rub into scratches with a soft cloth until they disappear. Potential hazards Toxic; may be flammable; irritant to skin, eyes and mucous membranes; air pollutant

Pool/spa chemicals Use and storage Common hazardous ingredients Avoid using aerosol products. Use in a well-ventilated bromine, calcium chloride, chlorophenols, chlorine, area according to label instructions. Avoid breathing copper-based algicides, hypochlorites, muriatic acid, vapors. Wear heavy rubber or nitrile gloves to avoid polyphosphonate skin contact. Keep container tightly closed when not in use. Store in a locked cabinet or out of reach of Potential hazards children and pets. Avoid aerosol products whenever Flammable; corrosive; reactive; causes burns on possible. contact with skin or eyes; mixing different chlorine products can cause severe reactions or explosions. Disposal Best: Use up or give away. If you have recycling services Use and storage available in your community, rinse and recycle con- Never mix pool chemicals together. Wear chemical tainers and recycle empty aerosol containers with steel splash goggles and heavy rubber gloves and do not cans. smoke when using. Keep container tightly closed when Second best: Hold for a household hazardous waste not in use. Do not stack. Store in a clean, dry, secure collection. In Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington and well-ventilated area away from children and pets, counties call Metro Recycling Information at 503-234- flammable materials and sources of sparks. 3000 for instructions. Elsewhere in Oregon call 800- 732-9253. Disposal Best: Use up or give away. Dispose of empty container Alternatives in the garbage. Reduce the need for shampooing Second best: If connected to a city sewer system, flush • Remove shoes at the door to avoid tracking in dust small amounts down an inside drain (toilet is prefer- and dirt. able) with lots of water. Do NOT pour pool chemicals • Frequently vacuum with a well-maintained, efficient down the drain if you have a septic system. Contact vacuum. A good vacuum has beater brushes to agi- your local sewer agency to know what is an acceptable tate the fabric. small amount for your wastewater treatment plant. For general cleaning Third best: If on a septic tank or for large amounts, • Use a soap-based, nonaerosol rug shampoo. Vacuum hold for a household hazardous waste collection or take when dry. to a facility. In Clackamas, Multnomah and Wash- ington counties call Metro Recycling Information at For spills 503-234-3000 for instructions. Elsewhere in Oregon • Act fast! Quickly blot up (don’t rub) as much as call 800-732-9253. possible. Cotton towels and rags are more absorbent than synthetic fabrics. Alternatives • Use ozone or ultraviolet light systems designed to kill • Club soda or clear water are effective on some types bacteria and algae. They reduce the need for pool of stains, particularly from alcoholic beverages, cof- chemicals. fee or tomato-based food. • Use pool chemicals sparingly. • Grease stains may require a solvent. Try a citrus- based product. WARNING: Do not mix pool chemicals with • See additional tips under “Stain/spot removers” listing. garbage or other chemicals. Even a small ! amount mixed with household garbage can To neutralize odors cause a deadly reaction. Dispose of these • Sprinkle baking soda liberally over affected area, let chemicals properly, according to directions. sit overnight, then vacuum.

Rug/carpet cleaners Septic tank cleaners Common hazardous ingredients Common hazardous ingredients borax, butyl cellusolve (ethylene glycol, monobutyl organic solvents such as trichloroethylene, halogenated ether), napthalenepetroleum distillates, trichloroeth- and aromatic hydrocarbons, lye products or sodium bisulfate

30 Potential hazards Alternative Tank cleaners containing organic solvents can be per- • Choose a nonionizing, photoelectric-type detector. sistent and contaminate ground water and should not be used. Products that contain lye or sodium bisulfate Smoke detectors are important devices are highly caustic and should only be used with gloves, for the early detection of fires. All homes goggles and a respirator with an organic vapor car- ! should have smoke detectors. tridge. Use and storage Soot remover/creosote Store out of reach of children and pets in a locked cabinet. destroyer

Disposal Common hazardous ingredients Take to a household hazardous waste facility or collec- cupric chloride, kerosene, pine oil, trisodium phosphate tion event. In Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington counties call Metro Recycling Information at 503-234- Potential hazards Irritant. 3000. Elsewhere in Oregon call 800-732-9253.

Alternatives Use and storage Use according to label instructions. Avoid breathing va- There is no non-chemical solution other than proper pors. Wear heavy rubber gloves to avoid skin contact. maintenance. Generally, if a tank product is effective it Keep container tightly closed when not in use. Store is dangerous and if it is safe, it is not effective. out of reach of children and pets. • Pump your tank every one to two years • Consider disconnecting your garbage disposal Disposal Best: Use up or give away. Rinse out empty container • Don’t dispose of grease, fat, hair, cigar and cigarette and dispose in the garbage. butts, tissues and towels, sanitary napkins into your system. Second best: Take to a household hazardous waste facility or collection event. In Clackamas, Multnomah • Install low-flow water use products on your sink, and Washington counties call Metro Recycling Infor- toilet and shower. mation at 503-234-3000. Elsewhere in Oregon call • Minimize the amount of household cleaners that go 800-732-9253. down your drains, especially bleach or toilet disinfectants. Alternatives • Follow operating instructions for your wood stove. • Have your tank professionally cleaned every three to five years. • Burn dry, clean wood. Firewood should be seasoned (dried) at least six to eight months before use. • A hot fire will burn wood more completely and cleanly. Smoke detectors, • Do not damper too far. Smoldering fires can cause ionizing type the most soot and creosote buildup. • Use a flue brush. Common hazardous ingredients Ionizing smoke detectors contain a small amount of • Have your chimney professionally cleaned at least radioactive material, Americium-241. Ionizing smoke once per year, preferably in the fall. detectors will have the radioactive symbol on them. Potential hazards Stain/spot removers Low-level radioactivity Common hazardous ingredients Use and storage ammonium hydroxide, isoamyl acetate, naphtha, oxalic Install and maintain according to manufacturer direc- acid, perchloroethylene, petroleum distillates, sodium tions. hypochlorite, trichloroethane

Disposal Potential hazards Best: Return to the manufacturer (address on base of Flammable; highly toxic; vapors easily inhaled; ab- detector) or retailer. sorbed through skin contact. Air pollutant. Second best: Dispose of in the garbage. Use and storage Avoid aerosol products. Use in a well-ventilated area.

31 Wear nitrile gloves to avoid skin contact. Keep children • Use an enzyme-activated pet cleaner, follow directions. and pets out of the room in which you are working. Protein stains (milk, cream, ice cream, mayonnaise, Keep container tightly closed when not in use. Store in egg, fruit, blood) a locked cabinet or out of reach of children and pets • Avoid warm or hot water, which will set stain. Soak and away from sources of flames. for at least half an hour in a laundry enzyme product, then launder in cool water. If blood stains persist Disposal after the enzyme treatment, try hydrogen peroxide Best: Use up or give away. If you have recycling ser- before laundering. vices available in your community, rinse and recycle containers and recycle empty aerosol containers with Red wine steel cans. • Blot up as much as you can as quickly as possible. Second best: Take to a household hazardous waste Apply a thick layer of salt and rinse out after salt has facility or collection event. In Clackamas, Multnomah absorbed the spill. In a pinch, white wine also does and Washington counties call Metro Recycling Infor- an adequate job, as does club soda. If the stain has mation at 503-234-3000. Elsewhere in Oregon call dried, try rubbing alcohol. 800-732-9253. Tomato sauce, tomato juice • Blot up excess. Apply club soda with a soft cloth Alternatives and continue to blot. Most of stain should come out. General procedure Launder if possible. The basic procedure in stain removal is to remove as much of the stain as possible by blotting or scraping. For more information on stain removal, The sooner this occurs the better. If the fabric allows contact the home economics section of your and the stain is still wet, rinse with plenty of water to ! local OSU County Extension Office. dilute the stain. After that, use an appropriate removal material. Final traces can be laundered or bleached out, if compatible with the fabric care instructions. Thermometer, Always read clothing labels to determine what is advis- able. Try first on an unexposed area of the article to medical/household make sure no harm occurs to the fabric. Common hazardous ingredients Wet spotter metallic mercury (liquid) 1 part glycerin 1 part liquid dishwashing detergent Potential hazards 8 parts water Vapors are harmful if inhaled; Removes many kinds of stains. broken thermometers pose a Store in a labeled plastic squeeze bottle. Shake well danger of long-term vapor inha- before each use. lation if not cleaned up properly. The bulbs of thermometers Ballpoint pen ink containing mercury are usually • Dab with glycerin or rub with a paste of cream of silver in color. Women who are tartar. pregnant and children are at Fruit/berry stains most risk. Mercury products can • Hold tea kettle 3 feet above the fabric and pour boil- pollute the air, soil and water ing water on the stain. Place item in tub or basin to when incinerated or landfilled. prevent splashes. Disposal Grass stains Best: Take your mercury thermometer to a household • Often impossible to remove. Try first with rubbing hazardous waste facility or to a household hazardous alcohol, follow with dishwashing liquid or wet spot- waste collection event. In Clackamas, Multnomah or ter. Rinse then soak in laundry enzyme product and Washington counties call Metro Recycling Information water. 503-234-3000. Elsewhere in Oregon call Mildew stains 800-732-9235. • Try vinegar. In the event of breakage: Pet urine • Evacuate the room, turn off the air conditioning/ • Act quickly. Dried urine is hard to remove and can heating system and ventilate the area with fans and leave a persistent odor. Blot as much as possible. windows. This helps volatilize the mercury and allow Rinse thoroughly with cool water and distilled it to escape outside, where it is less dangerous. vinegar solution. Apply dishwashing liquid or wet • Clean the area. Avoid vacuuming or sweeping, if spotter and rinse with cool water. possible. This will spread the mercury around. DO

32 NOT use cleaning products, they may react with the dows. This helps volatilize the mercury and allow it mercury. to escape outside, where it is less dangerous. • Use gloves to protect hands and remove jewelry – • Because thermostats contain more mercury than a mercury may attach to gold or silver. household thermometer, it is recommended that you contact your local fire department or the Oregon • Try to wipe or scrape up mercury and place all Emergency Response System at 800-452-0311 to get cleaning items, gloves or other contaminated items help with proper cleanup. into a sealed contained. Label the container: “contains mercury.” Concerned about a mercury exposure? Contact: Oregon Poison Control Center, 800-222-1222 • Take the sealed container to a household collection facility or event. Mercury-containing fish advisories: Oregon Health Division, 503-731-4025 or visit http:// Concerned about a mercury exposure? Contact: oregon.gov/DHS/ph/envtox/fishadvisories.shtml. Oregon Poison Control Center, 800-222-1222 Mercury-containing fish advisories: Alternative Oregon Health Division, 503-731-4025 or visit http:// • Consider installing mercury-free thermostats in your oregon.gov/DHS/ph/envtox/fishadvisories.shtml. home.

Alternative Programmable electronic thermostats are • Mercury-free alternatives are digital, aneroid and more energy efficient than their mercury- alcohol thermometers, and for most applications they ! containing counterparts. Look for program- are as accurate as mercury thermometers. Digital mable thermostats that have the Energy thermometers tend to last longer, however, because Star label. they are less likely to break. Transmission fluid Thermostats Common hazardous ingredients Common hazardous ingredients petroleum distillates metallic mercury (liquid) Potential hazards Potential hazards Ignitable; toxic; surface and groundwater pollution if Vapors are harmful if inhaled. Women who are preg- improperly disposed. nant and children are at most risk. Mercury products can pollute the air, soil and water when incinerated or Use and storage landfilled. When changing your transmission fluid, wear nitrile gloves to avoid skin contact. Drain used fluid into a Use metal or plastic catch pan. Do not use absorbent-con- Most thermostats, other than electronic thermostats, taining “easy-change” boxes to catch your used fluid. contain mercury. To determine if a thermostat contains The fluid cannot be recycled once in these boxes. Pour mercury, remove the front plate. Mercury-containing fluid into a well-rinsed, nonbreakable container with thermostats contain one or more small mercury switch- a screw-on lid (milk jugs work well). Store away from es. If you choose to remove an old thermostat don’t re- children, pets and sources of ignition. Do not mix with move the switches or dismantle the thermostat. Remove used motor oil or other automotive products. the entire mechanism and store safely until you have an opportunity to dispose of it safely. If you are having a Disposal new thermostat installed by a professional, ask them to Best: Take to a household hazardous waste facility or recycle the thermostat. collection event. In Clackamas, Multnomah and Wash- ington counties, call Metro Recycling Information at Disposal 503-234-3000. Elsewhere in Oregon, call Best: Take your mercury thermostat to a household 800-732-9253. hazardous waste facility or to a household hazardous waste collection event. In Clackamas, Multnomah or Washington counties, call Metro Recycling Informa- Windshield wiper solution tion at 503-234-3000. Elsewhere in Oregon, call 800-732-9235. Common hazardous ingredients ethylene glycol, methanol, isopropanol In the event of breakage: • Evacuate the room, turn off the air conditioning/heat- Potential hazards ing system and ventilate the area with fans and win- Highly toxic; harmful or fatal if ingested; air pollutant

33 Use and storage Use and storage Avoid using solution that contains methanol. Use in a Use in a well-ventilated area according to label instruc- well-ventilated area. Wear nitrile gloves to avoid skin tions. Never burn wood treated with preservatives, the contact. Keep container tightly closed when not in use. fumes will be toxic. Wear nitrile gloves to avoid skin Store in a secure place. contact. Keep container tightly closed when not in use. Store in a box lined with plastic in a locked cabinet or Disposal away from children and pets. Best: Use up or give away. If you have recycling services available in your community, rinse and recycle empty Disposal containers. Best: Take to a household hazardous waste facility or collection event. In Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington counties call Metro Recycling Information at 503-234-3000. Elsewhere in Oregon call 800-732- 9253.

Alternatives • Wood must contain 20 percent moisture before it can support the growth of fungi, the primary agents of wood decay. Wood plus moisture equals decay! Correc- Second best: Take to a household hazardous waste tive steps to allow the wood to stay dry will stop decay facility or collection event. In Clackamas, Multnomah in its early stages. Once the moisture source is removed, and Washington counties call Metro Recycling Infor- even the uncommon “dry-rot” fungi will die after a mation at 503-234-3000. Elsewhere in Oregon call month’s drying of the infected wood. 800-732-9253. • Choose cedar when possible. It contains natural res- Third best: If connected to a city sewer system, flush ins that prevent decay in the presence of fungi small amounts that DO NOT contain methanol down or insects. an inside drain (toilet preferably) with lots of water. • Buy pressure-treated lumber. The preservative pen- Contact your local sewer agency to know what is an etrates the wood more effectively than hand-applica- acceptable small amount for your wastewater treatment tion and exposure is minimized. However, leaching plant. Do not flush down a septic system. is a problem and so is future disposal. DO NOT use pressure-treated wood for raised bed gardens of ed- ible food or in childrens’ play areas. It may leach into Alternatives the soil and be absorbed by plants. • Look for the least toxic product available • For patio furniture, use a water-based clear wood fin- • Make your own fluid using: ish, stain or paint instead of wood preservative. a gallon jug • For raised bed gardens, use salvaged lumber with 1 quart of rubbing alcohol no finish, bricks, blocks, plastic lumber or construct 1/4 cup of vinegar without a retainer. OSU Extension Fact Sheet 270 de- a few drops of liquid soap tails the procedure. Obtain at your local OSU County Fill with water, mix, fill car container. Extension Office.

Wood preservatives Common hazardous ingredients arsenic, copper salts, creosote (a mixture of phenols including pentachlorophenol), mineral spirits, naph- thenic acid

Potential hazards Wood preservatives restricted from household use have long-term (chronic) health effects. Creosote and inor- ganic arsenic compounds are known human carcinogens. Creosote has been linked to genetic damage, in- organic arsenic compounds are related to both genetic damage and birth defects, and penta (pentachlorophenol) is associated with birth defects and fetal toxicity. Unrestricted wood preservatives may be flammable and are toxic.

34 Glossary

Absorption: The uptake of substances by the skin, respira- Dusts: Formed when solid materials are broken into small tory and gastrointestinal tract. Also refers to the uptake of particles. substances by plant parts or organs. Exposure: Contact of an organism with a chemical, physical Acute: One-time or short-term exposure; used to describe or geological agent. brief exposures and effects that appear promptly after expo- Flammable: Substance that can easily be set on fire and that sure. will burn readily or quickly. Acute toxicity: The rapid onset of an adverse effect from a Fumes: Small particles created in high heat operations such single exposure. Acute toxicity of a compound is not an indica- as welding or soldering that become airborne when exposed tor of its chronic effects. to heat. Fume particles are very small and tend to remain air- Adequate ventilation: At least two open windows with borne for long periods of time. Metals, some organic chemi- a fan placed in one of them, the air stream of fan directed cals, plastics and silica can produce fume particles. outward. One open door or window or a kitchen or bathroom Gases: Substances that become airborne at room tempera- exhaust fan does not create adequate ventilation. ture. They may or may not mix with air. Aerosol: A small particle or a liquid suspended in a gas. Hazard: The potential that the use of a product will result in Aerosol product: A pressurized, self-dispensing product form an adverse effect on a person or the environment. used for a wide variety of chemical specialty products. Ignitable: Substance capable of being set on fire. Air pollutant: Any substance in air that could, in high enough Inert ingredient: A substance contained in a product that concentration, interfere with human health or welfare, or will, by itself, not add materially to the effectiveness of the harm animals, vegetation or material. product. Many inert ingredients are hazardous. Borax: Also called sodium borate. Hard, odorless crystals, Ingestion: When a substance is taken into the body through granules or crystal powder. Moderately toxic. swallowing. Carcinogen: A substance or agent capable of producing can- Inhale: To take into the lungs by breathing. cer in living animal tissue. Irritant: An agent that produces chafing, soreness, or inflama- Caustic: A chemical that will burn skin on contact (corrosive tion, especially to the skin. effect on living tissue). Mists (aerosol): Tiny liquid droplets in the air. Any liquid, wa- Chemical sensitivity: Health problems characterized by ter, oil or solvent can be in a mist or aerosol form. effects such as dizziness, eye and throat irritation, chest tight- ness, and nasal congestion that appear whenever an individual Mucous membrane: The tissue that forms the lining of body is exposed to certain chemicals, even in small amounts. cavities, such as the nose and mouth. Chronic: Occurring over a long period of time, either continu- Organic solvents: A solvent is any liquid that will dissolve ously or intermittently; used to describe ongoing exposures another substance to form a solution. Solvents that contain and effects that develop only after a long exposure. carbon are known as organic solvents. Organic solvents may be toxic and many are flammable. Chronic toxicity: The slow or delayed onset of an adverse effect, usually from multiple, long-term exposures. Chronic Pesticide: A chemical or biological agent that kills pests. A toxicity of a compound is not an indicator of its acute effects. pest can be an animal, fungi, insect, plant or any unwanted species. Corrosive: Having the power to slowly dissolve. Example: Some pesticides dissolve rubber hoses, nozzles and other parts Petroleum distillates: Mixtures of chemical compounds de- of spray machinery. rived from the distillation of petroleum. Most are highly toxic if ingested. Combustible: Substance that can easily be set on fire and that will burn readily or quickly. Flammable. Pine oil: Derived from steam distillation of wood from pine trees. Used in many household disinfectants and deodorants. Cumulative: Often the effect of repeated exposures to chemi- Skin irritant and may cause allergic reactions, central nervous cals is greater than single exposures. The cumulative effect is system damage in concentrated form. what occurs from repeated exposures over time. Poison: Any toxic substance that upsets normal functions in a Desiccant: A substance that induces drying by absorbing living organism by surface absorption, injection or ingestion, water. eventually leading to death if the dosage is sufficiently strong. Dose: The quantity of chemical administered at one time. Radioactive: Substance capable of giving off radiant energy in the form of particles or rays by the spontaneous disintegration of atomic nuclei.

35 Reactivity: Tendency of a substance to undergo chemical change. May occur when exposed to other substances, heat, sudden shock or pressure. Repellent: A chemical or biological agent that makes unat- tractive to pests a habitat, food source or other site ordinarily sought and frequented. Respiratory system: Generally the nose, nasal passages and lungs. Risk: The probability of injury, disease or death under specific circumstances. Silica gel: Precipitated silicic acid in the form of lustrous granules, especially prepared for absorption of various vapors. Mildly toxic. Smoke: Formed from burning organic matter. Contains a mixture of many gases, particulates, vapors and fumes. Solvent: A liquid that will dissolve a substance, forming a solution. See “Organic solvents” listing. Toxic: Harmful. Poisonous. Vapors: The gaseous form of any substance that is usually a liquid or a solid. Most liquids vaporize continually. The rate of evaporation increases as the temperature rises. Vapors are easily inhaled. Volatile: A substance that evaporates quickly, such as alcohol. Volatile organic compound (VOC): Certain chemicals that readily volatilize into the air and may cause both indoor and outdoor air pollution problems. Well-ventilated area: Is either outdoors or, if indoors, an area with at least three or more open doors or windows with a fan placed in one of them. The air stream of the fan is directed outward. One open door or window or a kitchen or bathroom exhaust fan does not create a well-ventilated area.

36 Additional resources

The following resources contain a wealth of information about Health Hazards in the Arts: Information for Artists, hazardous household products, health effects, precautions and Craftspeople, and Photographers. alternatives. These resources are provided for the purpose of http://wally.rit.edu.pubs/guides/healthhaz.html. convenience and do not represent an endorsement by Metro Home Safe Home “Alternatives” fact sheets. A series or DEQ. dealing with pesticides, gardening methods, cleaners, paints, A Consumer’s Dictionary of Cosmetic Ingredients. solvents and other household products. Addresses disposal, 1989. Ruth Winter. Crown Publishers, Inc., New York, N.Y. safe use and alternatives. Oregon Department of Environmen- tal Quality, 811 SW Sixth Ave., Portland, OR, 97204, 503-229- Artist Beware: The Hazards of Working with All 5913 or toll-free 800-452-4011. Metro Recycling Information, Art and Craft Materials and the Precautions Every 600 NE Grand Ave., Portland, OR 97232, 503-234-3000. Artist and Photographer Should Take. 2001. Michael McCann. Lyons Press, New York, N.Y. Home Safe Home: Protecting Yourself and Your Family from Everyday Toxics and Harmful House- The Artist’s Complete Health and Safety Guide. hold Products in the Home. 1997. Debra Lyn Dadd. 1990. Monona Rossol. Allworth Press, New York, NY. Jeremy P. Tarcher/Putnam Books, New York, N.Y. Ask the Bugman!: Environmentally Safe Ways to How to Clean Practically Anything. 2002. Consumer Control Household Pests. 2002. Richard Fagerlund. Reports Books. Consumer Union, Mount Vernon, N.Y. Bug Busters: Poison Free Pest Controls for a House The Inside Story: A Guide to Indoor Air Pollution. and Garden. 1991. Bernice Lifton. Avery Publishing, Garden 1989. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Air and City Park, N.Y. Radiation, Washington, D.C. 20460. Better Basics for the Home: Simple Solutions for Journal of Pesticide Reform. Available from the North- Less Toxic Living. 1999. Annie Berthold-Bond. Three Rivers west Coalition for Alternatives to Pesticides, 1249 Willamette Press, New York, N.Y. St., Eugene, OR 97401, (541) 344-5044. Clean and Green: the Complete Guide to Non-toxic Least Toxic Home Pest Control. 1994. Dan Stein. Hu- and Environmentally Safe Housekeeping. 1990. An- logosi Communications, Eugene, Ore. nie Berthold-Bond. Ceres Press. Woodstock, N.Y. Maria Rodale’s Organic Gardening. 1999. Maria Ro- Clean House, Clean Planet: Clean Your House for dale. Rodale Press, Emmaus, Penn. Pennies a Day, the Safe Nontoxic Way. 1996. Karen Logan. Pocket Books, New York, N.Y. The Natural Formula Book for Home and Yard. 1982. Dan Wallace, ed., Rodale Press, Emmaus, Penn. Common Sense Pest Control Quarterly. Available from Bio-Integral Resource Center, PO Box 7414, Berkeley, CA Natural Gardening: A Guide to Alternatives to Pes- 94707, www.birc.org. ticides. 2001. Metro Recycling Information, 600 NE Grand Ave., Portland, OR 97232, 503-234-3000. Oregon Department The Consumer Products Handbook: A Comprehen- of Environmental Quality, 811 SW Sixth Ave., Portland, OR, sive Guide to Today’s Household Chemical Prod- 97204, 503-229-5913 or toll-free ucts. 1992. The Chemical Specialties Manufacturers Associa- 800-452-4011. tion, Inc., 1913 Eye St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20006. The Naturally Clean Home: 101 Safe and Easy Dead Snails Leave No Trails: Natural Pest Control Herbal Formulas for Non-Toxic Cleansers. 1999 Karyn for Home and Garden. 1996. Loren Nancarrow, Janet Siegel Maier. Storey Books, Pownal, Vt. Hogan Taylor. Ten Speed Press, Berkeley, Calif. The Organic Suburbanite: An Environmentally The Encyclopedia of Natural Insect and Disease Friendly Way to Live the American Dream. 2001. Control. 1984. Roger B. Yepsen Jr., ed. Rodale Press, Em- Warren Schultz. Rodale Press, Emmaus, Penn. maus, Penn. What is Household Hazardous Waste? Oregon Depart- The Gardener’s Guide to Common Sense Pest Con- ment of Environmental Quality. 811 SW Sixth Ave., Portland, OR trol. 1996. William and Helga Olkowski and Sheila Daar. The 97204, 503-229-5913 or toll-free 800-452-4011. Taunton Press, Newtown, Conn. www.deq.state.or.us Grow Smart Grow Safe: A Consumer Guide to Lawn What’s Hazardous in Your Home? Metro, 600 NE Grand and Garden Products. 2005. Philip Dickey, Washington Ave., Portland, OR 97232. 503-234-3000. Toxics Coalition. Metro Recycling Information, 600 NE Grand Ave., Portland, OR 97232., 503-234-3000.

37 For more information

Federal Agencies Mercury, PCBs, lead paint Consumer Product Safety Commission Oregon Department of Human Services www.cpsc.gov Environmental Toxicology Program Recall and safety information, 800-638-2722 800 NE Oregon, Suite 608 Portland, OR 97232 971- 673-0429 Household products database www.oregon/gov/DHS/ph/envtox http://householdproducts.nlm.nih.gov/ Children’s environmental health ToxTown Oregon Department of Human Services Environmental health concerns and and toxic chemicals where you Environmental Toxicology Program live, work and play 800 NE Oregon, Suite 608 http://toxtown.nlm.nih.gov/ Portland, OR 97232 (971) 673-0440 Indoor air quality www.oregon/gov/DHS/ph/envtox/kids.html Environmental Protection Agency Indoor air quality information clearinghouse Gardening, pest control, home economics and many 800-438-4318 other subjects www.epa.gov/iaq/ OSU County Extension Offices [email protected] (check your county government phone listings)

Toxic substances and pesticides information Metro Region Environmental Protection Agency (Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington counties) Region 10 Office Waste disposal, recycling, natural gardening, household hazardous 1200 SixthAve. waste and alternatives information Seattle, WA 98101 Metro 800-4EPA 600 NE Grand Ave. www.epa.gov/oppts/ Portland, Or 97232 503-234-3000 Metro Recycling Information National Pesticide Information Center 800-732-9253 800-858-7378 www.metro-region.org http://npic.orst.edu/ Other Organizations State agencies Local information on solid waste disposal, recycling and house- Solid waste, recycling and household hazardous waste hold hazardous waste information City or county solid waste departments Oregon Department of Environmental Quality Garbage haulers, transfer stations or landfills 811 SW Sixth Ave. Public health departments/county sanitarians Portland, OR 97204 Recycling centers 503-229-5913 (check local phone listings) 800-452-4011 www.deq.state.or.us Pesticide alternatives Northwest Coalition for Alternatives to Pesticides Pesticide regulation PO Box 1393 Oregon Department of Agriculture Eugene, OR 97440 Pesticides Division 541-344-5044 635 Capitol St. NE Salem, OR 97301 Alternatives to pesticides and other toxic products 503-986-4635 Washington Toxics Coalition www.oregon.gov/ODA/PEST 4649 Sunnyside Ave. N., Suite 540 Seattle, WA 98103 Pesticide toxicity 800-844-7233 Oregon Department of Human Services 206-632-1545 Pesticide Poisoning Prevention Program www.watoxics.org 800 NE Oregon, Suite 827 Portland, OR 97232 Sustainable agriculture, organic methods, composting 503-731-4025 and related topics www.oregon.gov/DHS/ph/pesticide Oregon Tilth 470 Lancaster Drive NE Lead poisoning prevention Salem, OR 97301 Oregon Department of Human Services 503-378-0690 Lead Poisoning Prevention Program www.tilth.org 800 NE Oregon, Suite 827 Portland, OR 97232 Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) 503-731-4025 http://msds.ehs/cornell.edu/msdssrch.asp www.oregon.gov/DHS/ph/lead/ www.ilpi.com/msds www.msdssearch.com www.lrapa.org 38 Oregon household hazardous waste collection facilities and events

Benton County 6 Lane County 6 6 Collection events held for Corvallis Disposal custom- Permanent Facility at Glenwood Central Receiving ers four times a year. Station in Eugene by appointment. For information: 541-754-0444 Collection events are also held periodically in other locations. Columbia County 6 For an appointment: 541-682-4120 Permanent collection facility in St. Helens located at the Columbia County transfer Station. For information: 503-397-7218 Linn County 6 Albany-Lebanon Sanitation holds collection events in Deschutes County 6 the fall for customers. Annual collection event held in June. For information: 541-928-2551. Permanent collection facility in Bend is expected to open in 2007. Marion/ Polk Counties 6 6 For information: 541-317-3163 Permanent collection facility at the Salem/Kaizer Transfer station by appointment only. Gilliam County 6 Collection events are held periodically in Woodburn, Chem Waste Management accepts waste from county Silverton, Stayton, Dallas, and the Monmouth/Inde- residents for free. pendence area. For information: 541-454-2643 For an appointment: 800-444-4244

Hood River/ Wasco/ Sherman Counties 6 6 Tillamook County 6 Permanent facilities in Hood River and The Dalles. Annual collection event in the fall for county residents. Satellite collection events will be periodically held in For information: 503-842-3419. the Tri-County communities of Cascade Locks, Park- Yamhill County 6 dale/Odell, Mosier, Dufur, Maupin, Tygh Valley, Moro, Collection events in McMinnville and Newberg twice a Wasco, Rufus, and Grass Valley. year. For information or an appointment: 541-506-2603 For information: 503-434-7445

Jackson/ Josephine Counties 6 Portland Metropolitan Region 6 6 Annual collection event each held in spring at the (Clackamas, Multnomah, and Washington Counties) Jackson County Exposition Fairgrounds for residents of both counties. Metro operates two permanent household hazardous waste collection facilities in the Portland area for resi- For more information contact your local Solid Waste dents of the Portland metropolitan area. Collection Company: Metro also conducts community collection events in the Rogue Disposal & Recycling, Inc.: 541-779-4161 tri-county area. Ashland Sanitary & Recycling: 541-482-1471 Southern Oregon Sanitation: 800-922-1025 For information: 503-234-3000 Grants Pass Sanitation: 541-479-3371 DEQ Events Contact the HHW Hotline at 800-732-9253 for other collection opportunities.

6 = Permanent HHW Facilities 6 = Satellite/Collection Events

39 Notes

2011 HHH _ 02235_mdw