When people think of “hazardous waste,” they usually think of ecological disasters, massive spills, and toxic sludge illegal dumpers leave on the landscape. But the truth is that hazardous waste can be even more insidious than that. In fact, it can be right under our noses, in our homes, offices, and other spaces. Here are four myths about hazardous waste people need to stop believing. Knowledge is one of the best tools we have to combat waste and protect the planet.
Hazardous waste production is a serious issue with large industrial companies, but they’re not the only ones that produce it. Factories and chemical plants also generate significant amounts of hazardous waste and must take steps to keep it from entering the ecosystem, but average households also contribute. Everyday items such as batteries, paint, cleaning products, old medications, pesticides and herbicides, and electronic devices contain hazardous materials. Practicing proper disposal of such materials is best practice, but be sure not to dispose of especially dangerous waste yourself.
We’re used to imagining hazardous waste in the form of barrels labeled with all sorts of warning symbols, leaking glowing, bubbling, or steaming chemicals. In truth, hazardous waste doesn’t always look hazardous. Many substances are colorless, odorless, and even invisible. For example, certain cleaning product chemicals or pesticides might appear harmless but can be extremely toxic. Read labels and handle such substances with care, following disposal guidelines to minimize harm to the ecosystem.
Another common myth is that you cannot recycle or reuse hazardous waste. However, professional waste facilities can recycle or treat many hazardous materials to reduce their harmful effects. These facilities can re-refine old motor oil, and others can dismantle electronic waste—laptops, smartphones, tablets, television sets, and the like—to recover valuable metals. See if your community offers specialized recycling facilities to manage these processes.
Many believe hazardous waste affects their immediate community. Truthfully, hazardous waste has far-reaching impacts, and out of sight doesn’t mean out of mind. Contaminants tossed into landfills may leach into the groundwater, travel through the air, and affect the environment many miles away. Hazardous waste management and mindfulness is a local and global responsibility.
Those are just four myths about hazardous waste that people need to stop believing. Take time to educate yourself on proper hazardous waste and disposal and consider what you can do to protect your community and the world.
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