a guide to safe disposaland less-toxic alternatives

Managing HazardousWaste in Your Home...

Vermont Department of Environmental ConservationEnvironmental Assistance Division

Spring 2003

READ THE LABELAvoid products labeled “danger” or“poison,” and closely followinstructions on proper use and safestorage of the product.

LOOK FOR NON-TOXIC ALTERNATIVESPurchase the least toxic productavailable. In many cases, the leasttoxic and best product for the jobcan be made at home, saving youmoney. Check the shopping list inthe back of this booklet for ideas.

STORE PROPERLYAlways store products in the originalcontainers and protect the label.Children can easily mistake toxicitems when stored in empty softdrink bottles, milk jugs, or glass jars.Always keep items out of reach ofchildren and pets.

DON’T MIXSome household products can formdangerous fumes or may becomeexplosive when mixed. Always readproduct labels and use as directed.

USE IT ALLThe best disposal method is to usethe entire product according to thedirections on the label.

SHAREFind a neighbor or friend who canuse excess products or purchase thematerial with someone who canalso use it.

RECYCLE/PROPER DISPOSALWhenever possible take productssuch as used motor oil, automobilebatteries, antifreeze, and paint to ahousehold hazardous wastecollection center or collection event

If you workon your

home or car,or in your

garden, or use store-bought household cleaningproducts, chances are you’re storingsome hazardous materials.

Common household items such ascleaners, pesticides, solvents,thinners, motor oil, and paint cancontaminate our air, soil, and waterif disposed of improperly. This couldcause harm to you, your family andpets, trash collectors, ourcommunity, and the environment.

Even small amounts of these wastes,when thrown out in the trash, canpollute ground or surface water.Products that are poured down thedrain, onto the ground, or into stormdrains can damage septic andsewer systems and pollute lakes andstreams.

By following some general guidelinesyou can complete your householdprojects, while keeping your homeand the environment safe. Use thefollowing guidelines and theshopping list at the end of thebooklet to take steps to a healthierhome.

PLAN AHEADThink about how you are going todispose of the product before youbuy it. Also, evaluate if you reallyneed the product to get the jobdone.

Managing Hazardous Wastein Your Home:

THINK SMALLBuy only what you need so you havelittle or nothing to dispose of. Whenpossible buy a multi-purpose productthat can be used for several tasks.

in your area. Many of these wastescan be recycled. Refer to the backof this guide or contact the VermontDepartment of EnvironmentalConservation for more information.

INTRODUCTION

Motor oil, antifreeze,pesticides, etc. pollute by seeping into groundwater and entering stormdrains

Household wastes draininto septic systems

and sanitary sewers

Storm drains flow to rivers and waterways

Water table

Drinkingwatersupply

YES! Most of us have products inour homes that could behazardous to the environmentand our family’s health.Commonproductssuch aspaints, paintthinners,pesticides,cleaners,motor oilandantifreezeare harmful ifdisposed ofimproperly.

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3.4.

Become familiar with the commonly used products listed in thisbooklet so you are aware of potentially hazardous materials inyour home and how to dispose of them properly.

Use this booklet to help you identify the least toxic productavailable for a task and to learn how to make products athome. Many of the alternatives included in this booklet aretime-honored recipes. Try a few less-toxic options, and thenshare the information with a neighbor, friend, or relative.

See the back cover of this booklet for your local Solid WasteDistrict and/or Town Clerk’s contact information.

Refer to the following symbols to guide you in proper disposal ofhousehold hazardous waste:

How toUse this Booklet...

HOW TO USE THIS BOOKLET

SAFEDISPOSALSYMBOL WHAT IT MEANS

Use all products as directed or give away unused portion.Rinsed empty containers can be placed in the trash.

Bring any unused product to your local household hazardouswaste facility or collection event. Please refer to the back ofthis booklet for contact information.

Lists some common, easy to make recipes.

Lists some less toxic alternatives to common householdhazardous products.

Denotes special handling, use and/or disposal instructions.

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Recreational &Entertainment Products

SAFEDISPOSALSYMBOL

LESS-TOXIC ALTERNATIVE/PROPER USE AND DISPOSALPRODUCT

Art/HobbySupplies

Charcoal LighterFluid

Insect Repellent(mosquitos)

Use water-based inks, paints, adhesives, and non-toxicglues. Avoid items containing toxic pigments such aslead, chromium, cadmium, and phthalates. For children,choose crayons, grease pencils, water color paint andmarkers.

Discard dried product container in trash.

Use an electric charcoal starter - lights briquettes in 15minutes or less. Use a gas barbeque grill.

Use well-fitting screen doors and windows. Removestanding water, and other potential mosquito breedingareas like old tires, or trash. Use citronella oil as arepellent or burn citronella candles. Purchase insectrepellants that do not contain “DEET” (chemical).

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RECREATIONAL & ENTERTAINMENT PRODUCTS

PhotographicChemicals

Pool and SpaChemicals

Propane Tanks

Electronics(computers/TVs)

Use up or bring to a household hazardous wastecollection center or collection event.

Buy only what you need and store properly to preventaccidents or spills. Purchase a spa with an ozonator,which reduces your need for chemicals. There areseveral less-toxic water treatment chemicals available forboth pools and spas. Check with your supplier for moreinformation.

Exchange your empty propane tank for full one atyour local gas supply or tank exchange.

Discarded electronics should be brought to yourlocal electronics recycler. Contact your local Solid WasteDistrict, Alliance, or town for management options.

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Automotive ProductsSAFEDISPOSALSYMBOL

LESS-TOXIC ALTERNATIVE/PROPER USE AND DISPOSALPRODUCT

Antifreeze

Auto Batteries

Auto Paintsand Primers

Brake andTransmission Fluid

Have your antifreeze changed at a garage that recyclesantifreeze. Use low-toxic (propylene glycol) or recycledantifreeze, which is safer for humans, pets and theenvironment.

Do not dump into sewer, storm drain, or onto theground. Keep antifreeze away from children and pets.

To keep your battery working well, clean battery terminalswith a paste of baking soda and water and check fluidlevels regularly.

Trade in used battery when purchasing a new one ortake to an auto parts or battery store for recycling.

Take car to a professional auto body shop for painting.Avoid using paints in aerosol spray cans.

Minimize use of fluids by maintaining vehicle and fixingleaks promptly.

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AUTOMOTIVE PRODUCTS

Car Soaps,Waxes andPolishes

Engine Cleanersand Degreasers

Gasoline, Diesel,and KeroseneFuel

Motor Oil

Used Oil Filters

Car washing - use small amount of phosphate-free liquiddish detergent and warm water. Wash car on lawn tohelp filter water through the ground, or take to acommercial car wash where the wastewater is collectedfor treatment. For interiors, use a weak solution of liquidsoap or washing soda; rinse if needed.

The practice of engine degreasing should be avoided.When necessary, apply product to a rag and properlydispose of dirty rags.

Store fuels in a tightly sealed container labeled with thefuel type (i.e. diesel, mixed gas, etc.).

Dilute old gasoline with new gasoline using one partold gasoline to 5 parts new gasoline.

Purchase recycled (re-refined) motor oil if available. Haveyour oil changed at a service station or lube shop thatrecycles its oil and fluids. Do not dump into the sewer,stormdrain, or onto the ground.

Many auto parts stores and service stations willrecycle for little or no charge. Call first.

Drain excess oil into a collection container and recyclethe oil that is collected. Some Districts, Alliances andtowns will accept used oil filters for recycling. Call first.

Check with your local service station for additionaldisposal options.

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SAFEDISPOSALSYMBOL

LESS-TOXIC ALTERNATIVE/PROPER USE AND DISPOSALPRODUCT

Adhesives,CaulkingCompounds,Glues, etc.

Chemical Paintand VarnishStripper

Enamel andOil-based Paint

Use waterborne or other low-VOC adhesives. Considerwhite or yellow glues.

Dried product can be placed in trash.

Use sandpaper, power sander, steel wool, scraper or aheat gun on the surface needing to be stripped. Avoidstrippers that contain methylene chloride and trichloroet-hylene (TCE), benzene, xylene, 1,1,1 trichloroethane(TCA), or toluene.

Do not pour petroleum or solvent-based stripperdown the drain. If lead paint is present, contact theHealth Department at (802) 863-7231 prior to paintremoval or treatment.

Choose those products with low-VOC content. Latex andwater-based paints are safer. Use natural earth pigmentfinishes as a less-toxic option. Buy only what you need

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Many paint products, paint removers and thinners, and adhesives contain solvents that aredangerous to humans, animals, and the environment. The key to reducing the amount ofwaste and the toxicity of these products is to purchase only what you truly need, look forwater-based and least-toxic brands, and try to use one product for several projects. Theless-toxic products often have less than 250 grams of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)per liter (note: one gallon container equals 3.79 liters).

Paint & Finishing Products

PAINT & FINISHING PRODUCTS

and give unused paints to someone who can use them.

Use the low-VOC brands (check with your local paintstore). Buy only what you need and give unused paints tosomeone who can use them.

Dried latex paint can be placed in trash.

Do not use aerosols. Aerosol propellants contribute to airpollution and are dangerous to inhale.

Use water-based stains. Also, natural pigment finishes,such as tung oil and linseed oil work well. Use all productswith caution.

Avoid using oil-based paints and other products thatrequire solvent or thinner for cleanup. Instead use latex orwater-based paint. Clean brushes immediately after use.Soak brushes hardened with oil-based paint in hotvinegar. Cover brushes and rollers with plastic wrap toprevent paint from hardening between coats.

Avoid products containing creosote or arsenic (CCA). Usenaturally resistant wood types such as cedar or redwood oruse water-based wood preservatives and sealers(available at most home improvement and hardwarestores). Also, consider buying plastic lumber, a compositeof recycled plastic and wood fibers. Plastic lumber comesin a variety of colors and is virtually maintenance free.

CCA is currently being phased out of residential/lightcommercial uses.

Latex andWater-basedPaint

Spray Paint

Stains andVarnishes

Thinners andBrush Cleaners

WoodPreservativeand Sealer

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Miscellaneous Household& Personal Products

SAFEDISPOSALSYMBOL

LESS-TOXIC ALTERNATIVE/PROPER USE AND DISPOSALPRODUCT

Use similar products that are pump sprays or solids. For airfresheners, set out small dishes of baking soda, potpourri,simmer spices or herbs, or burn scented candles. Usebaking soda to keep trash cans and refrigerator smellingfresh. Keep areas clean and open windows for ventilation.

Minimize use of these products, and use what you buy. Ifyou use these products, apply in a well-ventilated roomas they contain a high level of solvents.

Buy solar-powered devices to avoid using batteries.When possible, use rechargeable batteries instead ofone-time use batteries. Many of these batteries can berecharged 100’s of times.

Contact your Solid Waste District, Alliance or town forany disposal restrictions

NiCad/NiMH/Lithium/small lead-acid can berecycled through the Rechargeable Battery RecyclingCorporation (RBRC). To find a local participating retailercall 1-800-8-BATTERY.

Use vinegar to soak off lime or hard water mineraldeposits. Apply full strength to tile and let sit beforerinsing. For build-up on faucets or showerheads, soak apaper towel and leave for about an hour...build-upshould then wash away. To remove stickers, peel off, then

Aerosol SprayCan Products

Fingernail Polishand Remover

HouseholdBatteries

Alkaline/CarbonZinc/Button Cells

NiCad/NiMH/Lithium/SmallLead-Acid

Lime/HardWater Removers

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MISCELLANEOUS HOUSEHOLD & PERSONAL PRODUCTS

Metal Polish

Pet Products

Thermometers

Thermostats

Fluorescent Lamps

soak leftover adhesive with vinegar and wipe clean.

Never dispose in storm drain or on ground.

Use a soft cloth to polish all metals to a shine. For chrome,wipe with vinegar. For brass, bronze, copper, and pewter,apply a paste of 1/2 tsp. salt and 1/2 C. white vinegar, andsmall amount of flour, let stand, then wipe clean OR use apaste of lemon juice and salt, rinse both with water. For silver,try toothpaste OR boiling silver for 3 minutes in a quart ofwater containing 1 tsp. baking soda, 1 tsp. salt, and a pieceof aluminum foil, OR rub with paste of baking soda andwater. For stainless steel, wipe with white or cider vinegar.

Dried product can be thrown in trash.

Preventative flea control: vacuum house frequently andkeep pet and bedding clean. For your pet, try sprinklingbrewer’s yeast on their food daily OR apply natural flearepellents such as eucalyptus or citronella to your pet’sfur OR try herbal flea collars (available in health foodstores) OR a flea comb (dropping fleas in soapy water).Check with your veterinarian for other options. Ifnecessary, pyrethrum-based flea products are reportedto be the least-toxic of commonly used products.

Purchase a non-mercury alternative (digital or alcohol).

If broken, use a piece of cardboard or hard plastic topush mercury droplets into a zipper lock bag. Contactthe Environmental Assistance Division at 802-241-3472 fordrop-off information for all mercury thermometers.

Purchase a non-mercury, programmable thermostat.

Mercury thermostats can be dropped off at yourlocal plumbing and heating wholesaler. Call 802-241-3472for the nearest participating wholesaler.

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SAFEDISPOSALSYMBOLPRODUCT

Indoors: Clean up food crumbs, keep food areas, trashand recycling containers clean, and caulk openingswhere ants may enter the house. As a temporary solution,wipe up ant trails with soapy water then apply cayennepepper, damp coffee grounds, straight lemon juice, or saltwhere they enter. As a last resort, dust boric acid atoutdoor entrances or mix with sweet jelly or greasy peanutbutter as bait (depends on ant species). This is a poison, soprotect area from children and pets. Boric acid may alsoprevent future plant growth, so use carefully. Outdoors:Ants nest outdoors and enter homes only to look for food.Ants are beneficial for controlling pest insects, weedseeds, and improving soil through nest building. No controlis needed, unless ant nests are in a highly used area.

For both yard and garden, start a backyard compost pileor set up a vermicompost (worm compost) bin. Use thecompost as a primary soil amendment, adding otherorganic material as needed like bone meal, kelp, fishemulsion, alfalfa or soybean meal. Composting at homereduces the amount of yard and kitchen waste youneed to throw away. Contact the Vermont WasteManagement Division’s composting program at 1-800-932-7100 for more information.

As last resort, dispose in garbage if it does not containpesticides or weed killers.

Ant Killers

ChemicalFertilizers

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LESS-TOXIC ALTERNATIVE/PROPER USE AND DISPOSAL

Lawn & Garden ProductsIdentify insect pests before you try to control them. Capture a sample of the bug and thedamage it is causing in a container and bring to a local nursery, or contact the Universityof Vermont State Extension Office at 802-656-2990 for more information. Below you will findsome general suggestions for dealing with pests and taking care of your yard and garden.See back of booklet for additional resources and more information on how to determinethe toxicity of products.

LAWN & GARDEN PRODUCTS

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Clothes Mothsand Silverfish

Herbicides

Insecticides

Rat/MousePoison

Slugs

Clean clothes before storing for winter and store inwell-sealed containers. Use cedar chips or blocks todeter moths. To get rid of moths, hang clothes in sunlightand beat them to dislodge moth larvae. Also, trap mothsand silverfish in a mixture of 1:2 parts molasses to vinegarplaced near the problem area.

Minimize soil disturbances as this triggers dormant weedseeds. Keep grass cut to 2 1/2” to 3”, mow weekly toencourage dense growth, and leave clippings on thelawn. This also helps to reduce water needs and serves asa fertilizer.

Keep garden and yard clean and weed free, removeplant debris and wood. For small infestations, hand pick orspray off with a forceful spray of water. If possible importlacewings as a predator. Use the least toxic pesticidewhen control is warranted - seek assistance at your localnursery. Options include Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) sprays forcaterpillars, and insecticidal soap and horticultural oilsprays for other pests. For information on “beneficialinsects” and “friendly pesticides,” call the University ofVermont State Extension Office at 802-656-2990.

Remove all sources of food, trash, debris, and mow lawnsregularly. Close openings where rodents enter the home.If needed, set baited traps following manufacturersinstructions.

Slugs breed in shady, cool, and moist spots in the garden,and are attracted to areas that are constantly moist.Keep mulch away from susceptible plants, and water theroot areas rather than the leaves. Hand pick smallinfestations. To trap slugs, fill a shallow pan with stale beerand sink in the soil with rim at ground level. The yeast inthe beer attracts them. Clean container regularly. Tokeep slugs out of raised planting beds, mount copperstripping (2” or higher) around the bed. They will not crossthe copper. Or try sprinkling diatomaceous earth aroundinfested plants, reapplying after watering or rain.

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SAFEDISPOSALSYMBOL

LESS-TOXIC ALTERNATIVE/PROPER USE AND DISPOSALPRODUCT

Baking soda or borax cleanser can be used safely with adamp sponge. Wipe with vinegar to remove soap film.Mix 1/4 C. baking soda with a small amount of vegetableoil-based liquid soap to make a scouring paste. Use ascrub brush for tougher spots. Use vinegar to soak offhard water and mineral deposits.

Use any of the following with a damp sponge as akitchen or bath cleaner. Mix 4 Tbs. baking soda in 1 quartof warm water, OR 1/8 C. washing soda, 1Tbs. liquidsoap, 1/4 C. vinegar in 2 gallons hot water, OR 1 quartwarm water, 1 tsp. liquid soap, and 1 tsp. borax. Rinse allwith water. Reduce amounts for smaller cleaning jobs.

Add 1/2 C. white vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice orborax to whiten and deodorize laundry. Use dry bleach,borax, or baking soda to deodorize and disinfect ingeneral household cleaning.

Vacuum regularly. Deodorize: Sprinkle baking soda, or 1C. borax and 2 C. cornmeal (let stand one hour/vacuum). Shampoo: clean spills immediately with clubsoda or soap-based rug shampoo. Other options: mix 1quart white vinegar with 3 quarts boiling water (apply tonap of rug), OR mix 1/2 C. mild liquid dishwashingdetergent with 1 pint boiling water - allow to cool into ajelly and whip until stiff (apply and rub gently - wipeclean).

Absorb as much of the stain as possible before treating.For fresh stains, apply baking soda generously to the stainOR use 1/4 C. vinegar with 1/4 C. of water. For olderstains, try 1/4 C. borax mixed with 2C. cold water -sponge on stain, let dry, and rinse with water. Vinegar or

Abrasive Cleaners/Scouring Powders

All-PurposeCleaner

Bleach-basedCleaners

Carpet andUpholsteryCleaners

Carpet StainRemover

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Household Cleaning ProductsMany common household items that you probably already have in your home can beused to safely clean your entire house. Items such as baking soda, vinegar, lemon juice,mineral oil, and liquid dish washing soap along with a few inexpensive items found at yourlocal market like borax powder and washing soda can take care of most of your cleaningneeds.

HOUSEHOLD CLEANING PRODUCTS

Drain Openersand Cleaners

Floor Cleaners

Furniture and FloorPolish

Glass andWindow Cleaner

Laundry Products

Oven Cleaner

borax may lighten carpet; test first in small area.

To open drains, try plunger first, then pour 1/2 C. bakingsoda followed by 1/2 C. vinegar down drain, cover, thenflush with 2 quarts boiling water. Repeat. If necessary, rentor buy a plumber’s snake. To avoid clogs, use a straineron all drains and pour boiling water down drain weekly.

For ceramic, brick, stone, and linoleum, mix 1 C. vinegarwith 1 gallon hot water, apply with a mop. For linoleum, 1/4 C. liquid soap, 1/4 C. lemon juice, and 2 gallons hotwater OR use 1/4 C. white vinegar in 1/2 gallon water. Forwood floors, use 1/8 C. vegetable oil-based liquid soap in1 gallon of water (apply with mop) OR mix in a spraybottle a splash of vinegar in warm water. Spray and mopwith terry cloth mop or cotton towel.

Try applying one of these combinations with a soft cloth.For wood only, mix two parts olive oil or mineral oil to onepart lemon juice. Rub in toothpaste or walnut meat totreat water spots. For leather, mix 1/4 C. olive oil and afew drops of lemon oil. For vinyl, mix 1/4 C. vinegar, 1/4tsp. vegetable oil-based liquid soap, and water. Forunfinished wood floors, use small amounts of mineral orvegetable oils, or vegetable oil-based liquid soap mixedwith water.

Mix any one of the following combinations. With a lint-freecloth or rag apply a mixture of 1/4 to 1/2 C. vinegar to 1quart warm water, OR 1 Tbs. of lemon juice in 1 quart ofwater, OR 1/4 to 1/2 tsp. liquid soap, 3 Tbs. vinegar, in 2 C.water. Dry with newspaper.

Use detergents that are phosphate-free andbiodegradable. Use non-chlorine dry bleach, borax orbaking soda to whiten clothes. For non-greasy spots, rinseimmediately with cold water, then rub in a paste of drybleach, borax, or baking soda mixed with water prior tolaundering. Club soda or rubbing alcohol can be used totreat blood and wine stains. For grease, apply paste ofcornstarch or baking soda and water. Brush off when dry.For ink, soak garment in milk or use hydrogen peroxide.

Clean regularly with a mixture of baking soda and warmwater. Use steel wool or a bread knife to clean largefood deposits. Pour lots of salt on fresh spills, let oven cooland then clean. To minimize cleanups, place aluminumfoil on the bottom of the oven. Note: A clean ovenoperates more efficiently. Many of the new self-cleaningovens should not be cleaned with any of these.

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More Resources...In looking to reduce hazardous waste in the home, it is important to firstremember to use up what you already have and then properly dispose of anyremaining product. In the future, look for less toxic products, make a product athome, or evaluate whether you really need another product to get the jobdone. Following is a list of resources to help you make the most-informeddecisions to protect your home, your health and the environment.

Products with one or more of thefollowing signal words on the labelare considered householdhazardous waste (HHW). Below is asummary of these signal words andtheir relative toxicity. Always try topurchase the items with the lowesttoxicity (caution).

Warning labels on toxic chemicalsrequired by the U.S. Government,Environmental Protection Agency,and Office of Pesticides and ToxicSubstances now include one of thefollowing:

DANGER – Harmful or Fatal ifSwallowed. A single taste to ateaspoon can be fatal to an adult!

WARNING – Harmful if Swallowed. Ateaspoon to an ounce can be fatalto an adult!

CAUTION – Harmful if Swallowed. Anounce to a pint can be fatal to anadult!

GENERAL GUIDELINESAND SHOPPING LISTBy following a few simple guidelineswhen shopping for householdproducts, you can considerably limitthe amount of hazardous materials inyour home. Take the followingshopping list with you when you go topurchase products, and you’ll seehow easy it is to provide a safer andcleaner home for you and your family.

with painting and clean-up jobs.Remember, many paint productscontain solvents, so it is alwaysimportant to use them in a well-ventilated area, away from childrenand pets, and to wear protectivegloves and eyewear.

Shopping List:

• Heat gun, paintscraper, sand paper(electric sander),electric steamer(instead of solvents orstrippers). These itemscan often be rented or borrowed.

• Insect/weather-resistant cedar,redwood, or composite lumbermade from recycled plastic andwood scraps.

• Latex and water-based paint(available for indoors andoutdoors).

• Natural finishes such as tung orlinseed oil.

• Whitewash (made from limestonepowder) – best for indoor woodfinishing.

AUTOMOTIVE CAREMany of the items you use to cleanyour home can also clean your car.Remember, homemade solutionsare often less expensive and saferfor you and your car.

Shopping List:

MORE RESOURCES

HOUSEHOLD CLEANERSGeneral reminders:• Purchase cleaning

products that arephosphate-free andbiodegradable. Suchproducts include laundryand dishwashing detergentand cleansers.

• Several companies now producelow- or non-toxic householdcleaning products; look for them inyour local grocery store orsupermarket. If you don’t seethem ask the clerk to keep theseitems in stock. More options will beavailable at natural food stores.

• Consider buying one product formultiple cleaning tasks. Citrus andvegetable-oil-based cleanersoften come in concentrate formand can be used to clean floors,bathrooms, and kitchen surfaces.

Shopping List:(all of these items can befound in your local grocerystore or supermarket andcan be used both in thehome and outside)

• Baking soda

• Biodegradable and vegetable-based liquid soap

• Club soda

• Corn starch

• Dry bleach (powdered non-chlorine)

• Lemon/Lemon juice (concentrateworks fine)

• Mineral oil (linseed oil)

• Salt (table salt)

• Spices (e.g., cinnamon andcloves) – used as air freshners

• Vinegar

PAINT PRODUCTSMany of the items listed above, plusthese additional items will assist you

• Citrus-based handcleaners – available atmost auto parts andgeneral merchandisestores.

• Citrus-based degreasers or“waterless” auto mechanic’s handcleaner.

• Low-toxic or recycled antifreeze.

LAWN/GARDEN CAREThere are several local resourcesavailable to check on the bestapproach for treating your particularpest or yard and garden problem.The following list will get you started.

Shopping List:

• Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt)sprays(biological control forpests)

• Beer (slug removal)

• Bonemeal, kelp, fishemulsion, alfalfa, or soybean meal

• Boric acid (crawling insects)

• Citronella oil and candles

• Copper stripping (keep slugs out ofgardens)

• Diatomaceous earth (useful ineliminating crawling insects ifapplied dry as needed at point ofentry)

• Honey (no-pest strip)

• Horticultural oil and insecticidalsoap sprays (insect control directlyon plants)

• Pyrethrum-based products (use tocontrol insects derived fromChrysanthemum extract)

The Vermont DEC thanks DenverRecycles for the use andadaptation of its Guide toHousehold Hazardous WasteManagement.

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The following list of online resources does notrepresent or imply endorsement or certification bythe State of Vermont. The State of Vermont makesno representations, express or implied, as to theaccuracy, currency or completeness of theinformation. The material presented on this site isfor general information purposes only. The materialis provided solely on the basis that users will takeresponsibility for verifying the accuracy, currencyand completeness of all relevant representations,statements and information.

● www.anr.state.vt.us/dec/wastediv/hhw/index.htmHousehold hazardous waste managementinformation from the Vermont Department ofEnvironmental Conservation.

● www.care2.com/channels/lifestyle/home#55Non-toxic household cleaning recipes, tips andresources.

● www.ecomall.com/greenshopping/amy.htmInformation on how to determine a product ishazardous, non-toxic tips and online questionand answer service dealing with toxics in theenvironment.

● www.ecomall.comListings of ecologically friendly practices, places,shopping, businesses and related links.

● www.metrokc.gov/hazwaste/house/Lists some of the common household hazardouswastes, their alternatives and disposal optionsvia an interactive house tour.

● www.epa.gov/kidshometour/tour.htm#viewAn interactive house tour for common householdhazardous products, why they’re hazardous andwhat you should do to reduce and or properlyrecycle these hazardous products.

● www.prrdy.com/household.htmNumerous recipes for non-toxic householdcleaning supplies, pest management, lawn andgarden care, as well as ways to reduce, reuseand recycle household hazardous waste.

● www.npic.orst.edu/pest.htmLots of information and links on how to deal witha variety of home, lawn and garden pests.

● www.state.vt.us/agric/homepest.htmInformation on integrated pest management.

● www.beyondpesticides.org/main.htmlPesticide fact sheets, alternatives and otherarticles on pesticides.

● www.1-800-222-1222.info/poisonhelp.aspPoison control center contact information andresources.

ONLINE RESOURCES: SOLID WASTE DISTRICTS:

ADDISON COUNTYSOLID WASTE DISTRICT

(802) 388-2333

BENNINGTON REGIONALPLANNING COMMISSION

(802) 375-2576

CENTRAL VERMONTSOLID WASTE DISTRICT

1-800-730-9475 OR (802) 229-9383

CHITTENDENSOLID WASTE DISTRICT

(802) 872-8111

GREATER UPPER VALLEYSOLID WASTE DISTRICT

(802) 296-3688

LAMOILLE REGIONALSOLID WASTE DISTRICT

(802) 888-7317

MAD RIVER SOLID WASTE ALLIANCE(802) 244-7373

NORTHEAST KINGDOMWASTE MANAGEMENT DISTRICT

1-800-734-4602 OR (802) 626-3532

NORTHWEST VERMONTSOLID WASTE DISTRICT

(802) 524-5986

SOUTHERN WINDSOR/WINDHAM COUNTY

SOLID WASTE MGMT DISTRICT(603) 543-1201 OR (802) 885-5827

RUTLAND COUNTYSOLID WASTE DISTRICT

(802) 775-7209 OR802-773-4083

SOLID WASTEALLIANCE COMMUNITIES (SWAC)

(518) 854-9702

WHITE RIVERALLIANCE

(802) 234-9340

WINDHAM SOLIDWASTE DISTRICT(802) 257-0272

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:Vermont Department of

Environmental ConservationEnvironmental Assistance Division

1-802-241-3472

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