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There are many household products that can pose a risk to our communities and our environment. It is important to use and dispose of these products properly.
Products are considered hazardous if they are:
Typical household hazardous wastes include:
Once released into the environment, these substances can pose a serious threat to living organisms. Even small quantities can accumulate over time and contaminate the air, water and soil.
The Saskatchewan Waste Reduction Council (SWRC) has some guidelines for buying and using hazardous products. They also have suggestions for greener alternatives for some hazardous household products.
Each level of government has laws relating to hazardous waste. These laws deal with things like use, storage, transportation and disposal.
The federal government has several laws that apply. The Hazardous Products Act regulates the sale, import and labelling of hazardous products. The Canadian Environmental Protection Act deals with preventing pollution.
Saskatchewan has The Environmental Management and Protection Act. It deals with pollution as well. It makes it illegal to discharge a substance that may harm the environment. Anyone who does so must report it to the government as well. Any property owner who finds a spill on their property must also report it. An example is someone who spills oil into a river.
Municipalities usually have bylaws dealing with garbage and waste as well. Waste bylaws often prohibit placing hazardous waste in your garbage or recycling bins. For example, you likely cannot put used motor oil in your garbage. It would need to be disposed of in a special manner. Bylaws also often exist that make it illegal to dump waste except in certain places.
There are a number of steps individuals can take to minimize the negative impacts of household hazardous waste. Consumers can look for non-toxic alternatives. When that’s not possible they can try not to buy more product than they need for the job at hand. If they have leftover product, they can try to find someone else who can use it.
You can also watch for special household hazardous waste days in your community. On these days, residents can drop off hazardous materials in one convenient place.
When individuals do end up with hazardous waste it is important to properly dispose of it. The SWRC has a map of locations throughout the province that accept different types of hazardous waste.
Many businesses also accept their products back for safe disposal or recycling. For example, many electronic businesses will take used computers, cell phones and such. Pharmacies will often allow you to drop off outdated or unused medications.
In addition to collecting deposit beverage containers, SARCAN also accepts:
PLEA offers free online training on preventing and addressing workplace harassment.