Lincoln Stormwater Program
October Newsletter
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IN THIS ISSUE:
- What is Household Hazardous Waste (HHW)?
- Where to Dispose of HHW
- How HHW Affects Water Quality
- Preventing Pesticide & Other HHW Pollution
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What is Household Hazardous Waste?
Words such as danger, warning, caution, poisonous, corrosive, reactive, toxic and flammable on the labels of common household products tell you these products may be harmful, even deadly, to you, your children, your pets, or the environment.
When these products are no longer wanted and are destined for disposal they become “household hazardous waste,” also known as "HHW." It is important that instead of disposing of these HHW items or materials in garbage cans or down household or storm drains, they be taken to your local HHW drop off location listed below.
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Where can I dispose of my HHW?
The only legal way to dispose of unused HHW items (including pesticides) in California is through a household hazardous waste collection site, such as the Western Placer Waste Management Authority.
Placer County residents can drop off their HHW at no cost. Residents and businesses may not transport – and the facility will not accept – more than 15 gallons or 125 pounds per trip. |
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How does HHW like pesticides and other lawn chemicals affect water quality?
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If not used carefully, HHWs such as pesticides, can easily affect water quality whether used indoors or outdoors.
Indoor usage and water contamination:When poured down household drains (such as your sink, toilet, or bathtub) these hazardous chemicals can "pass through" wastewater treatment processes and be discharged into the environment. This occurs because wastewater treatment plants are not designed to remove hazardous chemicals from wastewater.
Outdoor usage and water contamination: As rain or irrigation runs over the urban landscape, it picks up and carries whatever it comes into contact with along the way, including pesticides, herbicides, and any other chemical used outdoors. Even after several days after pesticide application, rain and irrigation water may wash pesticide residues into storm drains.
The creeks and rivers within the City of Lincoln are at risk of being contaminated with pesticides and other chemicals commonly used around our homes and gardens. These garden chemicals are not only a threat to aquatic life, but they can also affect the quality of our drinking water. The graphic below illustrates the various methods pesticides are transported outdoors.
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Preventing Pesticide & Other HHW Pollution
Preventing pesticide and other HHW pollution in our homes not only helps keep our family and pets safe, it also helps keep our community, waterways, and the environment safe. Below are some simple tips you can use at home to prevent pesticide and other HHW pollution.
- Selection: Select the least toxic option for getting the job done. Find a list of non-toxic or less toxic alternative pesticide products here.
- Usage: Read the usage label carefully before application. In most instances, people tend to use more than needed. Spot-apply pesticides or chemicals only to the area that needs treatment.
- Storage: Proper chemical storage is vital. Locking pesticides inside a fire resistant, spill-proof storage system is the best way to prevent accidental spills. It is also very cheap compared to the consequences that can be very expensive to clean up, such as accidents, spills, or fires.
- Disposal: Do not dump pesticides or other chemicals down household drains or storm drains, and never dispose of unwanted pesticides in the trash. Pesticide containers can only be thrown in the garbage if they are completely empty. Residents can drop off leftover pesticides and HHWs for FREE at the City’s household hazardous waste facility.
- Rain & Irrigation: Do not water the grass after applying garden chemicals, and do not apply if rain is forecasted within 24 hours.
Remember—Clean Water Starts With You!
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