Fuels and other household hazardous products that are improperly
used, stored or disposed can enter groundwater and surface water
supplies, impacting water quality and human health.
Household products
are hazardous if they include ingredients that, when improperly
managed,
pose dangers to human health or
the environment. A variety of household products are hazardous. Motor
oil, pesticides, oil-based paints, mothballs, flea collars,
weed killers, medicine, and
household cleaners may seem like
everyday items, but they are examples of household hazardous products.
Specifically, a substance is considered hazardous if it is corrosive,
explosive, flammable, or if it contains toxic chemicals or any
other potentially harmful materials.
Proper
use, storage and disposal of fuels and petroleum products
 Store
small amounts of fuel (a couple of gallons at a time) for motorized
equipment in a dry, well-ventilated space away
from the house and in an UL-approved container.
Use
all stored fuel for motorized equipment by the end
of each
season.
Examine
storage containers and equipment often for leaks and
repair promptly.
Do
not fill machines with fuel or perform maintenance
near drinking water wells, storm drains and surface
waters and
be mindful of
spills.
Recycle
used motor oil. The
Town of North Kingstown Transfer Station accepts
used motor oil free of charge. Check with your
local transfer station - many of them do.
Properly
dispose of other hazardous products such as automotive
fluids, degreasers, oil-based paints
and
paint thinner,
etc. at the RI
Eco-depot. NEVER dump in the
backyard, down a drain, or in the trash.
Consider
replacing underground fuel tanks (for home heating
fuel) with properly contained above-ground
tanks. Check
all laws that
apply, contact your local town hall building official.
Motorized equipment that is not regularly and properly maintained
can result in gasoline or oil leaks. As little as one gallon
of gasoline can contaminate groundwater above health advisory
levels. Gasoline may also contain additives like MTBE, which
is highly soluble in water, and once in the groundwater, can
move quickly and be very difficult to clean up.
Fertilizer
and pesticide use
Minimize
the use of fertilizers and pesticides. Use non-chemical options
where possible. Refer to our Healthy Landscapes pages on Use
fertilizers and pesticides responsibly and
healthy lawn care for
more information. You can also find information about household
pests and alternative
control options with the URI Master Gardener Hotline.
Purchase
only the amount of fertilizer and pesticides needed and use these
products according to the directions
specified on the manufacturer’s label.
Store
these products in a dry, well-ventilated spot in their original
containers.
Properly
dispose of leftover products at the RI
Eco-Depot or give to others who can use them.
NEVER
dump extra in the backyard, down a drain or in the trash.
Do
not fill fertilizer spreaders and pesticide sprayers or apply
them near a drinking
water well, storm drain or surface water
and be mindful of spills. If spills occur, clean up promptly
and do not allow them to wash away with stormwater.
General
tips for all hazardous products
Follow
the product manufacturer's label carefully. The effectiveness,
use and safety of a product are based on the directions
specified in the label.
Buy
only what you can use in a relatively short time.
Search
out neighbors, community organizations, schools, or others
who may be able to use surplus household products.
Recycle
wastes whenever possible.
Do
not mix products. Mixing different chemicals together for use can
result in explosive or poisonous
chemical reactions.
Keep
products in their original, labeled containers and out of the reach
of children.
Do
not burn empty containers, as fumes may be harmful.
Learn
to recognize which household products are considered hazardous.
Consider using
nontoxic,
non-hazardous alternatives.
For more information about proper use, storage and disposal
of fuels and hazardous products and alternative products
URI CE Home*A*Syst Program factsheet:
Household Hazardous Products and Water Quality Protection and
webpages.
URI
Master Gardener Hotline: 1-800-448-1011
Healthy Landscapes Pages:
Use
fertilizers and pesticides responsibly
Healthy Lawn Care
The Rhode Island Resource Recovery, RI Eco-Depot
Information and educational materials on household hazardous
waste disposal, safe alternatives and recycling
The
Town of North Kingstown Transfer Station
345 Devil’s Foot Road
(401) 295-4766
Information about the Town of North Kingstown’s recycling
program and waste handling
RI
and MA Regional Center for Poison Control and Prevention
EPA’s
Pollution Prevention webpages
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