Abstract
Present methods of disposal of today's hazardous household chemicals in the United States are frequently not acceptable because of pathways to groundwater, surface water, and the atmosphere. This report identifies potentially hazardous liquid waste in the household, notes current disposal practices, and recommends an improved management plan that utilizes consumer education, manufacturer cooperation, and governmental intervention. Laws requiring uniform disposal labeling on packaging are critical. Local, county, and state governments must be encouraged to coordinate the necessary infrastructure. Managing hazardous household wastes now will mitigate potential disposal problems.
Similar content being viewed by others
Literature cited
Bridgwater, A. V., and K. Lidgren. 1981. Household waste management on Europe. Van Nostrand Reinhold, New York, p. 234.
Dowling, M. 1985. Defining and classifying hazardous wastes.Environment X:18.
EPA (Environmental Protection Agency). 1985. Toxic chemicals: what they are. how they affect you. EPA Region 5, Office of Public Affairs, Chicago, pp. 1–3.
FDA (Food and Drug Administration). 1968. Requirements of the Federal Hazardous Substances Act. US Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, FDA Publication no. 35, March, p. 3.
FTC (Federal Trade Commission). 1970. Final report of the National Commission on Product Safety. Bureau of Consumer Protection, FTC, Washington, DC, June, pp. 21–22.
Greenberg, M., and others. 1976. Solid waste planning in metropolitan regions. Rutgers University Center for Urban Policy Research, New Brunswick, New Jersey, p. 54.
Hocking, M. B. 1976. A chemical input—output analysis of municipal solid waste incineration.Journal of Environmental Systems 5:163.
Lord, J. 1986. Hazardous waste from homes. Enterprise for Education, Santa Monica, California, p. 30.
Wark, K., and C. Warner. 1981. Air pollution: its origin and control. Harper and Row, New York, p. 197.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Robertson, D.K., Akagha, J., Belasco, J. et al. Liquid household hazardous wastes in the United States: Identification, disposal, and management plan. Environmental Management 11, 735–742 (1987). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01867241
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01867241