Some environmentally friendly alternatives to household hazardous waste products .
BOX 5
Household Automotive Workshop Yard
Household Hazardous Waste ( HHW )
Air Fresheners
Alternative
Simmer whole cinnamon sticks , cloves & allspice ; Leave out a shallow bowl of vinegar ; Odors can be absorbed by placing baking soda at the source of the problem ; or put a few drops of vanilla extract in a dish .
Batteries Use nickel-cadmium rechargeable batteries whenever possible . Flea Collar Talk with your veterinarian about natural flea control methods . Bleach Natural oxygen safe bleaches are commercially available . Rug & upholstery cleaner
Glass & window cleaners
Oven Cleaners
Mix 3 tbsp of borax with 1 / 2 quart of warm water in a spray bottle . Spray on stained area and wipe with a damp sponge .
Combine 1 / 4 cup vinegar , 1 / 2 tsp liquid soap or detergent , and 2 cups of water in a spray bottle . Shake to blend .
Mix baking soda & water and scrub . For tough stains leave on dampened oven overnight and scrub the next day .
Drain Cleaners Apply a plunger or snake through lines . Or mix 1 / 4 cup of salt , 1 / 4 cup of baking soda , and 1 / 2 cup of vinegar . Let sit for 15 minutes , then flush with boiling water .
Furniture Polish 1 / 4 cup vinegar plus a few drops of oil ( olive or liquid jojoba ).
Gasoline Do not store in areas that allow this material to mix with rain . Properly dispose of excess by taking it to a full service
Batteries environmental collection center ( ECC ). The ECC that serves the
Used Motor Oil
Arlington area is located at : 6400 Bridge Street
Antifreeze Fort Worth , TX 76112
Automotive Fluids ( transmission , 817-871-5257 brake , etc .)
Call for more information
Paint
Turpentine & paint thinners
Use water-based paints instead of oil based ; use non-aerosol paints .
Use water-based paints and avoid unnecessary brush and roller cleanup .
Wood stains Use water-based stains instead of oil-based stains . Pesticides
Fertilizers Composting . Bug sprayers / killers
Introduce predator insects in your yard ; apply soapy water to leaves and rinse well .
Ants : Red chili power at point of entry ; Mosquitoes : remove any standing water outside ; burn citronella candles / oil .
STORMWATER FACTS : 1 . Americans generate an estimated 1.6 tons of HHW per year and the average home can accumulate as much as 100 pounds of HHW in the basement and garage and in storage closets .
2 . One quart of used oil can pollute an acre of surface water .
40