Asbestos
Chances are, if you have an older home or one built before 1986 and the phase-out of asbestos as a building product it may contain asbestos in the insulation, roofing or siding. Learn what to do is your home contains asbestos, who to contact, and what the state and federal regulations are regarding handling and removal.
Household hazardous wastes
Leftover household products that contain corrosive, toxic, ignitable, or reactive ingredients are considered to be household hazardous waste or HHW. Products such as paints, cleaners, oils, batteries, and pesticides that contain potentially hazardous ingredients require special care when you dispose of them. From automotive oil to pharmaceuticals and personal care products, you'll find links to websites and a wide variety of products and programs to help you manage HHW. Plus, a listing of Massachusetts Hazardous Waste Collection Centers.
Collection centers for hazardous household products
Looking for a DEP (Department of Environmental Protection)-approved collection center in Massachusetts for hazardous household products? They're listed here, along with contact information.
Lead information
Lead is a toxic metal that was used for many years in paint and other products found in and around our homes. Lead also can be emitted into the air from industrial sources and leaded aviation gasoline, and lead can enter drinking water from plumbing materials. Lead may cause a range of health effects, from behavioral problems and learning disabilities, to seizures and death. Children six years old and under are most at risk.
Pharmaceuticals and personal care products
Pharmaceutical and Personal Care Products (PPCPs) include products we use every day, such as medicines, insect repellents, sunscreens, perfumes, soaps, fragrances, and lotions. These products, which can be found in any drug store, have the potential to enter the environment through domestic sewage and other sources. Some are endocrine disrupting compounds (or EDCs) and could possibly affect the system of glands that produces hormones that help control the body's metabolic activity and development.
Mercury
When a product containing mercury breaks and the mercury is spilled (as sometimes happens when its not disposed of properly), the exposed mercury can evaporate and become an invisible, odorless toxic vapor that can even adversely affect our fish supply. Check out these products and learn more about how to safely use and store them, and properly manage their disposal.
