List Of Hazardous Materials To Separate When Cleaning Out Your Home
As those affected by the Louisiana floods are cleaning out their homes, these are some hazardous items that need to be separated from non-hazardous items, and disposed of properly.
Hazardous waste should always be separated from non-hazardous materials. Types of hazardous waste includes:
- Cleaning products such as bleach, ammonia, and polishes
- Pesticides and repellants
- Automotive fluids
- Paints, varnishes, and solvents
- Batteries, fluorescent lightbulbs, and items containing mercury
- Fire starters, accelerants, and other flammable items
Materials contaminated with flammable products should be separated from all other waste and stored in a well-ventilated area. If stored outdoors, flammable materials should be placed in a covered, fire-resistant container to prevent soil or groundwater contamination.
In the case of a chemical or oil spill, survivors are encouraged to call local authorities before contacting the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) at 1-888-763-5424.
Specific instructions for all waste removal, including hazardous waste removal, are available at the DEQ website at http://www.deq.louisiana.gov/portal.