Hazardous Waste
The City of Boise's Public Works commission classifies hazardous household waste products as those "that can harm human health and the environment." This is why properly disposing of hazardous materials is such serious business.
It's common knowledge that chemicals such as solvents, paint, stain, and varnish are among the most toxic products kept on-hand in single family residences.
A Threat to Human Health
Chemicals formulated for lawn and vegetation purposes seem to be less known threats. Certain yard and garden products such as pesticides and herbicides can wreak havoc on human and animal health. If misused or improperly disposed, pesticides and herbicides can cause significant health issues.
In 2009, researchers studied the effects of Roundup on human health. According to Scientific American, the scientists discovered a chemical in the top-selling weed killer was capable of suffocating human cells when tested.
Used in yards, farms and parks throughout the world, Roundup has long been a top-selling weed killer. But now researchers have found that one of Roundup’s inert ingredients can kill human cells, particularly embryonic, placental and umbilical cord cells.—Scientific American
Breaking Bad Disposal Habits
Back in 2005, the Centers for Disease Control analyzed the effects of hazardous waste on human health and the environment. While their research focused on four states, we'll recap the Washington findings for a more local perspective.
It was 2002 when hydrochloric acid from a meth lab was carelessly discarded into a community dumpster. Not long after, a city sanitation worker on a collection detail "sustained respiratory irritation when the acid was dumped into the back of his truck."
The issue was significant enough to involve law enforcement, the fire department, EMT's, and an environmental agency.
What Have We Learned, Class?
Thankfully, average people need not worry about the safe disposal of meth ingredients. All the same, when getting ride of industrial products, solvents, paints, disinfectants, and fertilizers, think twice before you toss!
The Stuff You Can Toss
For clear information on the stuff you can safely toss in your household garbage, visit the Curb It Digital Sorting Guide by the Public Work's commission!
Scroll on for the list of 23 things you can't put in the regular trash in Idaho!
23 Things Forbidden in Idaho Trash Bins
Gallery Credit: Ryan Antoinette Valenzuela
Idaho Has Crazy Neighbors: Weird Laws in California & Utah [gallery]
Gallery Credit: Ryan Valenzuela
10 Totally Legal Things Idaho Residents Want To Outlaw
Gallery Credit: Chris Cardenas
Should Idaho Law Focus Its Attention On Shopping Bags?
Gallery Credit: Chris Cardenas
Bike Laws In Idaho
Gallery Credit: Cort Freeman