Spring Cleanin' Green: Disposin' That Old Cleanin' Stuff
Disposing of Outdated Cleaning Products: What Are the Options?
Wanna be green when cleanin'? Follow these tips to properly dispose of discarded cleanin' supplies and keep the environment spick-and-span!
Spring cleanin' leaves more than just a shiny home—it creates waste! Proper waste separation helps preserve the planet and conserve resources. But, what the heck goes where? Let's chat eco-friendly disposal methods!
Separate packaging from your cleaner like a boss
Many of your cleaner packages are plastic based and may be recyclable. Toss empty plastic bottles, cans, tubes, or refill bags in the yellow bin or bag, following the "Waste Separation Works" initiative. Remember, lids and spray attachments should be trashed separately, as different materials make 'em harder to manage and recycle.
Pro tip: Empty aluminum spray cans can be recycled, but only when they're completely drained. Leftovers aren't cool, 'cause, you know, pressure buildup might lead to explosions.
Handle leftover cleaners like a pro (countermeasures for dangerous chemicals)
The best plan is to use up that leftover cleaner, homie. If that ain't possible, pass 'em on to pals or neighbors. If there's still some remaining, tread carefully. Some cleaners contain harmful chemicals that shouldn't hit the drain or household waste.
Symbols on packages can tell ya whether a product is hazardous waste. If so, haul those leftovers to a hazardous waste collection spot, preferably in the og packaging.
Time for 'ol cloths, sponges, towels, and such to say "bye-bye"?
Cleanin' utensils like sponges, cloths, or microfiber towels all get worn out. When they're useless, they head to the regular ol' trash. Wet wipes or cleanin' cloths should never dip below the radar, folks—I'm talkin' toilet. 'Cause, you know, they clog pipes and burden sewage plants[1].
Broken brooms, buckets, scrubbers, oh my!
Your larger cleanin' tools reach the end of the line too. Use 'em up, homie! Small, worn-out stuff like sponges or mop covers hit the trash. Metal or plastic objects, like scrubbers, dustpans, or buckets can be recycled according to "Waste Separation Works"[1]. No recycling bin? No worries, recycling centers will usually take 'em in for free[1].
Mega cleanin' utensils might be too big for your trash or recycling bin. In this case, bulky trash could be yer pal!
When cleanin' gloves lose their pep, toss 'em in the regular trash[1].
More fresh insights for spring cleanin'- Get scrappy: Declutterin', cleanin', scrubbin' – handle spring cleanin' like a pro!- Eco-Test's squeaky clean verdict: Five vinegar cleaners get "very good" marks!
Source: ntv.de, awi/dpa
- Stateside Living
- Clever Cleanin'
- Better Consumption Habits
[1] Principles of waste disposal [http://www.baufuerthistorisch.ch/baufuerthistorisch/article/principles-of-waste-disposal.html][2] Waste separation does what! [https://www.wastedisposal.co.uk/waste-separation][3] Proper disposal of household hazardous waste [https://www.epa.gov/ihh/pubs/consumer.htm][4] What can I recycle and where? [https://www.globalrecyclingday.org/what-can-i-recycle-and-where/]
- Empty plastic cleaning supply containers such as bottles, cans, tubes, and refill bags should be placed in the recycling bin or bag according to the "Waste Separation Works" initiative.
- Larger cleaning tools like brooms, buckets, scrubbers, and dustpans can be recycled at recycling centers, following the guidelines of "Waste Separation Works".
- Wet wipes or cleaning cloths should not be flushed down the toilet as they can clog pipes and burden sewage plants, leading to environmental issues.
