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SUGGESTIONS ARE APPRECIATED
If you have any recommendations on improving our service or this site, please don't hesitate in contacting us. E-mail or call (636) 949-7415.
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Solid Waste Management in St. Charles County
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Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) |
Missouri's first statewide anti-litter campaign is getting underway! The goal is to raise awareness of what we can do about litter and, ultimately, to make Missouri a litter-free state. . |
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Chemical Collections
Later this spring, St. Charles County residents will be able to properly dispose of hazardous household waste through our popular collection program. Watch this website or call (636) 949–7900 ext. 4271 for the schedule. Limits may apply and proof of residency will be required. The chemicals collected are recycled, used to produce energy, or are packaged for safe disposal in a hazardous waste landfill.
Instructions & Chemicals Accepted
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What's hazardous?
How much hazardous waste is generated in the U.S.?
Over 20,000 hazardous waste generators produce over 40 million tons of hazardous waste regulated by RCRA each year. (Source: EPA, 2006)
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A typical home can contain many types of household hazardous products used for cleaning, painting, beautifying, lubricating and disinfecting the house, yard, workshop and garage. Chemical-based household products from a single home may seem insignificant; but, when millions of homes across the St. Louis region use similar products — handling, storing and disposing of them improperly — the combined effect can become a major problem. The health and safety of people and animals, as well as the health of our community and the environment is endangered when these types of products are discarded in storm drains, household garbage, or sinks.
About Labels
Many household products contain toxic ingredients that can be harmful to humans, animals, or the environment. The label is your guide to using products safely and effectively. Products are considered hazardous if they are labeled:
- CORROSIVE (causes skin burns: oven cleaner, bleach, battery acid, etc.)
- REACTIVE (give off toxic gases or explode: chlorine, lye, lab chemicals, etc.)
- TOXIC (harmful or fatal if ingested or absorbed: pesticides, herbicides, antifreeze, etc.)
- IGNITABLE (flammable: gasoline, turpentine, etc.)
Look for signal words to show how toxic or hazardous a product can be. They are (in order from least to most toxic):
- CAUTION — found on products that could bother your skin, make you sick if you breathed the fumes, or really hurt if the product gets in your eyes. This product could hurt you, but it is less harmful than products with a WARNING or DANGER.
- WARNING — more toxic; you could get really sick or become seriously hurt. WARNING is also used to identify products that can easily catch on fire.
- DANGER — the strongest signal word. Use extreme caution with this product. If it is used the wrong way, you could get very sick, be hurt for a long time, go blind or even die. Danger is also used on products that could explode with heat.
Be careful whenever you see a signal word!
What do you do if you or someone you're with has an accident with household products?
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Make Your Home Safer: Reduce Your Waste
Watch Denver's new video:
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Dr. Frank N Kleen has somegood tips that apply right here in St. Charles.
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- Recycle auto batteries, antifreeze, and motor oil anytime at either Recycle Works center.
- Try buying less toxic products. Look for products with the CAUTION label, instead of WARNING or DANGER.
- Buy only the amount you need…use the Paint Calculator!
- Use up hazardous products completely, following directions on the label.
- Find someone who can use your leftovers:
Latex Paint
St. Charles County no longer collects latex paint for disposal. Here are some tips for safely disposing of unwanted paint.
- Use it up! If you have a pint or less left, go ahead and use that paint in your project.
- It is safe to put solid latex paint in the trash. Dry up small amounts for disposal by brushing it onto newspaper, cardboard, etc. and discard when dry. Or, let the can dry out in a well–ventilated area. (Add cat litter, sawdust, or sand to speed up the drying process.)
- Store leftover latex paint for touch–ups; properly stored paint can remain usable for 10–15 years.
- Give paint to someone who can use it, such as a church, civic group, or other local organization.
- Use the Paint Calculator for your next project, and avoid waste!
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Recipes for Healthier Alternatives
More than 2 million poisonings are reported each year across the country. More than 90 percent of these poisonings occur in the home. Try these easy alternatives to minimize household hazardous products. Most of these products are very common and are found in most household cabinets:
General Household |
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Kitchen |
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All-Purpose Cleaner
- 4 Tbsp. baking soda
- 1 quart warm water
Dissolve baking soda in warm water. Apply with a sponge. Rinse with clean water. Flour or salt can also be used with water to form progressively more abrasive cleansers.
Glass Cleaner
- 2 Tbsp. white vinegar
- 1 quart water
Mix vinegar with water. Increasing the vinegar will deepen the cleaning action. Put into labeled spray bottle.
Furniture Cleaner and Polish
- 3 cups olive oil
- 1 cup vinegar
Mix together until well blended. Use several drops of polish on a soft dry cloth and apply to furniture. Rub well to remove any excess polish. Do not apply to marble surfaces. |
Drain Cleaner
Pour salt down the drain: follow with boiling water. This clears the pipes and avoids clogging.
Oven Cleaner
Wash with straight vinegar. Pour extra over 'burned' areas, shut oven door and let soak. After two hours, wipe off vinegar, rinsing the sponge or cleaning cloth frequently with warm water.
Chrome and Stainless Steel
Simply dip a soft cloth into ordinary white flour and rub the object until it shines, or
Wipe with a soft cloth dipped in undiluted vinegar.
Degreaser and Scum Remover
Pour vinegar directly on the area and wipe with a damp soft cloth. Do not use on marble surfaces. |
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Toilet Bowl Cleaner
Sprinkle baking soda in basin and scrub with a damp soft cloth. Rinse with warm water.
Lime and Mineral Deposit Remover
Soak paper towels in vinegar. Apply paper towels to the lime deposits around the faucets, fixtures or crevices. Let stand approximately one hour. The deposits will be softened and can be removed easily with a damp cloth. Do not use on marble vanity tops.
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