http://www.care2.com/greenliving/what-to-do-with-toxic-products-ask-annie.html
What To Do With Toxic Products? Ask Annie
Hello, Annie! I have a fair amount of things back from before I became more interested in what goes into the things I use. For instance, Old Spice Shower Gel or deodorant spray. They are packed full of chemicals and I do not want to use them anymore, but I’m not going to give them to a friend or something, knowing full well what’s in them.
Which leads me to my question, do you know how I can properly dispose of this kind of stuff without damaging the environment, or at least reducing the damage? –Patrick, GA
Dear Patrick,
I really appreciate your thoughtfulness in not wanting to poison anybody! I am on your side on that argument (some think it is better to use things up.)
I’d first separate really toxic products, such as pesticides, from old personal care products, and make sure those toxic chemicals go to a hazardous waste pickup. Otherwise the only sound advice is to contact your local waste departments to find out their guidelines. I have found that some communities have language to cover pharmaceuticals, prescription and non-prescription medicines, and personal care products, but not all. The EPA suggests contacting your local collection site to find out their guidelines and suggestions.
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add your comment »I am all for giving & not wasting, however wouldn't it go against better judgment (being one of the few people who cares) to give these products to people who will use them & help drain more chemicals in our drinking water?
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So one way or another, this toxic junk will still be around. I wish we could educate more people about the chemicals in personal care items. They dont really care here in rural Maine. If it smells better than horse manure, they wear it!
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Thanks for the Freecycle info!
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What I would do with them is try to freecycle them (with the exception of the deodorant). In case you don't know, Freecycle is an organization which has groups in many areas where people post info to give things away and get things.
You can give away things on freecycle that you might not know what to do with. There are people out there who don't care about how toxic things are and will continue to buy things like Old Spice Shower Gel so I don't see the harm in giving them those things rather than putting them in a landfill.
After my mom died, I had many bottles of half used perfumes and things which I didn't want to use because I use non-toxic items but I didn't want to throw them away either. Freecycle was the perfect answer. Go to Freecycle.org to find a freecycle group in your area.
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