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!

Photo by Etienne Girardet on Unsplash
Photo by Etienne Girardet on Unsplash
loading...


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!

Photo Credit: Canva Images
Photo Credit: Canva Images
loading...

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

⚠️ When ridding your Idaho residence of harsh industrial products, solvents, paints, disinfectants, and fertilizers, there's more to know than most realize!

Gallery Credit: Ryan Antoinette Valenzuela

Idaho Has Crazy Neighbors: Weird Laws in California & Utah [gallery]

Scroll on for a gallery of laws in California & Utah that range from the entertaining to the ERMERGERD.

Gallery Credit: Ryan Valenzuela

10 Totally Legal Things Idaho Residents Want To Outlaw

We asked the people of Idaho about the absolutely legal things they want to make illegal. Here is what they said...

Gallery Credit: Chris Cardenas

Should Idaho Law Focus Its Attention On Shopping Bags?

Idaho doesn't have a tax on plastic bags at the grocery store... should they? Here's what the people of Idaho are saying.

Gallery Credit: Chris Cardenas

Bike Laws In Idaho

Drivers vs Cyclists. One of America's greatest rivalries. Two people who seem unable or unwilling to get along and co-exist. To ensure you are the best driver you can be, or the best biker you can be, regardless of where you fall on the issue, it's best that you know the rules of the road. Let's get to them.

Gallery Credit: Cort Freeman

Mix 106 logo
Get our free mobile app

More From Mix 106