Fact Sheets Archives

Storing Gasoline at Home and When to Dispose of It

April 14, 2021 By NEDT Admin Leave a Comment

Whether it’s a can for the mower or a backup container for your car, at some point or another, we’ve all had one of those iconic red containers with some spare gas. However, that useful substance is also a hazardous product, and without properly storing gasoline at home – as well as handling and disposal – you’ll encounter risks to your home, health, and the environment. Learn what you need to know to deal with this hazardous household product.

Handling and Storing Gasoline at Home

It’s important always to remember that as a fuel, gasoline is inherently dangerous to you and your family.

Gasoline is highly flammable and can be explosive. Store gasoline in approved, air-tight containers well away from children and pets, open flames, and sources of ignition.
Gas contains volatile organic compounds (VOCs), especially from chemicals like benzene, a known carcinogen. Open in well-ventilated spaces.
Do not store in your car’s trunk. These containers could break or be under threat of explosion from heat or impact during an accident.

How Gasoline Goes Bad

Like with many household products, gasoline can go bad. This can happen in two ways. First, gasoline can become contaminated, such as moved to an unclean container or left open near other products. Second is that gasoline has a shelf life, about six months for pure gas and three months for ethanol-blended gas (most US gas stations use “E10” gas that contains about 10% ethanol). In either situation, this gas should not be used and must be properly disposed of.

Disposing of Gasoline

Gasoline cannot be disposed of at home and shouldn’t be poured down the drain or thrown into the trash. This includes containers that have contained gasoline. You should also not mix gas with other automotive or chemical waste. Instead, gasoline is a Household Hazardous Product and needs to be disposed of at a community disposal event or a household hazardous waste collection center.

The NEDT Household Hazardous Products Collection Centers are just such a place. We’ve got multiple locations to help New Englanders dispose of gasoline and many other common hazardous products. Learn more about what we accept and educate yourself more on gasoline and other household hazardous products with our Fact Sheets. We also provide pick up services, including contactless services: contact us to learn more.

Everything You Need to Know About Hazardous Battery Disposal

March 29, 2021 By NEDT Admin Leave a Comment

Our world runs on batteries, from the ones in our cars to those in our smartphones. Most people only think of them when they run out, but we should all think about how to handle and dispose of them to keep ourselves and our homes safe. Today, we’re going to look at household battery disposal, how to handle and store them, what hazardous household waste they can contain, and where you can dispose of them.

Automotive Batteries

In New England, cold weather can make short work of automotive batteries for unwary drivers. Regardless, we all go through car batteries as they lose charge. If you do have to handle one, make sure to do so with acid-resistant rubber or leather gloves. Keep sparks, flames, and metal objects away from batteries, and cover any removed battery’s posts with electrical tape.

Do not throw car batteries in the trash, as they contain lead and sulfuric acid. Most vehicle battery retailers will accept used batteries when purchasing a new one. If your waste management company has a recycling center or a community household hazardous waste event, they usually take these there.

Household Batteries

Car batteries may be the biggest, but you likely have dozens of batteries at home of various shapes and sizes, many of which contain hazardous materials. Make sure to know how to deal with consumer batteries of all kinds.

Alkaline batteries: Most non-rechargeable batteries in the US today are alkaline batteries. These are safe to dispose of in the trash. They tend to leak potassium hydroxide once they lose charge. This can damage electronics and burn skin, so inspect batteries before handling them.
Nickel-cadmium rechargeable batteries: Commonly known as “rechargeable batteries” or NiCads, these batteries can be loose or built into electronics. They contain the hazardous metal cadmium and should not be thrown in the trash.
Lithium batteries: Found in computer and camera electronics, including smartphones, lithium is a hazardous substance that is reactive to water and can cause fires. Do not throw them in the trash.
Button batteries: These small batteries are often found in small devices like watches and hearing aids. Many button batteries contain mercury and should not be thrown in the trash. Many stores that sell those small products will accept spent button batteries.

For all batteries that can’t be disposed of in the trash, they should be stored safely in a secure, dry place out of the reach of children and pets. Make sure the container is non-metal and vented, and avoid mixing different kinds of rechargeable battery types. Store until the next available disposal event or take them to your local disposal center.

Here at the NEDT Household Hazardous Products Collection Centers, we believe that through knowing your disposal options and doing your research, we can all have safer, greener lives. If you’d like to learn more about how to deal with common household hazardous waste, check out our Fact Sheets. If you need help disposing of your household hazardous waste, find your closest location or contact us for pick up!

Mercury and Other Hazardous Metals Used in Household Lighting and Electronics

February 15, 2021 By NEDT Admin Leave a Comment

Thankfully, there are very few hazardous substances with which residential consumers come into contact in the United States. A combination of regulation, safety measures, and standards of technology keep most safe. However, when certain household products are mishandled or disposed of improperly, they can lead to risks. Household lighting and electronics can contain mercury and other hazardous heavy metals: learn more about which to watch out for and how to handle them. [Read more…]

How to Store and Dispose of Paint and Stains, Including Latex

January 15, 2021 By NEDT Admin Leave a Comment

By far, the most commonly brought in product to our Household Hazardous Product Collection Centers is paint. Almost every household has cans of paint and stains from previous household projects and gifts from the house painter. Much of it is completely useable and safe if stored and handled properly. Today we’re going to look at the hazards and how to safely store and dispose of paint and stains, including latex. [Read more…]

Understanding, Finding & Disposing of Hazardous Waste at Home

December 28, 2020 By NEDT Admin Leave a Comment

While many household products and waste can easily be stored, recycled, drained, or thrown away, there are certain materials and items due to their impact on the environment, human health, and often both that have to be handled differently. It’s important to be able to identify and deal with hazardous waste at home to keep your family safe and not get into hot water due to improper disposal. [Read more…]