There are some items which we use in our homes which must be treated with special care once we are ready to get rid of them. If we don't treat them in the special manner they deserve, we run the risk of damaging our health and polluting the environment. Let's look at some of these items and see what we can do about them.

Paints, thinners, spot removers, oven cleaners: These all contain substances which can be harmful to human health if absorbed through the skin or lungs. It is best to use up all of these items and place only empty containers in the garbage. Ideally, they should be separated from regular household waste and be disposed of separately.

Batteries: Many of these are used in electronic items and some may also be rechargeable. They require special handling to ensure that heavy metals such as cadmium, nickel and lithium do not damage the skin or eyes. Do not pull apart or play with batteries. It is best to recycle batteries but in instances where these facilities do not exist, place them in a leak-proof container before placing in the garbage. Motor-vehicle batteries should be taken to a recycling facility.

Energy saving fluorescent bulbs: These contain small amounts of mercury which is toxic. Ideally, these bulbs should not be placed in the regular garbage for disposal but should be taken to a special facility for disposal. Since such a facility does not exist in Jamaica at this time however, it is best to place these bulbs in a leak-proof container before disposing of them. Do not break the bulbs before disposing of them.

Needles/syringes: Diabetic persons and others who may find it necessary to use needles at home should ensure that they are placed in an enclosed container which the needles cannot easily pierce before putting them in the regular waste collection.

Old medication: Old antibiotics, supplements and other medication should be placed in a container which is unlikely to leak before being placed in the garbage. Be sure to remove personal information such as names and addresses and also to mix the medicine with other waste to prevent them being used by others.

These items all need special treatment and - ideally - should not be placed in the regular garbage for collection. Until our current waste collection system expands to provide these facilities, we will have to do the best we can with what we have.

Ann Marie Rodriques

PeaceWater Services

Send questions or comments to peacewaterservices@yahoo.com