With spring finally in full swing, more and more homeowners are hard at work in decluttering mode—including tackling hazardous waste junk removal in Edmonton. Strapping on rubber gloves and working hard to tidy can be an empowering feeling. But along those same lines, some items can also bring hidden hazards to you and your family. 

Follow along with us here at Grimebusters as we explore some of the most common,  yet often forgotten, realities of disposing of hazardous waste and junk yourself. Read on!

What is Hazardous Junk? 

Hazardous junk refers to items that pose a significant risk to your health and well-being. The truth is, hazardous items in homes more common than people realize. These items are often easily found in stores, and often have warning labels about their dangers. But this doesn’t stop people from disposing of them unsafely.

Confidence vs. Consequences: The Illusion of Control

The true danger of household items might seem insignificant. It’s all too easy to forget when you’re in the middle of cleaning. But those danger and warning labels on paint containers and aerosol cans aren’t just for show.

The truth is, wanting to be self-reliant when handling these items can do more harm than good for you, especially in the long run. Just because something is out of sight doesn’t mean you’re out of danger. Over time, continued exposure to these contaminants can severely impact your health. 

These health risks include, but aren’t limited to:

• Difficulty breathing and other respiratory issues
• Chronic headaches and dizziness
• Skin rashes, redness, and irritation

Common Items That Pose Big Risks

Now that we know what hazardous junk includes, what does it actually look like in everyday life? Here’s a quick list of several common, yet risky, household items that shouldn’t be disposed of haphazardly.

Paint & Paint Thinner

• Paint from that room renovation project you took on during the winter might seem innocent. But these items can cause serious harm if they are inhaled or leak into the environment.

Batteries

• Batteries, including lithium and alkaline ones, often contain hazardous chemicals which can leach into the environment. These waste items can also spark and cause fires in garbage bins, trucks, and landfills. 

Cleaning Products

• Ammonia, Bleach, and other cleaning agents can produce a toxic combination of gases and toxins. While it may be tempting to pour these agents into the toilet and flush, the truth is that these chemicals should never be mixed. These cleaning agents can create toxic fumes, which can pose serious health effects if inhaled.

Either drop these items off at your closest Edmonton eco station, or leave them for a certified professional to dispose of. Some stores will also take some items, such as batteries, for safe disposal. 

Hazardous Waste Junk Removal Compliance in Edmonton

Removing hazardous junk and waste needs to be done safely, as it’s not only harmful to you, but also to the environment. Edmonton recognizes this and has several bylaws and acts to mitigate these risks. If you’re caught mishandling toxic or hazardous waste, you can face severe fines and other penalties.

Here are two waste management guidelines that every Edmonton resident should be aware of:

Waste Management Bylaw 18590

• This bylaw regulates how Edmonton residents must handle household waste, including waste that is hazardous and toxic. 
• These hazardous items must be disposed of at eco stations or residential transfer stations. 

Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act 

• This Alberta-wide act governs overall waste management for residents, especially unsafe items, whether physical or chemical. 
• It defines many household items, including bleach and ammonia, as hazardous and ensures safe disposal. 

Skip the Stress. Grimebusters Handles the Mess. 

Seasonal cleaning should never put you or your loved ones in harm’s way. At Grimebusters, we’re your trusted partner for all your home’s remediation needs. Reach out to us today to learn why we’ve been Edmonton’s choice for mould remediation services, cleaning, hazardous waste junk removal, water damage restoration, and more for over 30 years.