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Residential Recycling & Disposal
 
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Environmental Resources
952-891-7557
environ@co.dakota.mn.us

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Reduce Chemicals at Home

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Make simple changes to reduce chemicals in your home.

Signal words graphic Read the labels

Look for the following words on a product label to find out if it needs to be used carefully. The label tells you how to use it, store it and dispose of it.

  • Caution – Mild/Moderate hazard
  • Warning – Moderate hazard
  • Danger – Extremely flammable, corrosive, or toxic
  • Poison – Highly toxic

Make your own cleaners

Homemade cleaners are easy to make and cheaper than store bought cleaners. Simple and low-cost ingredients like borax, baking soda, lemon juice and vinegar go a long way. Find out how to make your own cleaners.

Store right

  • Store cleaners and other chemicals out of reach of children and pets.
  • Store products in their original container and make sure the label is readable.
  • Follow the storage instructions on the label.
  • Never store chemicals in food containers.
  • Avoid look-a-likes that might confuse children and pets. For instance, blue window cleaner looks a lot like a blue sports drink.
  • Never mix together.
  • Close lids tightly to avoid spills and make the product last longer. 

Keep a clean house

  • Remove your shoes when you enter your house to avoid tracking in harmful chemicals.
  • Place a floor mat at your entry doors to keep unwanted chemicals in one place that can be easily cleaned.
  • Vacuum carpets and floors on a regular basis. Children playing on your floors are more likely to come into contact with chemicals on the floor. Use a HEPA filter in your vacuum.
  • Use cleaning services that use less-toxic chemicals. If your carpets are professionally cleaned, find a service that uses chemicals low in VOC’s (volatile organic compounds).
  • Avoid air fresheners and candles, which often contain chemicals.

Learn more

How to reduce toxic chemicals in your home
Sinkers – Get the lead out
Reduce the need for pesticides and herbicides
 
 

Last updated: 2/21/2020 2:08 PM

Administration Center
  • 1590 Highway 55
  • Hastings, MN 55033
  • Ph: 651-437-3191
  • Toll free: 800-247-1056
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