ENVIRONMENTAL TIP: WATCH WHAT YOU TOSS

Because of the toxic elements in them used batteries, fluorescent bulbs, thermometers, computers, electronic gear, etc. should be treated as hazardous waste and taken to resellers or hazardous material disposal sites. Items such as these should never be discarded. If these items are discarded they can leak toxins into the soil. The toxins in the soil can eventually pollute the water and air and contaminate the food supply, posing a cumulative public health risk. The same care should be given in disposing of fertilizers, pesticides, oil, gas, drain cleaners, brake fluid and other chemicals. Never pour toxic chemicals onto the ground or down drains, flush them down toilets or discard containers for them. Remember, trash cans, dumpsters and land fills should contain only nonhazardous, non-recyclable, biodegradable material. All other items should be recycled or taken to a hazardous material disposal site. Contact your local utility company or your city's information desk for the hazardous material disposal site nearest to you. Think before you toss.