Add to that millions of scrapped cars, buses and trucks. And to that add more than 195 million tons of garbage Americans discard every year. Household garbage contains not only eggshells and potato peelings but also hazardous substances like those in household cleaning products, used oil, and spent batteries. The result is a hazardous waste crisis. And the problem continues to grow.
People can help solve the hazardous waste problem and protect their own community.
But in order to have an impact on the problem, people must first learn to identify the sources of hazardous waste in the community. With this knowledge, citizens can develop strategies to reduce the amount of hazardous waste produced and protect their community, their families, and themselves. You can use the entire Warm-Up or simply review the main points covered. For additional introductory information on hazardous substances and hazardous waste, see the Suggested Reading list found at the end of the Haz-Ed materials. Read Fact Flash 1 to prepare for your lecture.