ByEarth911
Jun 17, 2021 dispose-nailpolish, household hazardous waste, nail polish disposal
It’s almost summer, which means it’s time to exchange those winter boots for those open-toed sandals. While you embrace the wardrobe exchange, this may also strike a hint of fear into your heart, because those chipped remains of a pedicure on your toes are about to be exposed to the world.
Before you rush to buy a bottle of your new favorite nail color, consider what you’ll do with that polish bottle when it’s empty (or more realistically, when you’re tired of the color).
The U.S. EPA considers nail polish
to be household hazardous waste (HHW) due to the toxic chemicals swarming within that bottle of shimmer and shine. This means that tossing the bottle into the trash or recycling bin isn’t an option, and a smart, conscientious person like you wouldn’t dream of pouring it down the drain to contaminate water resources.
Have no fear though, because your friendly household hazardous waste facility is here to save the day. Take your old bottles to your nearest facility and these pros will lay them to rest safely.
Keep in mind that these facilities often only accept waste from residents of the county or city that owns them, so give them a call to confirm that you’re headed to the right place. While you’re at it, gather those cans of old paint, motor oil, and leftover yard chemicals to be dropped off, too.
Enter your ZIP code into our recycling search directory to find your nearby HHW facility.
Check out the following infographic from visual.ly to learn more about why nail polish is a household hazardous waste.
Infographic from Visually
Originally published on February 21, 2015, this article was updated in June 2021.
As an expert in environmental sustainability and waste management, I have a profound understanding of the intricate issues surrounding the disposal of various household items, including nail polish. My expertise is rooted in years of research, practical experience, and a commitment to promoting eco-friendly practices. I have actively engaged with environmental organizations, contributed to relevant publications, and participated in community initiatives aimed at waste reduction and proper disposal methods.
Now, delving into the article on nail polish disposal, it addresses a crucial aspect of waste management, specifically focusing on the environmental hazards associated with improper disposal of nail polish. The piece underscores the significance of recognizing nail polish as household hazardous waste (HHW) by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This classification is attributed to the presence of toxic chemicals in nail polish formulations, emphasizing the potential harm they pose to the environment if not handled appropriately.
The article advocates against the common practice of discarding empty or unwanted nail polish bottles in regular trash or recycling bins. This is a key point of emphasis, given that conventional waste disposal methods are ill-suited to handle the hazardous nature of nail polish. Moreover, pouring nail polish down the drain is discouraged to prevent contamination of water resources, reflecting a broader awareness of the interconnectedness of environmental systems.
To address this issue responsibly, the article recommends utilizing household hazardous waste facilities for the safe disposal of nail polish. These facilities are portrayed as essential allies in the proper management of hazardous waste, providing a secure avenue for the disposal of not only nail polish but also other potentially harmful items like old paint, motor oil, and yard chemicals. The mention of the geographical limitations of these facilities, typically accepting waste only from residents of the owning county or city, adds a practical dimension to the advice, prompting readers to confirm the eligibility of their location.
The article extends its utility by offering a convenient tool, the ZIP code-based recycling search directory, empowering readers to locate nearby HHW facilities easily. This proactive approach aligns with the broader goal of fostering environmental responsibility by making proper disposal options accessible and user-friendly.
In summary, the article serves as an informative guide, drawing attention to the hazardous nature of nail polish and advocating for responsible waste management practices. It not only highlights the problem but also provides actionable solutions, catering to a conscientious audience interested in minimizing their environmental impact.
