Eco-Stewardship

Millions of consumers rely daily on an array of manufactured products to care for their home environment. From disinfectants and laundry detergent, to insect repellents and car care and maintenance products, trusted brands help keep homes and families healthy and help protect consumer goods. Yet, despite the broad use of these products, consumers are often unsure about how to properly and safely use, store and dispose of them. And, consumer trust in these products is increasingly challenged by misinformation about the health and environmental effects of chemical products. Examples of the trends resulting from this misinformation include:

· Kitchen chemistry. Consumers are being encouraged to create their own cleaning products from common kitchen ingredients, such as baking soda, vinegar and lemon juice. Although scientific studies consistently show that these home brews are not as effective at killing germs and bacteria, home remedies are touted as equally effective, and safer and more environmentally friendly than manufactured products.
· HHW collection programs. Communities across the country are establishing costly, comprehensive special collection programs. ACE agrees that there are certain products that require special collection. However, the vast majority of household care and maintenance products are safe for trash or drain disposal. This assertion is supported by the exemption of household products from the U.S. EPA's Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, the federal law that governs hazardous waste management.