Oregon State University
Oregon State University

Hazardous materials used in business and industry

Who can make a difference?

  • Dry cleaners
  • Vehicle repair
  • Junkyards
  • Construction and forestry
  • Airports
  • Gas stations
  • Golf courses
  • water treatment plants
  • Sewage lagoons and sludge sites
  • Many more

Laundry

Industry

Garage

 

Causes of groundwater contamination

  • Improper storage, handling, use, and disposal of materials
  • Spills, leaks or other releases
  • Overuse
  • Improper disposal
  • Clean-up involving dilution and dispersion into soil
  • Poorly designed tanks
  • Lack of barriers (e.g. impervious surface or curbing)

What can you do?

 

Individual action

  • Ask about the practices of local businesses
  • Support businesses and industries that are working to reduce hazardous waste
  • Purchase durable products with reusable/recyclable components
  • Buy products and equipment that are not made of hazardous materials and do not generate hazardous waste

Community action

  • Sponsor a hazardous waste collection event with support from local businesses, industries, and DEQ representatives
  • Join campaigns to reduce hazardous waste