Quck answer
Mothballs are a common household item used to repel moths and other insects. However, disposing of them properly is important to ensure safety and minimize environmental impact. Here are some simple steps to follow:
1. Check the label: Look for any specific instructions or warnings on the mothball packaging regarding disposal.
2. Seal in a plastic bag: Place the mothballs in a sealed plastic bag to prevent any lingering odor or fumes from spreading.
3. Securely discard: Throw the sealed bag in the regular trash. Avoid disposing of mothballs in recycling bins or compost piles.
4. Prevent access: Keep mothballs out of reach of children and pets to avoid accidental ingestion.
Remember, proper disposal of mothballs helps protect both your health and the environment.
Mothballs can seem harmless when you first buy them, but they contain pesticides that are made of harmful chemicals such as naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene. These chemicals are considered to be household toxic waste and cannot be thrown away in the regular garbage or flushed down the drain. Instead, they need to be taken to a hazardous-waste collection site.
Gathering the Mothballs
Wear rubber gloves when handling either loose mothballs or mothballs in their original packaging. Place the loose mothballs in a sealable plastic bag or a disposable container with a lid. Limited exposure to mothball fumes is generally safe, but if you are sensitive, consider wearing a respirator to avoid inhaling the fumes.
Finding a Proper Disposal Facility
You can ask your city hall or search online for a hazardous-waste-management disposal site. The information may be listed online under residential trash and recycling information or household hazardous-waste management. Mothballs require a specific disposal method because they are a hazardous substance. Some regions have designated drop-off sites for hazardous materials one or two days a year, so read up on your local information to learn about specific dates and locations.
Dropping Off the Mothballs
If your community only accepts household toxins once or twice a year and you do not have access to a nearby facility that will accept them soon, store the collected mothballs in an airtight container away from children and pets. Mark the container as “mothballs” or “poison” to avoid confusion. On the day you plan to dispose of the mothballs, put the container in a bin to avoid leaks in your vehicle.
Removing Mothball Residue from Fabrics
Mothballs break down over time and can leave behind a residue on clothing or other textiles. Wash each item thoroughly according to the care tag instructions. Avoid touching the residue or breathing it in. It may take multiple washings to remove all of the chemicals. If the washed items still smell of mothballs after several washes, hang them outside on a clothesline in direct sunlight for several hours and then wash them again.