English Abstract The RIVM study to establish criteria for small
quantities of hazardous household waste pointed out that in many cases
little is known about the chemical composition of products often used in
households. For this reason a number of products like audio- and
videotapes, lipsticks, nail varnish, shoe polish, furniture polish,
typewriter ribbon and photocopier drying toners were analysed. The
investigation was carried out in cooperation with the IRI for inorganic
analyses (instrumental neutron activation method) and TAUW for organic
analyses (gas chromatography- mass spectrometry method). Especially
audio-and videotapes contain sometimes high concentrations of metals like Cr
IV, Ni, Zn, Co and Sb. Some tapes contain also high Cl concentrations due
to probably PVC. Results showed that, compared to the criteria waste
materials from the investigated products should not be indicated as
hazardous household waste, except shoe polish, furniture polish and similar
products (naphtalene content) and typewriter ribbon (oil content). Further
investigation is necessary to confirm this.
