Since they’re so versatile, many people wonder if they’re safe to leave out in the open.
Unfortunately, many shoppers aren’t aware of the best way to dispose of these heaters. If you’ve stored one in your attic or garage, it’s essential to ensure that it breaks down effectively.
So, how do you dispose of hand warmers safely? Hand warmers are disposable heating devices used for keeping your hands warm in winter.
However, disposing of them safely can be tricky. First, it’s important to keep all packaging materials out of the trash.
Second, either dispose of them in your trash can or put them in a sealed plastic bag before throwing them away. Finally, never throw them down the toilet or flush them down the drain.
Instead, wrap them tightly in plastic and put them in your regular trash. Because of hand-warmers’ toxic material, it’s important to dispose of them safely.
Different Types of Hand Warmers
Contents
Battery-Operated Hand Warmers
A battery-powered hand warmer is a convenient way to keep your hands warm in the winter while on the go.
These handy devices allow you to plug them into your headphone jack for instant warmth for up to 8 hours per charge. However, batteries contain heavy metals like mercury and lead that pose health risks to you and your family if disposed of improperly.
To properly dispose of a battery-operated hand warmer, carefully remove the battery from the device and put it in a resealable plastic bag along with any other disposable batteries you may have.
It is often a superior product option since not all consumers may be concerned about health or safety implications associated with their electronic waste.
Because these hand warmers include toxic chemicals that release when heated, it is important to follow these instructions to avoid harming the environment:
Check with your recycling facilities to see whether they accept these items and what types of containers you need to provide for them.
Alternatively, contact a hazardous waste disposal company to make arrangements to safely remove and recycle these hazardous items from your home.
Charcoal Stick Hand Warmers
Charcoal stick hand warmers, like lighter fluid-based ones, work by creating a chemical reaction that releases heat when ignited.
They also produce carbon monoxide gas that needs to be vented outdoors away from any open flames or heat sources.
The chemicals that are emitted from these heaters include: methanol, formaldehyde, acetone, and more.
These chemicals are extremely flammable and should be handled with care at all times.
When you light a charcoal stick heater for the first time, use care and follow all manufacturer’s instructions.
And, as the name implies, these heaters are literally made from sticks of wood that are soaked in a chemical solution and molded into the shape of a long cylinder with a tip.
They are packaged in a protective cellophane wrapper with the heating element enclosed inside.
When the heater is lit for the first time, the cellophane wrapper should be immediately removed and the heating element used right away.
Always be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions for proper use and handling of your charcoal stick heater to ensure the safest use possible.
Also be sure to read the cautionary labels on the packaging to ensure you don’t come into contact with any of the chemicals released when you light it the first time.
You may toss these charcoal sticks in the fireplace or outdoor fire pit, however, never use them indoors, especially not in a confined space like a bathroom or closet where smoke could be trapped and carbon monoxide could build up.
Lighter Fuel Hand Warmers
Lighter fuel hand warmers are similar to charcoal stick ones in that they rely on a chemical solution to create heat instead of electricity or a flame.
They also emit dangerous gases that need to be vented outdoors to prevent toxic fumes from building up in your home.
They are typically made of aluminum foil wrapped around a paper tube filled with lighter fluid and other chemicals.
And just like with charcoal stick heaters, the foil lining should be immediately removed upon first lighting of the heater and disposed of safely.
The heat-producing flame is contained inside the container, so there is no need to remove it in order to use the heater.
Once the container has been lit, it should be discarded in the trash, as it cannot be recycled with other aluminum products due to the corrosive nature of the lighter fluid and other chemicals it contains.
Consider a lighter used to light the heater to be a single-use item that can be recycled once used.
It consists of a little container of flammable liquid that is activated by shaking it vigorously.
When shaken, the liquid is released into the heating pad which turns red once the liquid has evaporated. When fully activated, the heat pad will remain warm for approximately 6 hours.
The activation process uses no electricity and is completely non-toxic and safe for the environment.
Just shake to activate and enjoy up to 6 hours of warming comfort!
Chemical Hand Warmers
Chemical hand warmers, as the name implies, include some type of chemical solution that is heated to produce heat.
They are generally sold in little packets with directions for how to use them.
Some chemical solutions come in single-serving packages while others come in reusable containers that can be used multiple times.
They come in a variety of flavors such as cinnamon, mint, chocolate, and more.
Some of the most common ingredients in chemical hand warmers are: sodium acetate, citric acid, sodium bicarbonate, sodium chloride and ammonium carbonate.
In other words, when the product is removed from its packaging it begins to release chemicals that react together to begin producing heat.
An exothermic reaction is a kind of chemical reaction that results in the production of heat (exo means outside or external).
How to Dispose of Hand Warmers In The Proper Ways?
Hand warmers are very popular in the winter because they keep hands warm.
However, they must be disposed of carefully after use. Never throw out hand warmers with regular trash, because they can leak chemicals and cause fires.
Instead, place hand warmers in a plastic bag and dispose of them at a hazardous waste drop-off site or facility. Hand warmers are portable batteries that heat up when plugged in.
These batteries contain chemicals that can corrode and pollute the environment and cause health problems if released into the water supply.
Unfortunately, many people don’t realize that hand warmers are considered hazardous waste.
Furthermore, it’s illegal to throw them away with regular trash or flush them down the toilet.
How to Use Hand Warmers In Your Daily Life
To Soothe Cramped/Pulled Muscles
Cramps are caused when the body’s muscles contract over and over without resting.
This strain can cause pain, stiffness, and swelling. You can ease the discomfort of cramps by using hand warmers.
The warmth will relax your muscles and make it easier for you to move around, which will ease the cramps.
Hand warmers will not cure cramps, but they will make it less painful and more manageable until your body can rest and recover.
To Soothe Migraines and Headaches
Migraines and headaches can be caused by many things, from stress to changes in weather.
They can ruin anyone’s day, so it’s crucial to find a way to relieve them. Fortunately, hand warmers can help.
Hand warmers contain a chemical called menthol, which is known to relieve headaches and migraines.
The chemical seeps out from the hand warmer and into the blood vessels, which relieves pain and shrinks the blood vessels, stopping the pain.
To use hand warmers to relieve a headache or migraine, simply place the warmer on the painful area for a few minutes. This should help relieve pain quickly.
To Save Your Phone and Other Electronics
Hand warmers are useful items to have in your car in case of an emergency.
They can keep your hands warm in freezing temperatures, allowing you to safely use your phone and other electronics in the cold without risking damage. Furthermore, hand warmers are reusable.
They typically last for about 8 hours and provide heat for up to 4 hours. Finally, hand warmers are convenient to carry because they are small and don’t take up much space.
For these reasons, it’s crucial to keep hand warmers in your car in case of an emergency.
To Keep Yourself Warm On Camping Trips
Camping can be a lot of fun.
You get to spend the weekend in the wilderness, away from civilization, and without electricity. However, camping can be very cold at night.
You can avoid hypothermia by using hand warmers. Hand warmers are inexpensive and very easy to use.
Just open one up and it will stay warm for hours. Simply place it inside a sock or glove and it won’t be a problem.
Hand warmers are also great for keeping your hands warm while skiing, hiking, or doing other outdoor activities. For camping trips, it’s crucial to keep warm, so use hand warmers.
To Dry Mitts, Socks, and Wet Boots
Hand warmers are handy emergency products that are perfect for keeping in your car, backpack, and home.
They’re small and portable, and they can be used to warm hands or feet or dry clothes. Hand warmers are made of small wax pellets that melt when heated.
They can be activated by putting hand warmers in the microwave or by putting them in a heat proof container and pouring boiling water over them.
Hand warmers can warm up to 90 degrees in one minute and are reusable up to 150 times.
They can be kept warm in a pocket or glove compartment for up to 12 hours. Hand warmers are great for keeping your hands warm on cold winter days, but they can also be used to dry wet mitts, boots, and socks.
Hand warmers simply need to be placed on top of wet items and they will quickly dry them.
To Keep Your Drinks Warm
A cold drink may seem like a refreshing treat on a hot summer day, but it can do more harm than good if it’s left outside for too long.
Cold drinks can quench your thirst, but they also cause dehydration. Furthermore, they can cause your body to lose heat more rapidly.
To avoid this, you can heat your drink with a hand warmer. Hand warmers are safe and inexpensive and can keep your drink warm for hours at a time.
To use a hand warmer, simply place it in your drink for a few minutes. They usually come in a foil pouch with a pull tab that opens easily.
Also Read: Can You Put Candle Wax in an Oil Burner?
Conclusion
You may dispose of a hand warmer in the trash with your normal garbage, but doing so is illegal and dangerous for the environment.
You may compost it instead because it contains organic materials that decompose naturally in the environment.
However, if you have a pet, you should throw your handwarmer away carefully so it doesn’t get chewed up by your furry friend!
