British Columbia. (B.C.) reaps the environmental benefits of decreased litter from beverage containers and of avoiding disposal of over 20,000 tons (40 million pounds) of materials annually.

B.C.'s used oil stewardship program reduces energy use and soil and water pollution. Re-refining used oil completely restores the original lubricating properties at about one-third of the energy consumption of refining crude oil to lubricant quality.(24) Oil released into the environment can contaminate soil, groundwater, the oceans, and the atmosphere.

Recovery of paint removes numerous potentially dangerous chemicals from the environment. Paints can contain flammable ingredients or organic solvents that are carcinogenic, mutagenic, or teratogenic. The Paint and Product Care Association's paint recovery program also benefits non-profit groups and community organizations by donating reusable paint to these groups at no charge.

Other household hazardous wastes can have far-reaching environmental effects. When hazardous materials are poured into drains, on the ground, into storm sewers, or disposed with trash they can cause physical injury to sanitation workers, contaminate septic tanks or wastewater treatment systems, pollute bodies of water, and contaminate ground water and surface water.(25) Even materials disposed in state-of-the-art lined landfills pose environmental threats. All landfill liner and leachate collection systems will ultimately fail due to natural deterioration.(26)

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