Final answer:
The correct household toxins that require special disposal methods are hazardous chemicals and used batteries (D). These items should be taken to a suitable disposal center because of their toxic components that can harm the environment and human health. Expired medications and electronic waste are also concerning due to their potential environmental impact.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question asks to identify which household toxins require proper disposal methods and how to dispose of them correctly. The correct answer is D) hazardous chemicals / used batteries. Hazardous chemicals, including most paints, pesticides, herbicides, and some cleaning products, should be taken to a household hazardous waste disposal center as they can be harmful to the environment and human health if not disposed of properly. Used batteries also contain toxic substances such as lead, mercury, and cadmium, which can pollute the soil and water, and thus they should not be thrown in the regular trash but taken to proper recycling centers or disposal facilities.
One additional concern with household waste is expired medications. Throwing them into household waste could still pose risks due to the possibility of drugs leaching into the ground and water supply. In some regions, there are take-back systems for pharmaceuticals, but these are not always utilized effectively. Improper disposal, such as flushing medications down the toilet, can cause environmental pollution. Similarly, electronic waste (e-waste) is problematic because it contains hazardous substances that can be toxic when leaked into the environment. Therefore, broken electronics also need to be disposed of according to specific guidelines to minimize harmful impacts.